Information shared from a WA Council of the Blind Conference call March 27 2020
the best information available at the time.
RESOURCES:
In Canada: Call 800-563-2642. This is the call center for the Canadian National Institute of the Blind. This call center will direct you to resources that are specific to your city or town in Canada. https://www.cnib.ca/en?region=
WCB Q&A call about Covid19
March 27, 2020
Led by Judy I Brown, RN; notes and additions by Dorene Cornwell and WCB members who live in Pierce and S King Counties
Approximately 20 WCB members present on the call.
First, a review of Soap and Water vs Hand Sanitizer
Soap molecules have hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends. The hydrophilic end attaches to water molecules. The Hydrophobic end attacks the fatty membrane of the virus. Spread the soap all around both sides of hand and between fingers. Agitate for 20 seconds and then let the water stream wash away all the dead virus.
Alcohol hand sanitizer: The action to kill the virus is different but you need to use enough of it to clean both sides of your hands and between fingers. Agitate for 20 seconds. You still need water to wash away the dead virus particles. https://www.vox.com/science-
Q: I have eczema. Both soap and hand sanitizer irritate my eczema.
- Talk to your doctor. Any specific recommendations for your personal health issues should always come from your PCP.
Water:
Drinking very hot or very cold water will NOT prevent Covid-19infection. But most Americans do not drink enough water so everyone should drink more water to stay hydrated. https://abcnews.go.com/Health/
The importance of shelter at home / shelter in place, not just invite neighbors over to dinner:
--STAY HOME. If you don’t have to go out, don’t go out.
--The Shelter in Place order is likely to get extended partly because people have been so eager to congregate while they are not actively working.
--The number of cases and deaths in NY is increasing very quickly; Seattle has not yet seen a surge or a peak in numbers. According to UW Medicine on Friday, March 27, the surge in the greater Seattle area is anticipated to occur within the next two to three weeks. The population in the UW Medicine system is increasing daily.
--#StayHomeStayHealthy https://crosscut.com/2020/03/
Tylenol or Ibuprofen?
According to the CDC, there is no credible evidence that taking Ibuprofen if you are COVID+ is harmful. However, this is being actively investigated. Currently, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is being recommended more than Ibuprofen. When taking Tylenol, it is important to not take more than 3000 mg of Tylenol / day can damage a person’s liver. Specific medicaation recommendations should come from your PCP based on your personal health history. https://www.drugs.com/medical-
Question about drive-through testing for people who do not drive:
People can only get tested by getting a referral and scheduling a time for the testing locations. As of Monday, March 30, there is no answer from King County regarding accessibility transport to a drive thru testing site. If you believe you have symptoms, contact your PCP. If you are told you are sick enough that you need to go to the hospital be evaluated, call 911. Inform the dispatcher that you have symptoms and they will be able to transport you safely. DO NOT just show up at an emergency room without direct instructions from a medical professional if you have respiratory symptoms. Don’t have a PCP? Use the UW Virtual Clinic: https://crosscut.com/2020/03/
Do I need to spray or wipe down my groceries when I bring them home?
If doing that makes you feel calmer, do it, but really, handwashing. From a recent TIME magazine article: “A spokesperson for the CDC tells TIME that “[currently] there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food or food packaging.” However, you should always wash your hands before and after handling food. The CDC also recommends you wash your hands again after you unload your groceries, and clean kitchen surfaces like countertops, cabinet handles and light switches.” Also, if you can order groceries and have them delivered, that is the safest way to get groceries and limit your exposure to other people.
Masks and droplets, social distancing:
Medical personnel need the N95 masks, the kind that will do any good. There is some talk in the media about people wearing cloth masks when out in the community. Keep in mind, wearing that type of mask is not protecting you. You are protecting others FROM you. And, those types of masks are only about 50% effective at best.
When people sneeze, droplets are left in the air. The droplets are about 3 to 4 feet in front of a person. Social distancing is 6 feet which is more than enough to help protect you from another person’s sneeze. However, the best protection is shelter in place as much as possible.
Grocery stores, retail environments, and social distancing.
Some grocery stores have put up Plexiglas barriers or sneeze guards. In other places, the store has marked tape on the floor to help customers. In some places a clerk can step back while the customer processes their credit or debit card.
Can dogs be carriers of the virus?
The World Health Organization has stated, “There is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.”
Other info:
The Chinese have released lots of data recently through the World Health Organization. There are many studies using that data, but it is too soon to expect specific treatment drugs. Multiple trials of existing drugs are being conducted throughout the world. According to Dr. Anthony Fausci, to date, NO drug has been approved as a treatment for this specific virus. However, as time goes on, there will be treatments. The amount of scientific study that is actively happening is astounding. There are many different type of drugs being investigated to attack this virus.
Symptoms:
New cough, dry cough
Fever
Sudden, increasing shortness of breath
Severe fatigue
Sudden
Sudden loss of sense of smell or taste
Severe headache – that is new to you
In some cases, visual distortions, or worse distortions than some of us deal with all the time.
If you start to experience these symptoms contact your primary care clinic. If necessary they will tell you to call 911 to come to the hospital.
If someone does not have a primary care doctor, contact the UW virtual clinic or the virtual clinic available through Multicare or Evergreen health.
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