Neha Vyas, MD, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic talks about steps family members can take to prevent coronavirus from spreading within the home.
Cold, allergy, and flu; they’re all going to continue at their normal rate. At what point with people with these three conditions, but no other symptoms, when should they consider self-isolating?
Vyas: How we think about it is, are the symptoms located in just one part of the body versus the whole part? And if they’re confined to maybe your sinuses or maybe your throat, then chances are you’re dealing with cold or some type of viral infection. However, if they’re more flulike and if they encompass your whole body or if you have chills or fever, then you may be at risk for influenza or the coronavirus. If you think that you have influenza-like symptoms or whole-body symptoms, or if you were exposed to someone with these symptoms with that was positive for the test, then you should consider isolating. If you think you just have a cold or if you have a sinus infection, you might be okay to continue your normal activities. But check with your doctor to be on the safe side.
New information-at this time, it is recommended that everyone self-quarantine. Typically, symptoms of the COVID virus present with flu-like symptoms such as body aches, chills and fever, and are not confined to one body part, such as your throat or sinuses. This is variable however, and if you believe you have the COVID-19 virus, you should speak with your doctor.
Does self-isolating mean giving up outdoor sports like golf, tennis, pickleball?
Vyas: If you don’t have symptoms, self-isolating does not mean giving up outdoor sports. Most of the time that any sport that doesn’t require close physical contact can be continued. If you want to play tennis, doubles are fine as long as you maintain a safe distance. Certainly, singles are fine as well. Going for a walk or hike is fine as well. And maybe playing golf as long as you’re not congregating together for any length of time.
New information-With emerging isolation guidelines, it’s best to postpone all group activities such as pickleball, golf or tennis. It is advisable to enjoy the outdoors in activities such as taking a walk or run thorough a park, making sure to practice safe social distancing of at least 6 feet.
If one person tests positive in your house, how do the others protect themselves?
Vyas: You want to try to isolate that person as much as possible, especially if the other family members don’t have symptoms. Certainly, if you yourself are experiencing symptoms and one of your loved ones is testing positive for the disease, then you’re likely to have the same symptoms and you’re likely to have the same condition.
New information-It’s best to isolate that person in their own room and even their own bathroom if possible. Once isolated, make sure to clean and disinfect all surfaces that may have come in contact with that person.
I know you said self-isolating. Does that mean keep one person with symptoms in one room. Could you go into detail?
Yes. If it’s possible, try to segregate that person. If they are testing positive for coronavirus, then you’re going to want to make sure your utensils aren’t shared, your clothes, your towels. Certainly, personal hygiene items need to be kept separate. If it’s possible for the person to take their meals or to bathe in a separate bathroom, that would be helpful as well.
What are doctors doing to stay healthy and what can we learn from them?
Vyas: We make it a point to wash your (our) hands all the time and that’s the first and foremost thing. We also try not to touch our faces if we have exposed ourselves to any contact surfaces that may or may not have the virus (this is redundant). We make time to exercise, whether it’s through videos online or whether it’s through running outside. We try to enjoy the weather and enjoy outdoor activities and we take care of ourselves. We try to make sure we hydrate ourselves, drink plenty of water, and to practice meditation or self-reflection.
Why are those things important?
Vyas: Because we don’t want to become anxious. There’s so much attention on this virus that it can be overwhelming and the constant updates and information that we get can be such that it can cause a lot of anxiety in people.
Addendum-These things are important because they help curb the spread of the infection. (It appears as though the question and answer I provided doesn’t match up)
END OF INTERVIEW
This information is intended for additional research purposes only. It is not to be used as a prescription or advice from Ivanhoe Broadcast News, Inc. or any medical professional interviewed. Ivanhoe Broadcast News, Inc. assumes no responsibility for the depth or accuracy of physician statements. Procedures or medicines apply to different people and medical factors; always consult your physician on medical matters.
If you would like more information, please contact:
Andrea Pacetti, Public and Media Relations
Cleveland Clinic
216-444-8168
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