Healthcare Professional Responds to Commonly Asked COVID-19 Inquiries

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, it's natural to feel like you're constantly Googling all sorts of things. From your sneezes to strolling the neighborhood with Fido, you can't help but wonder if it's safe or if you're taking a risk.

To put your worries at ease and separate fact from fiction, we've gathered insights from Dr. Peter McGough, medical director for UW Neighborhood Clinics, to help answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the coronavirus.

How does the coronavirus disease spread?

You've probably heard the term "social distancing," which means keeping at least 6 feet away from others. There's a reason for that - the magic number is all about stopping the virus transmission.

The coronavirus is mainly spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, producing droplets that can travel up to 6 feet. If you're within close proximity to someone who has the virus or touch a droplet-contaminated surface and then touch your face, you might become infected.

Remember, some patients who get COVID-19 may have only mild symptoms. This is why we follow universal precautions and assume that anyone might be carrying the virus[1].

How can you protect yourself?

There are plenty of myths out there about boosting your immunity and staying safe during the pandemic, but your best defense is simple: wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and practice social distancing.

While wearing a mask can provide some benefit if you're infected but don't know it, it's essential to follow hand-washing and social distancing guidelines, and avoid buying up medical-grade masks. Currently, they're in short supply for healthcare workers who desperately need them[1].

How long does the coronavirus last on surfaces?

A study from the National Institutes of Health found the virus can live on surfaces for a few hours to a few days. However, there's still much we don't know about the virus, as it's relatively new. Always hard to anticipate how long the virus remains viable on any surface[1].

In general, the coronavirus lives longer on hard surfaces like light switches, counters, and doorknobs than it does on porous ones like cloth and cardboard. Remember, though, your chances of getting infected from a surface are low. If concerned, sanitize frequently used areas around your home, and wash your hands before cooking or eating. There's currently no evidence that the virus can be spread through food[1].

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of the disease include fever, a new cough, and shortness of breath, as well as fatigue, body aches, a runny nose, a sore throat, gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, and most recently, loss of smell or taste[2]. Keep in mind that many symptoms are similar to the cold and flu viruses, and the novel coronavirus may show new characteristics as we continue to learn more[2].

If you start to experience symptoms, what should you do?

If you suspect you have COVID-19, contact your doctor's office by phone or email to discuss your symptoms. They will determine if testing is recommended and advise on self-care and further evaluations[2].

If you were around a confirmed COVID-19 case, what should you do?

If you've recently been around someone who has COVID-19, it's recommended to quarantine yourself at home and separate yourself from others if possible. The incubation period can be up to 14 days, so you'll need to self-quarantine for that long.

If you've had COVID-19, can you be reinfected?

While it's generally believed that once you've had a specific virus, your body gains immunity to it, we don't know if the new coronavirus will mutate like the flu virus and provide less protection[3].

Who is at risk from COVID-19?

People over 60, those with existing health conditions, individuals with weakened or compromised immune systems, and pregnant women are considered most at risk for developing a severe illness[3].

Can pets become sick with the coronavirus?

Fortunately, even though pets can frequent the same household as those with COVID-19, they are not at risk of becoming infected[3].

No matter if you're in a high-risk group or not, we strongly recommend staying home, washing your hands regularly, and leaving some toilet paper for the next person.

Sources:

National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554457/
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html
World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/en/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
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