COVID-19 frequently asked outpatient questions

Frequently Asked Outpatient Questions
COVID-19 Main Page
Knowledge Based Questions
Everyday Life Questions
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Covid-19 in the Workplace
Public Safety Questions
Travel Related Questions
Pregnancy and COVID-19
Children and COVID-19
Pets/Animals and COVID-19
Keeping Spirits High in Quarantine
Vaccine Related Questions

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Roukoz A. Karam, M.D.[2] Aisha Adigun, B.Sc., M.D.[3]

Synonyms and keywords:

Knowledge Based Questions

• What tests are used to diagnose COVID-19?
  • The FDA has so far approved two types of tests for diagnosing COVID-19; a molecular test that detects the virus's genetic material using a lab technique called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and an antigen test that detects certain proteins that are part of the virus.
• How accurate are the COVID-19 serology tests?
• Can the coronavirus disease be transmitted through the air over long distances?
• Are masks effective against the coronavirus disease?
• Is COVID-19 serious?
• What is the source of the virus?
• How does the virus spread?
• Can someone who has been quarantined for COVID-19 spread the illness?
• Will warm weather stop the outbreak?
• How can i help protect myself?
• Can antibiotics treat the coronavirus disease?
• Is bleach an effective cleaning agent for the coronavirus disease?
• Can you have the coronavirus disease without a fever?
• What is the recovery time for the coronavirus disease?
• Is there a vaccine for coronavirus?
• Can the coronavirus disease spread through feces?
• Can the coronavirus disease spread through food?
• Can I still have sex during the coronavirus pandemic?
• Can the coronavirus disease spread through water?
• Can i get sick with COVID-19 if it is on the food?
• Does drinking alcohol kill the coronavirus?
• What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
• Where do I go to get tested for COVID-19?
• How can I avoid getting infected with COVID-19?
• Can I get COVID-19 from my pets or other animals?
• Can I still get my scheduled routine vaccinations?
• Can I still get my recommended diagnostic test (eg colonoscopy)?

Everyday Life Questions

• How can I get back to work and avoid infection?
• What do I need to protect myself when I go to the gym?
• My wife and I are >65. Is it safe to go to the store?
• What is the meaning of self-isolation?
• Can I report someone who I believe is infected but has refused to self isolate?
• As a business owner, how can I protect my staff?
• I have underlying health conditions, should I go to work?
• Does cooking kill the coronavirus?
• Can the coronavirus disease spread through frozen food?
• What do I need to protect myself when I go to the gym?
• Can people that died from the coronavirus disease have a funeral?
• Can you contract the coronavirus disease from a package in the mail?
• Does drinking alcohol increase my risk of getting COVID-19?
• Does smoking cigarettes increase my risk of getting COVID-19?

Cleaning and Disinfecting

• How do I clean and disinfect surfaces?
  • Use soap and water to clean the surfaces which will help in cleaning the dirt. Afterward, use disinfectants to kill the microbes. Here is a list of disinfectants approved by the EPA (the United States Environmental Protection Agency). Always use disposable gloves.
• What surfaces at home should I disinfect regularly?
  • High contact surfaces such as; doorknobs, sinks, dining tables, Phones, Laptops, light switches, keyboards.
• What products can I use for disinfecting the home?
  • Here is a list of disinfectants approved by the EPA (the United States Environmental Protection Agency).
• Can I use bleach at to disinfect at home?
  • Yes, use bleach 5 tablespoons per gallon of water.
• How often and when do I clean hands with soap and water while at home?
  • Wash hands before and after cooking, eating, cleaning surfaces, laundry, touching any supplies brought from the store.
• Do I have to separate the laundry of a COVID-19 infected family member?
  • You can mix laundry. Be sure to wash hands before and after doing laundry.
• What precautions can I follow as a caregiver to my family in quarantine?
  • If you are the caregiver at your house, provide support with basic needs i.e; give medicines as per doctor's advice, give medicines to help with symptoms (i.e acetaminophen to lower fever). It is very important to watch for warning signs like - Trouble breathing, excessive pain in the chest, lack of response to verbal stimulation, confusion, and bluish discoloration of lips. Clean and disinfect the house as per the above recommendations. Have a separate bathroom if possible. Wear disposable gloves and wash hands with soap and water afterward when handling laundry or utensils of infected persons. Limit contact, wear a scarf or cloth face mask when around the sick person at home. Check if you are getting any symptoms like fever, dry cough, muscle pain, and other flu-like symptoms. As a caregiver, you should quarantine yourself for 14 days if you have come in contact with the sick person whether you are symptomatic or not.
• I don't have symptoms but my family member has tested positive should I quarantine myself?
  • yes.

Travel Related Questions

• I recently returned from a COVID-19 hotspot, What do I do?
• What precautionary measures and my family and I take when we travel?
• When can I return to work after a arrive from a country with confirmed COVID-19 cases?
• What should I do if there was a sick passenger on my flight?
• Should I delay my vacation?
• Does a particular mode of transportation increase my risk of contracting COVID-19?
• Can I go camping?
• Should I wear a face-covering throughout my trip?
• What do I do if I get sick after a recent Trip?
• What steps can I take to decrease my chance of infection during a trip?

Pregnancy and COVID-19

• I am pregnant, how can I protect myself from contracting COVID-19?
• Are COVID-19 outcomes worse in pregnant women?
• Can I pass the virus to my unborn child?
• What should I do if I am pregnant and get sick?
• Are the risks of known pregnancy complications increased due to COVID-19?

Children and COVID-19

• How can I protect my child from contracting COVID-19?
• Can family members visit my newborn child?
• Is COVID-19 transmitted via breast milk?

References

Template:WikiDoc Sources