COVID-19 Coronavirus and Lung Health: What can you do?

Posted by Merry, Alumni Mentor @merpreb, Mar 1, 2020

Good morning- I have hesitated to post anything about this new and dangerous group of viruses because I am certainly not qualified to discuss any science. And certainly not about genetics and viruses. But I can discuss how we can lessen our fears, be as prepared as we can and very simply if we get it, what do we do?

First of all the COVID-19 is the name for many similar viruses. It's not just one. It is believed to have started by bat guana in Wuhan, China. Wuhan is the very large capital of Central China’s Hubei province. It is a commercial center divided by the Yangtze and Han rivers. This virus spread very quickly, perhaps like the flu. And because of travel. it is spreading throughout the world, and it is here in America. This is a group of very dangerous viruses has the potential to kill and has. Many of us with breathing problems must be very diligent to protect ourselves as much as we can.

You can help protect yourself by doing these things:

Keep your hands clean. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover your cough and sneezes to keep germs from spreading to others. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces routinely. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick.

If you have these symptoms please see a doctor: Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath

I know that a lot of us have at least two of these symptoms already. So if your shortness of breath or your coughs become worse and you feel ill then it is time to seek medical help.

Here are several sites that have addressed the Coronavirus for more information.

If you know of anyone who is ill please stay away from them. Passing along the facts about this group of viruses is the best that you can do to help others avoid getting ill.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

@alamogal635

I am around your age and a retired Licensed psychotherapist who is considering returning to practice part-time. So, Have been thinking of your question and were I you, I would see your patients with the precautions you have mentioned above. I don't think I'd wear gloves but definitely would avoid hugs, or handshakes with them. I would explain why so as not to hurt their feelings. I'd use hand sanitizer after each appointment and spray the room with a disinfectant like Lysol room spray. Also, I'd wipe down surfaces that have come in contact with your patients--couch, chairs, tabletops, and doorknobs. If the use your bathroom I'd wipe that down as well. I found maks through Amazon, but don't know if they are still available. We who are not ill are advised by the CDC to not wear masks. If you are still uncomfortable you could do phone appointments, or skype with your patients. However, I would still see them as your practice is small and you know your patients. You could advise them to be open with you about ANY illness they have and hopefully, they would be truthful with you. Also, sit a decent distance from each patient. You are doing a great job in working with those who are disabled. The good lord knows they have emotional issues as well. I was the mother of a child with disabilities who was greatly helped by a mental health professional through the years she was alive. Whatever you decide I"m wishing you the best.

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Thank you so much for your input. Good suggestions all. I don't know all the clients, a number of them are claimants for disability and I only see them one time for an evaluation. I'm sure none of them want to become ill with this either. I have a small waiting room and I'm thinking of asking them to sit in their cars which is right outside my door until I am ready to see them, and then have office manager bring them inside, so no one has to sit close to anyone else in waiting area. I will have hand sanitizer in waiting area for them also. As much as I am concerned about not contracting this illness, I know that so many of the people I see are in dire need of help. I am hopeful they will let us know if they are feeling ill before coming to office so we can reschedule. And hoping this illness somehow disappears sooner rather than later. Best wishes to you as well and hope your practice goes well if you decide to return to clinical work.

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@alamogal635

Thank you for your reply. I will let you know how it all turns out. Would cancel if it wasn't so important. The CT. has been niggling at the back of my mind for a long while. As it is with you, in the last two weeks it is much more front an center.

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@alamogal635- Good morning. What about calling the person who schedules testing for your doctor and ask her to call the CT dept and request if you can wait somewhere less crowded than the waiting room because of your compromised immune system?

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@lblazina

Hope this question is appropriate for this group. I am a psychologist in private practice and part of my practice involves disability applicants and in many cases, these individuals have a multitude of health issues as well as psychological issues. Sometimes patients also don't want to disclose if they are physically ill because they want to complete their appointments. I am 72 years old, only in office two days weekly. Am trying to figure out how much risk I will be in to continue seeing claimants. I also don't want to fully retire yet but want to be safe. I have controlled hypertension and had knee replacement last year, but no other chronic health issues. I have hand sanitizer, nitrile gloves but don't know if I need to wear them, I don't have masks and cannot find any. I have Clorox cleaning supplies for surfaces and of course will wash hands religiously. I will be speaking with my primary care provider next week. If anyone has any thoughts, I would like to hear them. Thank you.

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My "advise" depends upon your financial situation. If your finances allow, I would suspend your practice until the threat passes; the threat of losing your clientele is real, but also is the threat of contracting the virus.
If continuing, as in the past, I suggest that you obtain a mask at any cost, and try to protect yourself.

Good luck,

John

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@danab

Yes my wife also shops off peak hours she likes real early in the morning like 5 am. Plus in Arizona in the summer its cooler also

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@danab You are more apt to catch me up at midnight than at 5 A.M. When I'm up that early it's because I can't sleep and I'm groggy from lack of sleep
JK

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Its an Arizona thing, even at midnight in the summer it can still be quite warm around 90, it takes to early morning to drop to its lowest temp. Like the old military saying I've heard,
we do more before 9 am than most people do all day. Lol

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@danab

Its an Arizona thing, even at midnight in the summer it can still be quite warm around 90, it takes to early morning to drop to its lowest temp. Like the old military saying I've heard,
we do more before 9 am than most people do all day. Lol

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@danab Another reason that Arizona would not be for me, the others being big spiders and snakes. UGH
JK

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@merpreb

@alamogal635- Good morning. What about calling the person who schedules testing for your doctor and ask her to call the CT dept and request if you can wait somewhere less crowded than the waiting room because of your compromised immune system?

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Thanks.
I plan to have the test at a satellite location; that location normally has fewer people, and does not require that I walk the hospital corridors.

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@spudmato

My "advise" depends upon your financial situation. If your finances allow, I would suspend your practice until the threat passes; the threat of losing your clientele is real, but also is the threat of contracting the virus.
If continuing, as in the past, I suggest that you obtain a mask at any cost, and try to protect yourself.

Good luck,

John

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I agree, we are looking at options right now. I am trying to find a mask. I am in Tennessee and one case confirmed so far but I know it will spread. Good luck to all of us, John. Thank you.

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@merpreb

@alamogal635- Good morning. What about calling the person who schedules testing for your doctor and ask her to call the CT dept and request if you can wait somewhere less crowded than the waiting room because of your compromised immune system?

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@merpreb We are certainly on the same page! that is what I did. Rather than the busy place near my oncologist, my doctor suggested a small one that is not really crowded. I like it a lot--had my mammogram there and a chest x-ray. They are really nice and get things done quickly. So, that where I"m going. on March 19.

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Good morning -I know that we can't avoid germs but we can be very cautious given the latest stats on the virus, the US has 500 confirmed cases. If you need to fly please wipe everything down and don't go into the pocket on the back of the seat in front of you, even to read the magazine.
Please read this: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/why-you-should-never-use-your-seat-back-pocket-on-a-plane-according-to-a-flight-attendant/ar-BB10Me53?li=BBnbfcL

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