Posts Categorized: Medical Minute

0

Medical Minute: Clubbed Fingers

Photo may have been deleted

Getty Images

Clubbing of the fingers means the ends of the fingers are bulging, soft and sometimes reddened with wide, distorted fingernails that slope downward and are shaped like small spoons.

Photo may have been deleted

very well health

If you notice clubbing of the fingers, you should contact your doctor or a health provider because it could be a sign of a serious health problem.

There are two types of clubbed fingers: primary (hereditary), which means a lifelong clubbed appearance of the fingers that is not associated with any health problems.

The other type is called secondary clubbing, which causes a gradual change in the appearance of your fingers and toes over a short period of time.

What causes secondary clubbing?

Secondary clubbing is always a sign of a serious health problem and you should contact a doctor or healthcare provider.

Secondary clubbing of the fingers is usually a sign of a chronic respiratory/lung disease or heart disease.

This sign is also associated with a number of medical conditions that can be harmful that involve the thyroid or digestive system.

The condition occurs because of decreased oxygen levels which causes changes in the tiny blood vessels in the body in response to low oxygen and shows up significantly in the fingers.

The bulging in fingertips is associated with inflammation and the growth of tiny blood vessels and soft tissue in the fingers.

Risk factors associated with clubbing include:

  • Lung cancer

  • Pulmonary fibrosis

  • Lung abscess

  • Tuberculosis

  • Pulmonary lymphoma

  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)

  • Congenital heart disease

  • Infective endocarditis

  • Cystic fibrosis

  • Inflammatory bowel disease

  • Cirrhosis of the liver

  • Graves' disease

  • Overactive thyroid gland

    •  

    Diagnosis to Assess Underlying Conditions

    Primary clubbing of the fingers is harmless. Secondary clubbing of the fingers will require diagnostic tests.

    The tests include:

    1. Physical examination

    2. A pulse oximeter (pulse ox) to measure the oxygen levels in your blood

    3. Pulmonary function tests to measure your lung capacity

    4. Arterial blood gas, a blood test to measure your 02 level

    5. Chest X-ray or chest computerized tomography (CT)

    6. Electrocardiogram (EKG) or echocardiogram to assess your heart function

    7. Blood tests, including complete blood count (CBC), electrolytes, liver function test, and thyroid test

    This has been your Medical Minute.
     

    More Info On the Web

    Clubbing of Fingers | very well health

    Clubbing of the Fingers or Toes - Healthline

    Clubbing of fingers - Mayo Clinic

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

    0

    Medical Minute: 10 Reasons Why Yeast Infections Keep Coming Back

    PeopleImages via Getty Images

    Yeast infections affect over 75% of women in the course of their lifetimes. Yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans - a common fungus that lives in and on the body and is usually harmless.

    Candida albicans causes problems when it multiplies out of control, resulting in itching, irritation, foul-smelling discharge and pain during sex or urination.

    Yeast infections (aka thrush) can affect your vagina, mouth, throat (oral thrush), under breasts, armpits and rectum. Yeast flourishes in areas that are moist, dark and warm.

    Women are more affected by yeast infections than males. People with HIV/AIDS are more prone to oral thrush and genital yeast infections.

    Thrush (oral or genital) is not a sexually transmitted disease. Children and adult virgins are diagnosed with yeast infections.

    Some women experience one episode of thrush in their lifetimes, while others grapple with symptoms three or four times a year.

    For most women, vaginal yeast infections can be successfully treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

    Why does vaginal thrush keep coming back after successful treatment?

    Women who experience recurring yeast infections may need to change their lifestyles permanently.

    The following are 10 reasons why yeast infections keep recurring.

    1. Pregnancy

    2. Breastfeeding

    3. Birth control pills

    4. Diabetes

    5. Weak immune system (HIV/AIDS, lupus, etc.)

    6. Taking antibiotics

    7. Using irritating feminine products

    8. Wearing tight clothes (males and females)

    9. Stress and anxiety

    10. Consuming too much sugar in diet
     

    What is the Treatment for Vaginal Thrush?

    Over the counter (OTC) anti-fungal creams are effective in treating vaginal yeast infections. Miconazole (Monistat 7) is a vaginal cream that is used for 7 days. There is also a more concentrated cream, Monistat 3, that is used over the course of 3 days to treat vaginal yeast infection.

    You should stop using OTC creams and consult your doctor if you experience side effects such as skin irritation, redness, soreness or swelling.

    If over the counter medications don't resolve your infection, your doctor may prescribe a steroid cream for a few days or anti-fungal pills if the creams don't work

    What is the Treatment for Oral Thrush?

    There are no OTC medications to treat oral thrush (yeast infection in your mouth or throat).

    Oral thrush is a serious infection that usually occurs when you are immune deficient and your immune deficiency is caused by a severe infection somewhere in your body (HIV/AIDS, Lupus, etc.)

    Your doctor will prescribe a one-time dose of fluconazole (Diflucan) to treat oral thrush. This medication kills fungus and yeast throughout your body.

    Some full-blown AIDS patients may need to be hospitalized to treat persistent oral thrush.

    One final note about yeast infections and lesbians

    When discussing your vaginal thrush symptoms with a male doctor, it is best to inform him that you are a lesbian who is not sexually active with males.

    This conversation is sometimes necessary because some male doctors are biased and automatically assume you are sexually promiscuous and your symptoms are caused by a sexually transmitted disease.

    It is easy for a simple yeast infection to be misdiagnosed by biased male doctors who may order unnecessary STD tests and prescribe the wrong medications.

    This has been your Medical Minute.
     

    More Info On the Web

    What Causes Thrush? | Women's Health

    How To Treat Yeast Infection During Pregnancy | Smart Parenting

    What to know about probiotics for vaginal health | Medical News Today
     

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

    0

    Medical Minute: Frequent Urination at Night (Nocturia)

    Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

    Do you get up more than once during the night to urinate? Do you feel an urgent need to urinate during the day? This condition is called nocturia.

    These symptoms could mean you have too much sugar in your blood (diabetes 1 and 2).

    One of the most common signs of diabetes 1 and 2 is the urge to get up and pee multiple times at night.

    When there's too much sugar in your blood your kidneys work harder to flush that sugar from your blood, making you urinate more often than you normally do.

    Diabetes can damage your kidneys or bladder and also cause kidney and bladder infections.

    Both conditions can cause you to pee more often than you normally would. There is no average number of times a person pees during the day. But waking up at night more than once to pee is not normal. It could be a sign of diabetes.

    Age is another reason why people get up at night more often to pee.

    Other factors include:

  • Drinking too much water or liquor before bed

  • Diabetes insipidus

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)

  • Enlarged prostate

  • Pregnancy (fetus pressing down on your bladder)

  • Chronic kidney failure

  • Tumor in your bladder or prostate

  • Liver failure

  • Sleep apnea

  • Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

  • Excess thirst

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Blurry vision

  • Big appetite

  • Blurred vision

  • Fatigue (tired easily)

  • Tingly sensation in legs, feet and hands

  • More infections and wounds heal slowly

    • Contact your doctor if you have any of these signs and symptoms.
     

    Diagnostic tests

    If your doctor suspects you have diabetes, he or she will perform the following diagnostic tests:

    A1c: A blood test, also known as glycated hemoglobin, which measures your average blood sugar level for the past 2 or 3 months. An A1c level higher than 6.5 means you are diabetic. Normal is below 5.7.

    Fasting blood sugar: After fasting (no food or drink) for 8 hours, your blood glucose level will be tested in the morning. A blood glucose reading higher than 126 mg/dl indicates diabetes. Below 100 mg/dl is normal after fasting all night.

    Oral glucose tolerance test: This test usually takes place in a doctor's office or clinic. After fasting all night, you will be given a sweet drink and your blood glucose will be tested in 2 hours. Blood glucose levels of more than 200 mg/dl after 2 hours means you are diabetic. Less than 140 mg/dl is normal.

    A final note about tingling sensations in your legs and feet. This is usually the first sign of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by high blood sugar). This condition usually leads to amputation of your feet or legs It is important that you notify your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any tingling sensations or numbness in your legs or feet.

    This has been your Medical Minute.
     

    More Info On the Web

    Diabetes and Frequent Urination | WebMD

    Diabetes and Nighttime Urination | Diabetes.co.uk

    Overactive Bladder at Night | Healthline.com
     

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

    0

    Medical Minute: Senile Dementia

    JoeBiden.com via Getty Images

    Former Vice President Joe Biden is not the same Joe Biden who served as former President Barack Obama's right-hand man. Today's Joe Biden is a shell of the man he used to be.

    He is the subject of mean-spirited internet memes and insensitive nicknames such as "Dementia Joe" and "Creepy Joe."

    There is even a website, joebidenhasdementia.com, that documents every instance of Biden's apparent mental decline.

    Despite his momentary mental lapses, Biden insists he does not have dementia. But his critics aren't so sure.

    What is Dementia?

    Dementia describes a group of neurological symptoms affecting memory, thought process, language, problem-solving, mobility and activities of daily living.

    What causes dementia?

    Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia. Other common causes of dementia include head trauma, Parkinson's disease, strokes, HIV/AIDS, medications, and vascular disorders that affect blood supply to the brain. There are more than 50 conditions that can cause dementia.

    Causes of dementia that can easily be reversed include hypothyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency, Lyme disease, and neurosyphilis. Hearing loss may also be associated with dementia.

    What is Senile Dementia?

    Senile dementia is the long-term loss of cognitive, physical and intellectual ability caused by degeneration of brain cells. The condition is associated with old age and is incurable. Approximately 10% of people over the age of 65 have senile dementia.

    People with senile dementia will exhibit a decrease in cognitive and physical abilities, including inability to concentrate, recall information, problem-solve, speak, or feed and dress themselves without assistance.

    Signs & Symptoms

    Early signs of senile dementia include memory loss, forgetfulness, insomnia, confusion, disorientation (not knowing day or date), word salad (random words or phrases that don't make sense), fatigue, poor physical coordination (falling down often), withdrawing socially, poor short-term memory.

    Late stage signs of senile dementia include gradual weight loss caused by forgetting to eat or lack of appetite, unable to remember family members, wandering and getting lost, loss of all cognitive ability, loss of communication, poor short-term and long-term memory, poor personal hygiene, unable to bathe or dress self, loss of mobility, incontinence (involuntary defecation or urination), violent outbursts, visual and auditory hallucinations.

    Treatment

    There is no cure for senile dementia. Medications are prescribed to manage the symptoms. The medications are Aricept (donepezil), Excelon (rivastigmine) and Reminyl (galantamine).

    This has been your Medical Minute.
     

    More Info on the Web

    13 Types of Dementia, Symptoms, Causes | Medicinenet.com

    10 Early Symptoms of Dementia | Healthline

    Dementia - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatments | alz.org
     

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

    0

    Medical Minute: Corona Psychosis

    Photo may have been deleted

    Gossiponthis.com

    Doctors have identified a temporary psychotic disorder, Corona Psychosis, brought on by the stress, tension, social isolation and fear of catching the coronavirus.

    According to Psychiatric Times, doctors have noticed a new trend in temporary psychosis and mental breakdowns related to the stress of catching the coronavirus.

    People are afraid of contracting and transmitting the virus, doctors say.

    Healthcare workers on the front lines seem to be most susceptible to the stress of the uncertainty and loss of control due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    But lay people are also suffering temporary psychotic episodes caused by the stress of potentially catching the virus.

    Symptoms of temporary psychosis are seen in people with no history of mental disorders or psychosis.

    An Oklahoma woman shot up a McDonald's on May 6 - injuring four workers - after she was told she couldn't eat inside the dining area because it was closed due to Covid-19. The restaurant was only open for drive thru orders.

    Last month an NFL star was nearly killed when his wife caught him cheating with a woman during the lockdown in Austin, Texas.

    And earlier this week, a woman, her husband and adult son were arrested and charged with murder in the shooting death of a security guard at a Family Dollar store in Flint, Michigan.

    Doctors and police expect more incidents of violence as social isolation triggers anxiety, depression and stress in healthy citizens.

    If you are suffering from mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), call the National Mental Health Hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

    0

    Medical Minute: Shaking Chills (Rigors)

    Photo by Hill Street Studios

    Shaking chills, also known as rigors or uncontrollable shivering, is the body's response to a high fever caused by a severe infection.

    Shaking chills should be taken seriously. It is sometimes the only sign that there is a raging infection inside your body.

    If you experience shaking chills after surgery or an outpatient procedure, you should notify your doctor or a healthcare professional immediately.

    If you have a thermometer (everyone should have one at home), take your temperature so you can tell your doctor how high it is. Tell your doctor you recently had an outpatient procedure such as a root canal or a tooth extraction.

    Chills usually accompanies a high fever (above 103 F) in response to a severe infection, such as sepsis. Fever occurs when your brain increases your body temperature to kill invading germs.

    The brain's attempt to regulate the body temperature causes the patient to feel cold. Shivering and chills occur when the muscles contract to bring the body temperature up.

    If the shaking chills stop - but your temperature continues to rise - you should go to an emergency room to be evaluated further. You should never ignore shaking chills.

    A high fever, if sustained, can lead to organ damage or febrile seizures.

    You might break out in a fine sweat if your temperature returns to normal.

    This has been your Medical Minute.
     

    More Info On the Web

    What You Should Know About the Chills | Healthline

    Why Do I Have Cold Chills? | WebMD

    Chills: Symptoms, Signs, Causes & Treatment | Medicine Net
     

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

    0

    Medical Minute: Sepsis

    Photo: Zerbor/Getty Images

    What is Sepsis?

    Sepsis is a life-threatening immune response to an infection. Sepsis occurs when an infection somewhere in the body -- the skin, lungs, urinary tract, etc. -- triggers a strong inflammatory immune response that causes the blood vessels to leak, leading to low blood volume, multiple organ failure, and death.

    What Causes Sepsis?

    Sepsis is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection. But it can also be caused by a virus, fungus or protozoan infections in the brain, urinary tract, skin and abdominal organs.

    The most common causes of sepsis is trauma, surgery, or an invasive procedure such as dental work.

    Dentists normally prescribe antibiotics before a dental appointment to decrease the bacteria in the mouth. If the patient is not prescribed antibiotics, the bacteria that normally resides on teeth and in the gums can enter the bloodstream, travel to the heart and colonize the heart valve. The patient usually doesn't know he is sick with a deadly infection in his heart until months later.

    Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to heart damage, organ failure and death.

    Signs and Symptoms

    Signs and symptoms include:

  • Fever

  • Rapid breathing

  • Cough

  • Low blood pressure (septic shock)

  • Shaking chills

  • Shortness of breath

  • Increased heart rate

  • Pain or discomfort

  • Cold, clammy (wet) skin

  • Confusion

  • Low urine output

    • Risk Factors

    Risk factors include young or old age, or weak immune system caused by diabetes, cancer, trauma, or burns. Sometimes children and the elderly will show no symptoms or the fever is low grade.

    Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you think you have sepsis or if you feel sick days after having surgery or an outpatient procedure such as dental work, call your doctor or healthcare provider.

    Always ask the doctor of healthcare provider: "Do you think this could lead to sepsis?"

    Educate yourself so you know which questions to ask your doctor or healthcare provider.

    Use WebMD's symptoms checker. Remember that most symptoms should fit a familiar pattern so the doctor can properly diagnose you.

    This has been your Medical Minute.
     

    More Info On the Web

    What is Sepsis? | CDC.gov

    Sepsis | Healthline.com

    Signs and Symptoms of Sepsis | Mayo Clinic
     

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

    0

    More misinformation on the Internet about Covid-19

    Photo by RuslanDashinsky

    A video is going viral on social media. It features a Black woman who claims to be a nurse offering advice to Black people about Covid-19.

    She says most Black people who die from Covid-19 have strokes (lack of blood flow to the brain) or blood clots in their lungs and extremities.

    She claims most of her Black male patients who come to the ER aren't complaining of a fever or cough. She says they are suffering from "malaise" or a generalized weakness and pain in the extremities.

    The woman advises people who suspect they may have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) to get up and walk.

    Walking is appropriate after you have been successfully treated for DVT, and only on the advice of your doctor.

    Telling someone who suspects they may have deep vein thrombosis to get up and walk is dangerous advice. Standing up and walking will only aggravate the condition, and sometimes results in immediate death.

    That is because the blood clot is stable in the leg while you are seated or immobile. But if you stand up and walk, the clot may break off and travel up your leg to your lungs or heart.

    DVT is sometimes caused by inactivity or sitting on a sofa for long hours without walking or exercising.

    The increase in strokes (lack of blood flow to the brain) or DVT is probably due in part to people sitting at home watching the news all day on TV and not exercising (sedentary lifestyle).

    If you have unexplained pain and swelling in your lower legs or arms, the skin feels hot to the touch, and you have a positive Homan's sign (Google it), call your doctor or healthcare provider or go to the emergency room.

    Be careful following bad advice on the Internet. Much if it is spread by agents of misinformation who target the Black community.

    Remember to wash your hands frequently and don't touch your face.
     

    0

    Medical Minute: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

    Photo by BACKGRID

    Rapper Cardi B admitted herself to a hospital on Wednesday, after suffering "real bad stomach problems for four days."

    The "Bodak Yellow" rapper shared a Twitter picture of her hospital wristband and wrote that she had admitted herself after suffering abdominal pains.

    "Honestly, cause I been having some real bad stomach problems for four days, I went to the ER last night," she penned, alongside a crying face emoji.

    Stomach pains can be caused by a multitude of conditions such as indigestion, infections, and diseases such as cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as pelvic inflammatory disorder (PID).

    What is pelvic inflammatory disease?

    Pelvic inflammatory disorder is an infection of the female reproductive system, mainly the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

    Women usually seek medical treatment when they suffer symptoms including lower abdominal pain, foul vaginal discharge, fever, burning with urination, painful intercourse, bleeding after sex, or irregular menstruation.

    Cardi didn't share her diagnosis with her followers, so we don't know the cause of her abdominal pain. We are not assuming she is diagnosed with PID.

    Untreated PID can result in longterm complications of the female reproductive system including infertility, scarring, ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and cancer.

    What causes PID?

    The disease is caused by bacteria that spreads from the vagina and cervix to the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. The disorder usually affects promiscuous women who have multiple sex partners or one sex partner who is burning.

    40 percent of women diagnosed with PID also have a chlamydial infection or gonorrhea. Women who douche frequently can inadvertently push bacteria into their upper reproductive organs.

    How is PID diagnosed?

    PID is diagnosed during a pelvic examination, cervical observation, laparoscopy, or tissue biopsy. A definitive diagnosis of PID is made when pus is found in the fallopian tubes during surgery or during ultrasound.

    How can I prevent PID?

    Your doctor will advise no sex until the infection is resolved. If you are a sex worker, you will be advised to use protection such as condoms or barrier methods. You should also get tested regularly for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

    Seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of PID.
     

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.

    0

    Coronavirus: What You Should Know

    ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP via Getty Images

    The Coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc on the global economy as stock markets crash, small business shut down, and more employees are being let go or laid off.

    Employees who still have jobs are working from home, and restaurants that haven't shut their doors have switched to take-out only or delivery only.

    Grocery store shelves are bare. Millions of children are out of school for weeks or months, and nursing homes have banned families from visiting their loved ones.

    The mass hysteria over the coronavirus is unprecedented in the nation's history. Never before has the major sports leagues in America canceled their seasons for a virus epidemic or pandemic.

    The following are questions culled from my comments section and emails. Hopefully this Q&A will help ease some of your fears and concerns.
     

    What is a coronavirus?

    A coronavirus is a virus that causes common respiratory tract infections such as a cold virus.

    What is COVID-19?

    The novel (new) coronavirus is dubbed COVID-19 because it was first identified in Wuhan China in 2019.

    Is Covid-19 deadly?

    Covid-19 is deadlier than the common coronavirus because it causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and potentially fatal pneumonia among the elderly population, particularly those with chronic illnesses such as respiratory and heart problems.

    What are the symptoms of Covid-19?

    The symptoms include fever (over 101.5), cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include sore throat, joint and muscle pain, headaches and weakness.

    How is the virus transmitted?

    The main route of transmission is via droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing. The other mode of transmission is via touching contaminated objects or surfaces then touching your face.

    I have flu-like symptoms? Should I go and get tested?

    First, don't panic. Call your doctor or healthcare professional for instructions. Don't go to the hospital unless absolutely necessary.

    What is the incubation period for Covid-19?

    The incubation period (the time before you experience symptoms) is anywhere from 2 days to 14 days.

    Is there a cure for Covid-19?

    There is no cure for a virus. There are treatments such as Theraflu or a similar medication to relieve the symptoms.

    Who is most at risk for dying from Covid-19?

    People most at risk for dying from the virus are the elderly, over age 60, who have chronic illnesses such as cancer, respiratory or cardiac problems. And people who smoke.

    I was recently in contact with someone who tested positive for Covid-19. How many days should I self-quarantine?

    Follow the quarantine instructions on the CDC's website. Avoid going to the hospital unless absolutely necessary.

    Why are young people dying from Covid-19?

    Less than 19% of the death cases in Italy are people under age 40. Those young people may have been smokers or vapers. They may also have respiratory illnesses or compromised immunity caused by HIV/AIDS. The data shows that young people who have no preexisting conditions are not affected by the virus.

    Is the coronavirus deadlier than the common flu virus?

    No. Statistics shows the coronavirus kills an average of 2 people per day (out of a population of 327 million) in America. By comparison, the influenza virus kills 100-200 people per day in America.

    Is Covid-19 more contagious than the flu virus?

    There is not enough data to know the answer. The CDC is very slow to complete testing - unless you are wealthy or a celebrity.

    What is the fatality rate for Covid-19?

    According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the fatality rate is less than 1%. When more Americans are tested for the virus, the fatality rate will fall to 0.1% (same as the flu). About 81% of people who have the virus will recover. A majority of those don't have symptoms.

    Is my child at risk of catching the coronavirus?

    Photo by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images

    The data shows most children who test positive for the coronavirus have no symptoms or mild symptoms. Some children get sick if they have preexisting conditions or weak immunity from a recent cold or the flu. No child has died from Covid-19 anywhere in the world.

    Sandra, you keep saying the coronavirus is just like the flu. Isn't that irresponsible?

    What I said is Covid-19 is "no worse than the flu." Most people who contract Covid-19 have no symptoms or their symptoms are mild. People who have recovered from Covid-19 say it feels like a mild case of the flu.

    Are the gheys more vulnerable to dying from Covid-19?

    Homosexuals and transgenders are most at risk if they have weak immunity from HIV/AIDS or some other respiratory illness.

    Will washing my hands protect me from the virus?

    Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds kills the virus on your hands. But you may still contract Covid-19 if someone who is sick coughs or sneezes around you.

    I want to comply with social distancing. How far should I separate myself from others?

    The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends maintaining a distance of 6 feet from anyone who is coughing or sneezing. The CDC recommends 3 feet of separation between yourself and others.

    Can I have sex with my partner if we're positive for Covid-19?

    Covid-19 is not a sexually transmitted disease. But transmission during sex is 100% due to kissing. If you are both positive - and neither of you are sick - you can enjoy physical intimacy to pass the time while you're both in self isolation.

    Can food transmit the coronavirus?

    According to the FDA, there is no evidence that Chinese food transmits the coronavirus.

    Why is the response to Covid-19 so different from the response to H1N1 (Swine flu) in 2009?

    Thanks to the internet and social media, fake news spreads faster now than it did in 2009. Dr. Roger Marshall, who represents Kansas' 1st district, believes Covid-19 is being "sensationalized," and he says the news media has blown the virus out of proportion. Dr. Drew Pinsky also criticized the news media for overhyping Covid-19.

    Why aren't celebrities and athletes who test positive for the virus getting sick?

    Because the Covid-19 virus is no worse than the flu. Many people are healthy and have strong immune systems to fight off the virus, so they don't get sick.

    Why are so many people dying from Covid-19 in Italy and Iran?

    Because the healthcare systems in those countries are not as good as in the United States. Also, many people in those countries are smokers or they were HIV-positive.

    Why is there so much hysteria surrounding Covid-19?

    Because we live in an era where fake news and bad information spreads instantly via the internet and cable news before it is verified.

    What are antibodies?

    Antibodies are part of your immune response to any virus. When you catch a cold, your immune system kills the virus then creates antibodies that will recognize that virus and protect you from that virus (except HIV).

    If I have Covid-19, can I transmit it to my dog or cat?

    One dog in China contracted a "low-level infection" from its owner. The dog did not get sick. Current data shows humans do not transmit Covid-19 virus to their pets.

    What is ACE2?

    Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, or ACE2, is a protein that Covid-19 virus attaches to so it can enter human cells to replicate (make copies of itself).

    Are Black people immune from Covid-19 because we have less ACE2?

    No. Black people can still acquire Covid-19, but the symptoms are usually mild to non-existent.

    I heard that a Black person died from Covid-19. Is that true?

    Yes. A few Black people have died from Covid-19 because they smoked or they had chronic illnesses such as cancer, AIDs, respiratory or heart problems.

    I have diabetes. Should I be concerned?

    Just like the flu, Covid-19 can drive your blood sugar up. Monitor your blood sugar and urine ketones if you're a diabetic Type 1. Be cautious adjusting your insulin dosage (if you take insulin). You should keep emergency carbohydrates on hand in case your blood sugar drops unexpectedly.

    I smoke a lot of weed. Should I be concerned?

    Yes. The data shows people who smoke or vape are in the high risk category.

    I ordered something on Amazon. It's shipping from China. Should I be concerned?

    No. According to the CDC, the virus doesn't survive long on packages or letters. The virus needs a host to survive. Covid-19 can survive up to 9 days on surfaces but only under laboratory conditions. A hot, stuffy UPS or FEDEX truck is not a laboratory condition.

    The CDC offers the following tips to avoid spreading the flu or Covid-19 virus:

    1. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
    2. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
    3. Avoid close contact with sick people
    4. Sneeze and cough into a tissue or your elbow
    5. Stay home if you are sick
    5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
    6. When in doubt consult with a healthcare professional
     

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.