COVID-19 Q&A

Dr. Sebastian Ruhs, our Interim CMO, says, based on the current data that no, you likely cannot. The virus is not airborne.

A very hypothetical (and unlikely) situation where this might be possible would be if the window is level with very heavy pedestrian traffic and a person, with COVID-19, were to sneeze or cougy directly into the window. VERY unlikely.

This is a good question and a little tricky. The symptoms are very much like symptoms of many other viruses and could be signs of the flu. Typical symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever around 100 degrees, dry cough, and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.  Other symptoms do show for some people, but these three symptoms are involved in a majority of cases.

Things like sinus pressure, sinus pain, runny nose - these symptoms are not typical of COVID-19. 

Dr. Sebastian Ruhs, Interim Chief Medical Officer, and Mary Stagg, Infection Preventionist, have more information on the virus itself.

Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath are fairly non-specific kinds of symptom.  We can become short of breath or have difficulty breathing after running, exercise, and when we're anxious!

BUT if you are not doing much of anything, feel unwell, have a cough, have a fever or feel feverish, and you can't catch your breath/feel like you can't take in a deep breath - talk with your provider.

And, remember, panic and anxiety can cause shortness of breath; it's a normal response to fear. Please don't think that panic or anxiety is something to not take seriously. The feeling is real, though! Anxiety is important to discuss, too - so please contact a therapist or someone you can trust to help you deal with your anxiety.

For individuals with HIV, continuing to take medications, keep in touch with your provider, and keeping your viral loads low and CD4 counts high are key. Dr. Sebastian Ruhs presents more information for individuals with HIV in the video below.

Yes, we've heard a lot in the news about higher risk groups - the groups that may have more complications if they get COVID-19. What makes the risk is when the underlying health issue is uncontrolled. For example, if you have diabetes and you are maintaining your medication and wellness regimen and your blood sugar is controlled, your risks are lower. If your blood sugar levels are not under controll, you may be a higher risk.

The good news is: as long as you wash your hands after handling the cardboard box, you will be okay. Yes, the virus lives on surfaces for different amounts of times. However, it cannot penetrate our unbroken skin. The biggest concern when handling any object is that you may TOUCH YOUR FACE. Remember, touching your face enables the germs to get into your nose, mouth, or eyes. So, wash your hands well - and for at least 20 seconds - after touching boxes or other surfaces.

Anxiety about the future is normal and one of the things we have to do for ourselves is to find a way to accept it. Some important tips for managing this anxiety:

• Take time to disconnect from the news - get your information and then take a break. 
• Ensure you are getting your information from TRUSTWORTHY sources - CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), reputable news sources, your provider.
• Work on your breathing. Breathe deep into your diaphragm. Hold that breath for a moment...it's immediately calming. How do you know if you got the air into your diaphragm? Your belly will expand. If your SHOULDERS RISE and YOUR CHEST expands, you probably didn't get that breath to your gut. Placing your hand on your belly while you breathe is a good way to focus. 
•  Having trouble stopping that 'hamster wheel' thinking? Look around you. Notice 10 things and name them. Just notice them and name them.
• GET INTO YOUR HOBBIES!!! Draw, write, walk....

Joseph Magness, PhD, Staff Therapist, and Nalini Sookdeo, LCSW-C, Staff Therapist, have provided more thoughts on dealing with anxiety in this video below.

It's important to be honest with your kids. They know something is going on - so explain it. But don't get too deep into the "weeds" of the issues. Be realistic, stick to the facts, then manage the information for them. Don't HIDE it. It's happening and being truthful is key. Information is HELPFUL - they can adapt and learn and grow.

Maisha Davis, LCSW-C has more tips in this video below.

Isolation has always been an issue for our community. LGBTQ individuals struggle with family issues, with fear of discrimination in healthcare, and with multiple other barriers that make us more vulnerable during crises like this. Randall Leonard, LCSW-C, Staff Therapist, offers their advice and tips for dealing with anxiety and isolation during this pandemic.

When you ask yourself this, you might want to just call for help - call someone you trust or call a therapist. You can also call national hotlines like: The Trevor Hotline (The Trevor Project), the National Suicide Hotline (you don't have to be suicidal to call - they're there for you): 1-800-273-8255.

If you are in an abusive relationship, do not stay because you are in a stay-at-home situation. Reach out and get help: House Of Ruth Maryland, Inc. or National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.

Maisha Davis: Stay connected; stay informed with factual information; filter your info - don't oversaturate; do things that inspire you - books, movies, music!, praying, you choose!, virtual dance parties!; find your thing!

Dr. Sebastian Ruhs: Don't panic; don't overwhelm yourself with half-truth information; get your meds refilled (!) and have a little stock at home (we're all good there, no shortage!).

Randall Leonard: You are BEAUTIFULLY CREATIVE!. Show and feel your emotions - your emotions matter and exist for a reason - so now is a good time to allow yourself to express your emotions - cry, create, draw, write, do something productive (not harmful) with your feelings; allow yourself to feel fear, sadness, etc., and allow yourself to be happy too! Stuffing emotions is dangerous to your health.