Doctor Abha, M.D.
Double Masking
- Ensure that the surgical mask is double layered and fits snugly under the chin, over the nose and against the face without gaps. Looping the straps around the ears and knotting it may be helpful. Such techniques are 96.5% effective at preventing transmission. There are new guidelines out by the CDC suggesting two masks may be better than one. A well fitted surgical mask with a cloth overlay.
The UK Variant
- A variant that first surfaced in the UK in September of 2020 known as B 1.1.7. is here in the US in over half of the states; Sunday, Feb 7, we were alerted to its presence in Kent County.
- This UK variant is different from the original virus in that a) it is more easily passed on/transmissible making the virus b) more infectious. C) we do not know that the variant is more deadly d) presently, we have no reason to believe that current vaccines are incapable of dealing with the UK variant
- The variant’s heightened transmissibility means that asymptomatic carriage is all the more concerning – the period during which the host doesn’t know they harbor the virus and could thus pass it on to many more people.
- Just as we have seen a flattening of the curve – which means a relief on the health care system and hospitalizations and deaths, we could see a reversal of these numbers. This makes reenforcing the rules that much more real – do not let the guard down. MASK. Avoid crowds. Furthermore: if the numbers start to rise, we will undergo setbacks that will further dishearten people and the economy – closures of bars, businesses, and schools.
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
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- Requires one dose at this point. The study involved 45,000 volunteers across ages and races.
- Can be kept in the refrigerator / does not require ultracold freezers. This has major implications for communities where getting ultracold freezers is not feasible.
- Trial is completed here in the US and they have appealed to the FDA for Emergency Use Authorization – EUA has been granted.
- It is 85% effective at preventing serious disease. No deaths were seen. No allergic reactions like anaphylaxis were observed. It is 72% effective overall in the US. No hospitalizations. No deaths were seen.
Healthful Living
Healthful living is a choice and a lifestyle to include exercise, hydration, and adequate sleep.
Mindfulness
Download an App such as CALM – a 10 minute daily guided breathing exercise.
Physician Appointments
Do not avoid your physician appointments – to the contrary, attention to hypertension, diabetes, weight, sleep apnea, COPD. smoking and physical well being is more urgent than ever before.
Mental Health
Mental Health is of paramount importance. Getting sleep and meditating, walking, exercise are all stimulators of mental wellbeing. But do not be afraid to talk to your caring doctor about the need for a therapist, an antidepressant, or tools for getting through these tough times.
