Dr. Mark Povroznik, chief quality officer and doctor of infectious control at United Hospital Center/WVU Medicine, has answered the following questions regarding COVID-19 preventive measures:

 

Tylenol vs Advil?

My recommendation has always been to start with Tylenol (acetaminophen) unless contraindicated, those with liver disease.

 

As it relates to Covid-19, some French doctors previously advised against using ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, many generic versions) based on reports of otherwise healthy people with confirmed COVID-19 who were taking an NSAID for symptom relief and developed a severe illness, especially pneumonia. These are only observations and not based on scientific studies. More data will be needed to determine if there was a true connection or coincidental.

 

The World Health Organization initially recommended using acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen to help reduce fever and aches and pains related to this coronavirus infection, but now states that either acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used.

 

Changes in recommendations do create uncertainty. While we await more evidence to suggest otherwise, it would seem prudent to choose Tylenol (Acetaminophen) first with a total daily dose not exceeding 3,000 milligrams per day. Should it not be effective to relieve your fever, or you have reached the maximum daily dose without symptom relief, then try Advil or Ibuprofen.

 

Is there truth that a loss of sense of smell could be a symptom of the virus?

There is evidence that suggests a lost sense of smell, known medically as anosmia, may be a symptom of COVID-19. This is not surprising, because viral infections have been known to cause of loss of sense of smell. It is not a symptom that everyone experiences, but certainly one to be aware of. It could be helpful to the healthcare team to identify people who do not have other symptoms, but who "might be" infected with the COVID-19 virus — and are otherwise asymptomatic.

 

To summarize reliable resources since the outbreak of Covid-19:

 

But don't panic...A loss of smell can also result from allergies (Which will soon be starting for many!) as well as other viruses, including rhinoviruses that cause the common cold, which is in circulation this time of year.

 

Bottom line...Anosmia alone does not mean you have COVID-19. However, until we know more, tell your doctor right away if you find yourself newly unable to smell. He or she may prompt you to get tested and to self-isolate.

 

Can COVID-19 germs be transmitted through the mail?

The New England Journal of Medicine is a reputable source of information. One study did reveal the coronavirus can live on cardboard for 24 hours and on stainless steel and plastic for up to to three (3) days. Hence the importance of wiping down common high touch surfaces, counter tops, phone cases, doorknobs, computer keyboards and the like.

 

But what about the common mail? For the most part, its likely "no". Is it impossible? That would also be a "no."

 

The likelihood of COVID-19 being shipped from China to the US aboard a box is unlikely. How about the neighborhood mail delivery system? The likelihood here is very low, but not non-existent. The conditions packages go through may also make it more difficult for the virus to survive...simply based on the length of time the package is in shipping (which is not the same as a laboratory environment). Even if the package had been contaminated with coronavirus, the primary way the coronavirus spreads is via direct contact with the respiratory droplets of those who are showing symptoms.

 

Theoretically, if your mail carrier is ill, they can pass the virus to you. Should a package start out from across the world with a hitch hiker called COVID-19, it is most likely its transmission trip would end long before the package made it to your doorstep.

And even if it did, presence is not the same as transmission.

 

For now, play it safe. Simply wash your hands often and keep them away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

 

What I've recognized thus far regarding recent cases...which is far more realistic... involves travel to areas outside of WV, entertaining guests and family members who traveled to areas where there is widespread transmission AND/OR participation in large social gatherings. Regardless of the location or purpose behind the gathering, social distancing remains paramount. Or look at it this way...Viruses LOVE a party just as much as we do. Not funny, just the facts!

 

When revealing your travel history...it need not include the most distant letter from a friend. But it should include those in close contact to you, not limited to your personal travels.

 

Stay healthy. Stay tuned to the facts. Don't ignore what has been echoed from across the globe as the main means of transmission.

 

Effective hand hygiene is so important to prevent spread of infectious viruses and bacteria. To do so involves not having a special watch or bracelet in the way or a ring to hide pathogens. On most days it’s not critical to change the norm. However, for me and my wife, it starts tonight. We both represent and deliver healthcare, and our hospitals need us to be healthy! We agree our commitment to each other started long before these rings. I never thought I would take it off, not even when working in the garden. Times change and prevention trumps keeping the family safe. So, we are going Bare to the Elbows! Perhaps not necessary for everyone, but our exposure is a reasonable concern...a day with her is worth more than an ounce of gold! Bare to the Elbows! No fashion statements...just clean hands!