Tweet Chat 02 – Q & A – Monday, 18th May 2020

June 3, 2020

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The text version of the Q&As are below
Q1: Have seen people using disposable gloves and then applying hand sanitizer on to the gloves. Is this right?
@Together_VCAN @TheHealthspring #AskHealthspring

A1: Yes this is fine, and is recommended.
@TheHealthspring #AskHealthspring

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Q2: We have been told that the right way to dispose off disposable masks is to follow the biomedical waste rules or then burn it and dispose the ashes in the garbage bin. What about disposable gloves?
@TheHealthspring #AskHealthspring @Together_VCAN

A2: Gloves and masks need to be disposed as per biomedical rules. However current guidelines for general public is to use reusable cloth masks. 2 sets are advised so that 1 can be washed while the other is used.
Hand washing would still remain essential criteria. Remember to do it before wearing the face cover. Face covers should not be thrown anywhere but kept safely, washed properly with soap & hot water & dried properly before they are re-used.
@TheHealthspring #AskHealthspring

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Q3: There is a video doing the rounds that mentions that it takes approx 30 minutes of contact for the Corona virus to hit home and so even if you touch someone (or something) for 5 minutes you may not “catch” it! Is this true?
#AskHealthspring @Together_VCAN @TheHealthspring

A3: Getting an infection depends both on the amount of exposure (the total virus entering the body) & the time of exposure. So exposure to a high load of virus can happen in a short time, & prolonged exposure to the virus even in low doses are sufficient to give infection.
#AskHealthspring @TheHealthspring

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Q4: The Ayush Ministry and recently the @myBMC too, has been advocating the active use of Homeopathic formulations like Arsenic Album 30. How effective are these? Should people be taking this without consultation or supervision?

A4: There is no scientific data to support this yet. However many experimental treatment strategies are being tested across the world and this is one of them. We will know in due course of time how successful these clinical trials are.
#AskHealthspring @TheHealthspring

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Q5: Why is this virus spreading so much at dharavi. What is the main reason?

A5: There is very high population density in such places, (approx. 1.5 lakh people per sq km), hence social distancing is not possible, leading to faster spread of the disease.
#AskHealthspring @TheHealthspring

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Q6: Is this contagious and if normal people have cold cough also should go for a test?

A6: Cough and cold are not the main symptoms of the infection and immediate testing is not advised. You could speak to our health experts @TheHealthspring or take our symptom quiz to understand your risk and what you should do next. See these images.

#AskHealthspring @TheHealthspring

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Q7: When is it safe for a 66yr old with no co morbidity to attend her eye clinic? The husband has many co morbidities. When approx could routine or semi emergency surgeries start?

A7: No it is not advised that such activities should be started now. Resumption of surgery will have to wait till there is a significant reduction in the rate of infection.

#AskHealthspring @TheHealthspring

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Q8: Hundreds of people die of TB everyday. Yet we live it. On an average every other person is affected by TB. Our immune system is fighting with it.

A8: Yes that’s true. TB killed approx 4.5 lakh people in India in 2018. Also TB has been around humans since the beginning of civilization, so we have developed some immunity to it. In India the BCG vaccine given at birth also helps to boost our immunity to TB.

#AskHealthspring

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Q9: My main question is about part time helpers / drivers … who stay in hutment / or rented room facilities housing 10 or more. Will it not create a problem if we reinstate them?

A9: It is mandatory to check the temperature (by using the infrared thermometer) of anyone entering any building or society complex. Their hands also need to be sanitized before they enter. They also should be wearing masks.

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Q10: According to articles and experts, our mobile screen is also a good transmission source for COVID-19. How to clean that when we reach home back from hospital?

A10: Mobile screens should be cleaned, every time you return from a public space, using soft cotton pad/cloth dampened with a little hand sanitizer. Avoid sharing your mobile phone with others. Restrict use of mobile phones in public places.

#AskHealthspring @TheHealthspring

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Q11: Do we need to be more carefull when we go home from work place. I am an Optometrist and we have our OPD running. So what precautions need to be taken?

A11: Remove footwear at the door, remove external clothing, take a bath & put on fresh clothes. Soak external clothes for a couple of hours with soap before washing them. Watches, specs, mobiles need to be wiped down with soft cotton cloth dampened with sanitizer.

#AskHealthspring

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Q12: How do we ensure hygiene from e-commerce delivered products post lockdown?

A12: Here is how you need to handle groceries, takeouts and deliveries.

@TheHealthspring #AskHealthspring

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Q13: Is fasting and dieting in this time of pandemic can be fatal?

A13: Fasting is not recommended for anyone who has any disease or illness. Please speak to a qualified professional before undertaking any diet plan.

#AskHealthspring @TheHealthspring

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Q14: What precautions do we need to take when we resume and reopen our workplaces?

A14: There are a lot of aspects to be considered. Please see the attached image which has a few steps and also feel free to take professional advice.

#AskHealthspring @TheHealthspring

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Q15: Do you think it is better to safeguard/quarantine Seniors and chronic ill patients instead of just the following lockdown for the entire community? Our high density population will travel in any way from Red to Orange/Green to Red area

A15: The guideline is clear that senior citizens and ill patients have to stay at home. This is in conjunction with the other lockdown processes in place. Even after lockdown is relaxed, these people will have to continue to be careful.

All our articles are periodically updated.