I never learned to intubate, only suctioned a dummy, and can’t start an IV. Procedures are not my strong suit. The skills I pride myself on — diagnostics, well visits and health screenings,  follow-up of chronic health conditions, and communication, aren’t particularly useful in the thick of the pandemic. I’m sure they will be again, but for now, I try to use my training to make sense of the science and to advise friends and family when they ask. Or in the case, of my children, even when they don’t.

Before I go on, a caveat: this information should not take the place of consulting with your health care provider. Especially if you are vulnerable due to a compromised immune system, age or other health conditions, you should follow expert advice to the letter and err on the side of caution. The CDC and local department of health websites are excellent sources for timely information about best practices for protecting your health in this changing situation. Think of this as my attempt to share, in layman’s terms, what I believe, and what I am doing currently for my own well-being.  

In terms of the science, there is so much unknown. When I first started hearing about the virus’s infectiousness, I questioned whether it was spread solely via droplets as was being reported.  The way the virus has spread appears more like a hybrid of droplet and airborne contagion. Both tuberculosis and chicken pox spread through the air, which explains why they are so very contagious. We’ve also learned that duration of exposure and dose of virus particles are key to whether you are going to get infected, and perhaps how ill you will become. Of course, age and other health conditions also play a role. But we have seen young, healthy people get very sick and even die, while some nonagenarians survive. And then there are questions about genetic immunity, whether it’s blood type or some other genetic determinant that makes the lungs more susceptible to the havoc Covid !9 can wreak. We will understand so much more of this in time, but for now here’s what I do, and suggest others do to be safe without going crazy.

When you leave your home: Always have a mask that covers your nose and mouth ready, in case you cannot maintain a distance of at least six feet. I am a runner and hate running with a mask on – it makes me gag. But I have one around my neck before I venture out for a run and if there’s a chance I will come closer than 6 feet to someone, I put it on. Always wear a mask when entering an enclosed space. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. And wash your hands for 20 seconds as soon as you enter your home.

Grocery shopping. From what we think we understand at this point, the risk of contracting the virus is inversely proportional to the amount of time exposed and the dose of the virus – ie, whether you are exposed to copious secretions of an ill person up close. So masked, socially-distanced-grocery shopping is not as risky as we once thought it was, as long as you take precautions. Have a list and be efficient so you can limit your time. Sanitize your cart. Use hand sanitizer once you are back in the car, or when your leave the store, if you are walking.

Taking in mail and packages. While the virus has been said to exist on surfaces up to 72 hours in ideal conditions, keep in mind that conditions outside the lab are not ideal and viruses are notoriously fragile. At the onset of the pandemic, I used to leave the mail and packages on a table for 48 hours. Now I am not as worried so I am just careful to thoroughly wash my hands after handing deliveries.

So far these are all caveats, and isn’t it tiring to always hear what not to do?

Here are activities and routines that help me feel better during this stressful and uncertain time: Maintaining a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule. Not overdoing it with the alcohol. Exercising vigorously 3-5 days a week and getting outside every day.  Plus limiting the times I check news and social media during the day.

These are the health-related items I tell my friends and family to have on hand: A thermometer, acetaminophen, and a pulse oximeter to measure your oxygen level if you get sick. This last item will help your health care provider determine how your lungs are functioning and whether you might need to go to the hospital for breathing assistance. A spirometer is also a good thing to have to exercise your lungs if you are sick. You likely used one if you’ve ever had surgery. All of these items are available on-line and some at drugstores.

Okay, what else? I for one have been trying to live more in the moment, not a natural thing for me. Setting some time aside to meditate, or just breathe slowly and let your mind wander. Just a few minutes will help and is worth it no matter how busy your lock-down life is with work, childcare, school. Plan things for which you can look forward with happy anticipation. A walk in the park, a game or book. And yes, this is the time to binge watch for entertainment. Definitely schedule virtual meetups with friends and relatives even if they feel artificial at first.

Looking ahead. Yes, things are loosening up, for sure. The other day we had our first social event in real life since the lockdown. We sat on our next door neighbors’ open deck at our own table at least 6 feet away from theirs and we brought our own libations. But no masks since we were outdoors. It felt incredibly liberating. We will plan similar gatherings, but at this point, always outside and socially distanced. We might consider sharing food in certain situations but will be especially assiduous about hand disinfecting and not touching ones face. That’s it for now. Stay well.

All rights reserved. © 2020 by Eileen Healy Carlsen