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PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Concerned about coronavirus? You're not alone.
KYW Newsradio medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough answers all of your coronavirus-related questions below.
Q: I'm greatly concerned about people making their own masks. Are they safe? Will they keep out the virus?
A: Here's the bottom line: Even the best masks, the N95s used in the hospital setting, are not perfect, if used inappropriately. For instance, if I go into the room of a patient who is COVID-19 positive and am wearing the mask and appropriate gear, I am protecting myself. But if I touch the front of the mask taking it off, I can infect myself. Homemade masks are not meant for patient care, and they certainly are not providing 100% protection. But, they can protect others if you happen to have the virus and don't have symptoms yet, because even when you are speaking, there is a small spray that can go from person-to-person.
Q: It's been told that food in the freezer can't actually harbor the virus and keep it alive. Do we need to be extra careful taking things out of the freezer that have been in there and possibly were contaminated before we even realized all this new information?
A: Refrigerated foods, especially foods that have been in the freezer for one day or more, are highly unlikely to spread COVID-19. it is extremely difficult for the virus to survive in those conditions. But I also don't want to cause a sense of false security. Anytime you are eating food or cooking or removing a container, make sure you wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If you are staying inside and practicing social distancing while outside, you reduce your chances of exposure dramatically. Another important point: As we move further into this process, it may be frustrating, but you can't lose your patience.
Q: Can you recommend any exercises to do now to strengthen our respiratory system to avoid or fight the coronavirus, should it hit individuals in the next few days or weeks?
A: There is no specific exercise that can help a person avoid the respiratory complications associated with coronavirus. However, there is no doubt that exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet are extremely important in the long run, because if you get the virus, you are dealing from a position of strength. Over the years, I can tell you that without a doubt patients who enter the hospital in better condition fare far better than those who are in worse condition. There is another important point to remember: We will get past COVID-19, and if you are at home and have additional time to exercise and can make lifestyle changes, there is no better time than the present. Exercise also helps with anxiety.
Q: Since tap water can't get drugs and certain things that are defined out of the water, should we boil tap water before drinking it? Will the virus stay active in tap water?
A: There have been no warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about tap water. In fact, most public water is filtered, and chemicals are used to kill unwanted organisms. But there is a very important point to remember when you are talking about tap water — or anything that you are drinking. It is very important to not share drinks with anyone, including close family members. Remember, people can spread the virus when they do not have symptoms. An infected individual can touch a glass or bottle and spread the infection, and obviously sharing a drink also increases exposure.
Q: If the coronavirus ever hit North Korea, there's so much news in every other area except that one. How far did it go?
A: The news from certain countries, including North Korea, is controlled by the government and it is highly unreliable. Recently, there have been reports that the data from China has been inaccurate. From a scientific standpoint, it is safe to say that countries across the globe cannot avoid COVID-19 because it is so easily spread and because it can be spread so easily when people do not have any symptoms. Even in countries like the United States, where there is a free flow of information, numbers can be inaccurate due to lack of consistent testing or waiting for results. The way I am approaching the situation: Make it simpler. Realize that each and every one of us is at risk and we need to do all we can to reduce the risk of infection.
