Dear Patients,

It's another Friday and today I want address some recent questions I've received by reviewing some facts as we know them today; they may be different from yesterday and may change again tomorrow.

• This is primarily a respiratory virus.

• tay home if you are coughing or sneezing or if you have other symptoms such as loss of taste or smell, fever, chills, or achy. And be sure to call me.

• A sneeze or cough sends out lots of particles.

• Face masks can decrease transmission from person to person so wear one whenever you are out of your safe zone.

• N-95 masks (that fit properly) are for high-risk situations such as for health care workers taking care of COVID+ people or taking care of high-risk patients.

• Yes, we can demonstrate that under certain conditions, the particles can travel >20', but this was under lab conditions.

• Yes, we can demonstrate that objects and surfaces can become contaminated with low levels of virus.

• Yes, in the lab, the virus can live on surfaces for up to 3 days; this is a very unlikely way to get the infection.

• Yes, you can pick it up from a contaminated object, but if you wash your hands and do not touch your face, your risk is low; wearing a face mask helps decrease the chance of touching your face.

• Direct sunlight kills the virus quickly! You can decontaminate any object by placing it outside in direct sunlight for 5 minutes.

• Be careful in public bathrooms. Yes, COVID has been found in toilets. It is likely not a great mode of transmission but be sure to wear your face mask in a public bathroom. To be extra careful, turn around after flushing.

• When using an elevator, push the button with a pen or key, and afterwards, use hand sanitizer.

• No handshaking, hugs or kisses unless you are with a family member or significant other who has been following safety protocols.

• The majority of people who get the infection won't have any symptoms (50%) or mild symptoms (30%).

• Hydroxychloroquine may have a role in the early treatment of infection.

• Remdesivir may have an impact if used early.

• People taking blood pressure and heart medications who are on ACE and ARBs are safe to continue using them.

• People who are using Advil, Aleve, and prescription anti-inflammatories are safe to continue using them.

• Take Vitamin D, at least 2000 units per day.

• The most vulnerable people are those in nursing facilities; the people who take care of them need protection.

• Eat well, exercise regularly (not too much, not too little), get outside in the sun for 20-30 minutes each day, and get restorative sleep to boost your immune system.

• Stay calm, have gratitude for what you have, and give kindness to those in need.

The numbers:

Maryland:   36,986 cases -/- 1,792 deaths -/- 4.8% fatality rate

Greater than 50% of the deaths in Maryland have been nursing facility residents.

The Maryland Rt was updated this afternoon and is 0.96 (stable); the lower the better.

Diagnostics and Therapeutics: Nothing new to report.

On a lighter note:

Reach out. Stay connected. Stay home. Save lives. The power of one. Be well.

Harry A. Oken, M.D.