Question

Both Mr. & Mrs. Smith have a productive cough, slight sore throat (probably from coughing), and no other symptoms. They are concerned about their possible exposure of being on the plane and with the uncle who passed away from COVID. They emailed today, their clinician, and ask the following questions:

1. Can you order the tests so that we can be screened for COVID-19?
2. We babysit our 20 month old grand-daughter and we also visit our 88 y.o. elderly parents twice a week, can we continue to babysit and visit our elderly parents?
3. Do we need to self-quarantined?

How will you respond to the above questions?

Answer 1

COVID 19 is a deadly infection caused by SARS CoV 2 virus. It is highly contagious and the symptoms range from sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, breathing difficulty and respiratory failure. Early detection through screening and interventions are necessary to treat and stop the infection.
# As both Mr and Mrs Smith have symptoms of sore throat and cough as well history of recent travel by air they should be screened for COVID 19. They also have the history of contact with COVID 19 positive patient. These factors make Mr and Mrs Smith eligible for early screen for COVID 19 so that they can be provided with needed interventions and stop the spread of infection.
# The coronavirus infection is highly contagious and spreads quickly to those with low immunity. Children do mot have a highly developed immune system and can catch the infection easily. Elderly people also have a compromised immune system. So Mr and Mrs Smith should completely stop visiting their grand daughter and parents till the results come out negative.
# COVID 19 spreads very quickly through direct and indirect contact. It can spread through inhalation of infected droplets released in the air through coughing and sneezing of infected person as well. There is no cure or vaccines available for the disease. Isolation or self quarantine of thd infected person is the only way to break the chain of infection and stop the infection from further spread. So it is necessary for Mr and Mrs Smith to self quarantine themselves.