Mid-Maryland Internal Medicine
187 Thomas Johnson Dr., #4
Frederick, MD 21702 Tel: (240) 651-0420
Ali Afrookteh, MD
Martha Pierce, MD
Mid-Maryland Internal Medicine
Coronavirus Update - April 27
Dear Friends,
Just when you think you have heard it all, we must remind people in light of recent news not to drink, inject, inhale or let your body come in contact with bleach or other disinfectants meant for household cleaning. The Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) received more than 100 calls last week from people asking about using disinfectants to treat COVID-19, prompting it to send out a message on social media warning against such use. Speaking of which, the MEMA website has a COVID-19 rumor control page, that is updated frequently and covers Maryland-specific as well we more general rumors. To Clean or Disinfect . . . that is the Question
(This article was written before the President’s comments on Friday)
According to the CDC: “Based on what is currently known about COVID-19, spread from person-to-person of this virus happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet). This type of transmission occurs via respiratory droplets. On the other hand, transmission of novel coronavirus to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented.”
That’s important information as we look forward to relaxing isolation guidelines.
Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. It does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
Disinfecting refers to using chemicals, for example, EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
That's why it's important for places that experience a lot of social interaction (like grocery stores) to both clean and disinfect.
As for home use, care must be taken with the handling of any disinfecting product, to avoid contact irritation with the skin, or induce respiratory inflammation by inhalation. It is critical not to mix household cleaning products that contain ammonia with bleach of any kind, as it can result in toxic fumes that can be lethal.
The contact information for the Poison Help Hotline:
Phone: 1-800-222-1222
Text “poison” to 797979
In Our Office
Mid-Maryland Internal Medicine remains open for business. We are booking in-office visits for routine follow-ups and exams as needed. Don’t hesitate to call for any medical concerns. We’re here to help!
Mid-Maryland Internal Medicine has always employed the strictest standards of cleanliness in our office. Our staff and cleaning service are redoubling their efforts to clean and disinfect every exam room after every use. Thanks to our limited patient panels and flexibility of telemedicine we are confident that we are providing the safest environment for our patients and staff possible.
A Pandemic Glossary Part 2: What? Another Biology Lesson?
I must admit, I find it rather intimidating to know that my former Hood professors are reading this. (You know who you are!)
Trying to understand the various antibody tests that are hitting the market is confusing and the tests themselves can potentially lead people to think they are protected when they are still vulnerable. In any case, the world seems to be getting a crash course on virology and the immune response; people may be reading about IgM and IgG immunoglobulins for the first time. These are the disease-neutralizing proteins made by our body’s immune system after exposure to a disease or vaccination. and can be detected by antibody tests.
IgM antibodies: Produced in the early phase of the illness and are first to appear, usually 3-14 days after exposure while a patient is still theoretically contagious.
IgG antibodies: are produced later, around day 14 from exposure and are the longer lasting antibodies that theoretically protect us from reinfection.
Here are just some reasons why there are so many questions about COVID-19 antibody tests:
Scientists are not sure how long it takes for a body to develop COVID-19 IgM antibodies. That means a person could test negative even if he or she actively has the infection.
No one knows how long COVID-19 IgG antibodies last. That means a person could potentially have COVID-19 and recover, and a test conducted a month later may find no evidence of antibodies.
We also don’t know yet whether COVID-19 IgG antibodies confer protection. So it is possible that a person could have COVID-19, have IgG antibodies, and still be susceptible to getting sick again.
Fomites: Some popular news outlets, including NewsWeek magazine, have started throwing around the term Fomite Transmission. Fomites are objects (like door handles, tissue paper, waiting room magazines) on which viruses can be present.
About the MOLST Form
It’s never easy to talk about death and dying, but an honest discussion about your advance directives with your family and doctor is always a good idea. The Maryland MOLST form is a long-term medical order form that covers options for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other life-sustaining treatments in the event you are not able to communicate your wishes.
The State of Maryland has instructed all primary care physicians to initiate these discussions with their patients. Most members of Mid-Maryland Internal Medicine are already familiar with this. Please call your physician if you would like to review this in more detail.
https://MyDirectives.com online directory where patients can be educated and completed on-line forms that are stored on CRISP for any hospital or provider to access
Wear Some Frederick SWAG and Support Your Favorite Restaurant
Local designer Sue Hough of Octavo Designs has created a series of food-themed t-shirts with the profits going to help keep our local eateries afloat. You can see and order them on her website. We couldn’t make it through this without you Sumittra!
Dr. Pierce with her Octavo Designs shirt.
Sincerely:
Martha Pierce, M.D.
Ali Afrookteh, M.D.
