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 - July 12
Happy summer! Hopefully, you’ve been able to enjoy a taste of the outdoors.
Although the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country with daily records highs being reported in many regions, Frederick County continues to see only modest COVID activity, As of July 12, Frederick County has reported 2,598 total cases and 120 deaths.
As of last week Frederick Health Hospital reported only 5 patients in isolation due to COVID, down significantly from March.This is due to many factors, including increased testing and people adhering to common sense recommendations to wear masks and practice physical distancing. That’s great, but it can also change rapidly - as seen in many communities that were previously unaffected but now have hospitals that are finding themselves overwhelmed.
The Current State of COVID Healthcare
COVID-19 is more prevalent than ever, and cases continue to rise in many areas. There are several reasons for this. Increased testing is uncovering more cases of asymptomatic people, but the scientific consensus is that the primary reason for alarming increase in COVID cases is the fact that people are not practicing physical distancing.
On the bright side, healthcare workers now have more experience taking care of patients with COVID-19 and understanding the illness the coronavirus causes. Although there is still no cure for COVID-19, several treatments have been found to be effective in supporting critically-ill patients. These include the antiviral drug remidesivir and the use of convalescent plasma antibodies derived from the blood of recovered patients. We also now understand what doesn’t work, including hydroxychloroquine.
Progress is also being made with the development of a COVID-19 vaccine. There are more than 150 under development, and several candidates have shown early promise, although a safe, effective and widely-available vaccine is still months away.
The Latest Word on Masks
By now, we’ve all figured out that masks are hot and uncomfortable… and necessary. Whether it’s a homemade cloth mask or disposable surgical mask, remember, they can protect others from your germs. It's important for everyone to participate.
Masks only work if worn properly, with both the nose and mouth being covered. To avoid glasses getting fogged up, use a mask that contours to the bridge of the nose. Although originally in short supply, surgical masks are more available and are more comfortable than most cotton masks. Avoid using N95 masks, which are still in short supply and very difficult to breathe through.
The general consensus is that masks are not necessary outdoors as long as you continue to observe physical distancing guidelines, i.e. stay at least six-feet apart from everyone other than people you live with.
Indoor/Outdoor Activities
It is now generally understood that the coronavirus is primarily transmitted via respiratory droplets in the air that are expelled by infected people when they breathe, talk, cough, etc. (this is why it is so important to wear a mask). It's also possible that COVID may spread via touching contaminated surfaces, but that is not currently thought to be a primary vector.
There is considerable evidence that the virus can also spread through air in tiny droplets called aerosols and may remain viable for hours. For this reason, it's really important to avoid crowded indoor and outdoor environments. Here are a few things we've personally witnessed in the last three weeks that should cause concern:
On Coastal Highway in Ocean City, Maryland, crowds of people without masks lined up outside of restaurants waiting to get in
At Rocky Gap State Park, multiple gatherings of 15-20 people without masks sitting together at picnic tables cooking, eating and sharing food
At Fenwick Island, Delaware, families with kids of all ages playing miniature golf at crowded courses.
Everyone has has to assess his or her own comfort level when determining acceptable risks. But here are some guidelines we'd suggest are worth your consideration:
DO NOT:
Eat indoors at any restaurant
Wait in crowded lines at any indoor environment (supermarkets, stores, etc.)
Attend outdoor gatherings of family or friends unless everyone stays six-feet apart and brings their own food. As stated recently by NIAID Director Anthony Fauci, "On the rare occasion when we have people over, we have them out on the deck, six feet apart, and we never have more than two people, and they are people who themselves are locked in. We wear masks, unless we are eating. We don’t share anything."
Fly
Go to an indoor gym
Hug, kiss or shake hands with anyone you do not live with (sorry).
DO:
Exercise at home or outdoors in uncrowded areas
Shop at off hours
Get carryout, curbside pickup or, if you must, eat at a restaurant that has outdoor seating in which tables are at least six-feet apart
Always wear a mask except when you're home or outdoors in uncrowded areas, and encourage others to do that same.
Testing
Testing is now widely available to anyone with or without symptoms. The PCR test, otherwise known as “The Swab,” detects the presence of the active virus in an individual regardless of whether he or she is experiencing symptoms.
Many testing centers are available, including selected CVS and Walmart locations. Frederick Health Hospital continues to operate its testing center at:
1 Frederick Health Way
Frederick, MD 21701
(Near the Walmart on Route 26)
Daily from 7:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Test results are usually back in 3-5 days, depending on the availability of testing chemicals. Personally, I went through the Frederick Health testing center several weeks ago and found the process impressively simple. (I’m fine, I just had spring allergies but wanted to be safe.)
Anyone who has been in large crowds or has any concerns should get a test. Identifying and contact tracing every case is the only way to suppress the virus locally.
Our Office
We are continuing to see patients virtually or in-office depending on the situation. For the safety of our staff and patients, anyone with symptoms will be required to be tested for COVID-19 before coming to the office.
We have instituted some new protocols for the safety of our staff and other patients. We ask that you:
Call before coming to the office. We will determine the most appropriate way to manage your visit in advance. In some cases, this may mean arranging a televisit, or even getting checked out in your vehicle.
Wear a face covering when coming into the office.
Check your temperature before coming to the office and report any fever to the staff when you call.
Do not enter the office if you are sick. Call the office from your car and you will be instructed by the staff on how to proceed.
Leave extra coats, bags and personal items in your car.
Don’t hesitate to call for any medical concerns. We’re here to help!
Odds and Ends
We still don't know if having antibodies will prevent you from getting COVID, but if you have received an antibody test that shows you have IgG antibodies, consider donating some plasma for treatment of critically-ill patients.
Speaking of blood donating, the Red Cross is experiencing critical shortages of all types of blood, so please contact the Red Cross if you are healthy and able! It is truly the gift of life!
Looking for a great way to enjoy the sunshine and get a healthy delicious treat? Check out Frog Eye Farm. This is an organic blueberry farm located near Boonsboro. Blueberries are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. They’re great frozen for a treat all year. I took quite a few home, but there are still plenty left.
Thank you for all the positive feedback you've sent regarding these newsletters. Feel free to share them with others. Back issues can be found on our website.
Sincerely:
Martha Pierce, M.D.
Ali Afrookteh, M.D.
a healthy delicious treat? Check out 