Page 66 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2020

HEALTHY LIVING
with Dr. Loukatos
COVID-19
Q&A
George Loukatos, M.D.
As we move into our fth month of dealing with the Coronavirus epidemic, many of us still nd ourselves looking for answers. While we have learned a lot about COVID-19 over the past few months, many uncertainties remain. Now, as the Mississippi Gulf Coast looks towards re-opening, questions abound on what we can do to keep our community safe. Here are some of the most common questions that I am hearing, with my best answers given the information on hand at this time.
ALPHA CARE
Q: How bad is this virus, really?
A: As of the date that this article is being written (first week of May), coronavirus deaths in the United States have now exceeded 75,000, making it officially more deadly than any flu season on record. There have been over 1.25 million confirmed cases, making the national fatality rate about 6%. While we believe that there are many more cases that have not been diagnosed, which would dilute the fatality rate, the fact remains that this virus is quite deadly, and we will continue to see many more deaths in the months to come. The most severely affected remain the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Q: What is the role of testing as we re-open?
A: Understanding who has had the virus, who is potentially still shedding the virus, and who may have some degree of immunity will be imperative information to have as we send people back into the workplace. Most of this data is coming from antibody testing, which is currently being offered at multiple clinics and hospitals across the Gulf Coast. Antibody testing tells us who has had the virus, even if they are no longer shedding the virus or having symptoms. Protocols are being developed to use a combination of antibody screening and PCR testing (nasopharyngeal swabs) to allow employers to screen their employees prior to returning to work.
URGENT CARE
Q: What can I do to protect my family as we re-open?
A: We are all anxious to get back to normal, but we should continue to take precautions to protect not only ourselves, but those around us. Continued use of masks, while not popular, is the best way to prevent the spread of the disease. Vigilant hand washing, keeping a 6 foot distance from others, and avoiding large crowds should continue. It
is also important for the elderly and those with chronic conditions
to continue to practice more vigilant social distancing, as they are at highest risk. And of course, if you are not feeling well, please stay home!
921 Cedar Lake Rd., Ste. E, Biloxi 228.396.3945
1113 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs (228) 300-5945 www.alphacareurgentcare.com
66 | June 2020
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CASE FATALITY RATES BY AGE AND RELATED CONDITIONS
Patients who report no underlying medical conditions – 0.9%
Patients 60-69 years old – 3.6 % Patients 70-79 years old – 8% Patients 80 and over – 14.8% Patients with cardiovascular
disease – 10.5%
Patients with diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, hypertension, and cancer – 6.5%