Our Thoughts on Social Distancing during a Pandemic

As a board certified physician with a MS in Epidemiology (Public Health), I wholeheartedly support the practice of social distancing to help flatten the curve as it relates to COVID-19. There is no current treatment for COVID-19, and the only way to “treat” it is to prevent it’s transmission. COVID-19 affects the lungs causing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a severe condition that requires use of a ventilator and may result in death. The incidence of the disease continues to rise, which will eventually overburden our health care system. The United States is unfortunately acting in a retroactive manner rather than a proactive one. We can avoid the fatality seen in Italy by staying home as much as possible.

Further prevention includes hand washing with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding contact with individuals with symptoms or compromised immune systems, staying home if you feel ill. There are several accounts of individuals being affected by COVID who are completely healthy (young, no medical issues or tobacco use). I am not encouraging a spirit of fear, but one of heightened awareness. I have included an article which outlines the importance of staying at home.

It can take between 2-14 days for an individual to show symptoms after exposure, therefore asymptomatic people can expose others. The best advice to stay healthy is to interact with everyone like they have COVID-19.

Praying a hedge of protection over everyone reading this post!
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Dr. Erica 2.0