OLDER ADULTS’ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COVID-19

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Here are answers to frequently asked questions by older adults that are specifically related to concerns about COVID-19.

General Information about COVID-19

Do I need to be tested for COVID-19? How do I get tested for COVID-19?

Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. If you think you may be sick and want to get tested, stay home and call your medical provider first. At this point, we are not testing patients if they can manage their symptoms at home.

Signs you might need to go to the hospital include being so short of breath that you cannot complete a sentence, being unable to keep food or water down, having persistent pain or pressure in the chest, or feeling so sick that you are struggling to complete your daily tasks of living that you could do before (e.g. getting dressed, going to the bathroom, etc.). It is best to discuss this with your doctor over the phone, because certain health conditions you may have could also put you at greater risk of needing to be hospitalized.

The CDC has provided guidance for who should be tested, but decisions about testing are at the discretion of state and local health departments or individual clinicians. COVID-19 testing differs by location.


What are the symptoms of COVID-19? How do I know if I am asymptomatic?

The most common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other common symptoms include but are not limited to fatigue, body aches, headache, or poor appetite. If you are concerned that you may be sick and want to get tested, stay home and call your medical provider first.

Asymptomatic means that you do not show any signs or symptoms of being sick. It is possible to have COVID-19 and be asymptomatic. In fact, this is why social distancing is so important, because you may still be able to infect others—and others may still be able to infect you—even if you or they are asymptomatic. If you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, it is important to quarantine for 14 days even if you do not have any symptoms.

How long does coronavirus live on surfaces?

Coronavirus can live up to 1 day on cardboard and 3 days on plastic or stainless steel.

Is COVID-19 airborne?

COVID-19 is not airborne in the community. Airborne transmission can only happen when particles are small enough to travel in the air farther than 1 meter. The evidence is only showing that this may be possible only during some procedures that are performed in the hospital.

How quickly is COVID-19 spreading? When will the apex hit? Will it return in September?

The latest evidence in Colorado is showing that we are possibly flattening the curve. Current projections show that numbers of cases and hospitalizations have hit their apex and could stabilize. It is still impossible to predict the future, especially when the stay home order comes to an end. It is possible that COVID-19 could return in September and for years to come, although not at the same alarming rate or severity.

Who is at risk of getting COVID-19?

Those who are most at risk are those who are not socially distancing or who are unable to socially distance. Conditions that put people at risk of having severe illness when they get COVID-19 include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease, and chronic kidney disease. A higher proportion of hospitalized COVID-19 patients are above 70 years old, however, there are new studies showing that how healthy the individual is matters more than their actual age when it comes to how severe their illness is.

How can I obtain a mask? How do I make a homemade mask?

Surgical masks and N95s are currently being reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders. The CDC is only recommending homemade masks/cloth face coverings for self-use in situations where you cannot properly socially distance (i.e. the grocery store). They recommend that if you are making a cloth face covering, it should:

· Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face

· Be secured with ties or ear loops

· Include multiple layers of fabric

· Allow for breathing without restriction

· Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

For more instructions on how to make your own mask, follow this link from the CDC:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html.


Does aspirin make COVID-19 worse?

Currently, there is no evidence that taking aspirin or ibuprofen can lead to a more severe infection with COVID-19. If you are taking aspirin, it is important to continue taking as directed and to talk with your healthcare provider if you have any further questions. Only your healthcare provider should be making changes to your medications.

How come there is not a cure yet?

Unfortunately, there are no current FDA approved drugs or vaccines for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Researchers are currently studying new drugs and drugs that are already approved for other health conditions as possible treatments for COVID-19.

Do I need to sterilize my microwave and other kitchen supplies?

You should clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. These include tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, computer keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If you regularly touch the outside of the microwave, it is important to safely disinfect this as well. It is important to first clean with soap and water and then disinfect these surfaces with diluted bleach, an alcohol-based solution, or another EPA approved home disinfectant.

What if I need to go to the hospital for important routine care (e.g. get allergy shots)?

The best thing to do is to talk with your health care provider about what is the safest and best thing for your specific situation. A lot of routine care appointments have been postponed due to the strain of health care resources for COVID-19 and the risk that it poses to patients to come into the hospital. However, some things cannot be postponed; in which case it is important to take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and others when seeking medical care.

What is the safest way to travel right now, especially across state lines?

The safest thing to do right now is to stay home as much as possible and to avoid all non-essential travel. Under the current stay-at-home order, Colorado residents are also recommended to limit any essential travel to places in their immediate communities.

Currently, the ability to travel across state lines and between communities is largely variable, but it is not advisable to drive long distances. While you may not be at risk while in your car, long distance travel requires stops for bathroom breaks, gas, food, and sometimes rest at a hotel, all of which put you and others unnecessarily at risk. If you must travel out of state or long-distances, follow these recommendations.

· Do your research. Go to the official website of all states and localities you are traveling to and those in between. Some states and municipalities have set up border checkpoints/screenings, and as this is constantly changing, it is important to check before you leave.

· Before a longer trip, speak with your healthcare provider and update maintenance on your vehicle. If your trip will require a hotel stay, contact hotels to make sure they are still open.

· Check for open rest stops along your route. Gas stations are essential businesses and make a good option for rest stops.

· Pack food or plan for drive-through or carryout food options only to limit exposure.

· Don’t leave the driveway without packing necessary travel documents like health insurance cards, as well as enough food/water, and disinfectant spray and wipes.

Everything always tells me to “go online,” but what should I do if I don’t have access?

That is okay, below are some other sources of information that don’t require the internet:

1. CO-HELP is Colorado’s call line for general questions above COVID-19, which provides answers in many different languages including English, Spanish, and Mandarin. CO-HELP phone operators cannot make recommendations on testing, provide medical advice, provide testing results, or help you with your prescription. To contact this line call 303-389-1687 or 877-462-2911.

2. 2-1-1 is a confidential and multilingual service that can provide you with information about resources in your local community. You can call 2-1-1 or 866-760-6489, or you can text your zip code to 898-211.

3. If you are seeking help with things other than general medical questions (testing, medical advice, prescription), please contact your primary care provider or another health care provider.


Social Distancing

Is it possible to still take walks outside even though they say to stay inside?

Getting outside and going for a walk is okay and it is important to get fresh air and exercise daily during this time! However, make sure to avoid crowded places and to go outside at times and in places where you can always maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance between yourself and others. You should wear a cloth face covering when participating in outdoor activities, and remember to wash your hands when you get home.

Is it safe to have family over if they stay in the yard and at a distance?

Under the current stay at home order, Colorado residents are to stay at home except for essential activities, tasks, errands, and exercise. In general, it is advised to not socialize with those outside of our immediate household, and to maintain at least a 6-foot distance from others at all times when outside our household.

Can we have Easter dinner if we sit 6 feet apart with 2-3 people?

Unfortunately, Easter has passed, but in general, one of the best ways we can show love to those we care about at this time is to avoid even small gatherings of people. If possible, it is best to postpone these kinds of gatherings and look for other ways to connect with friends and family, such as via video chat or telephone.

Handling Mail, Newspaper, Groceries, Packages, Etc.

How do I safely handle the mail or newspaper? How do I safely bring packages inside?

A recent study found that coronavirus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours, and up to 2-3 days on plastic and stainless steel. While the risk of transmission from mail or packages is very low, it is still possible. Therefore, it is best to take precautions as follows:

· Avoid direct contact with the delivery person.

· Set aside mail or packages for 24 hours. Designate a corner or room for new mail or packages and leave them isolated for at least 24 hours, OR spray with an aerosol disinfectant before handling.

· Dispose of all outer packaging immediately.

· Wash your hands for 20 seconds after handling.

· Disinfect any surfaces you had contact with after handling.

· Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

How do I safely bring groceries, either from the store or delivered, inside?

Some people may choose to wipe or wash cans and boxes of food before storing them to reduce possible virus transmission from these products. Set up a cleaning station for unloading groceries, where you can do the following:

· Rinse produce thoroughly, but not with soap.

· Wash reusable bags with disinfectant wipes or soap, or put them into the laundry.

· Disinfect any surfaces that had contact with your groceries or grocery bags/boxes.

· Wash your hands for 20 seconds after handling.

· Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.


Is it safe to get take-out or delivery from restaurants?

It is safe to eat food prepared at restaurants as long as you take the proper precautions. If you are immunocompromised or feeling extra wary, you may want to consider ordering cooked food only rather than uncooked items like salads and sandwiches. Cooking at high-enough temperatures kills viruses. It is also important to ensure that the restaurants you order from are practicing safe food-handling, such as wearing gloves, workers staying home when sick, frequent hand-washing and disinfecting of surfaces in the kitchen. Below are some steps you can take to ensure safe take-out or delivery:

· When placing order, inquire about safe food-handling,

· Take a few minutes to create a safe food environment when the food arrives by cleaning any surfaces it will touch.

· Pay in advance to minimize person-to-person interaction with the driver or restaurant takeout clerk.

· Let the driver leave the food at the doorstep. Wait until the driver is at least 6 feet away before picking up the food.

· Remove the food from the takeout bags or containers, and dispose or recycle them appropriately.

· Disinfect any surfaces that had contact with your delivery bag and food containers.

· Wash your hands for 20 seconds after handling.

· Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.


Going to the Grocery Store

What is the best time to go to the grocery store?

Many stores have dedicated certain hours for seniors and immunocompromised individuals. These hours are also available for caregivers and immediate family members. For example:

· King Soopers/City Market: The first shopping hour (7am-8am) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

· Walgreens: The first shopping hour (8am-9am) on Tuesdays.

· Safeway/Albertsons: The first two shopping hours (7am-9am) Monday through Friday.

· Sam’s club: The first two shopping hours (7am-9am) Tuesdays and Thursdays.

· Trader Joes: They are maintaining an additional line outside the front doors of its stores to assist senior customers each day from 9am-7pm.

· Dollar General: The first shopping hour each day.

· Whole Foods: The first shopping hour (7am) each day.

· Natural Grocers: Every Sunday from 9am to 10am and every Wednesday from 8am to 9am.

· Target: Stores are reserving an hour on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; please call your local Target to find the exact hours.

· Walmart: Stores open one hour earlier on Tuesdays for 60 and older to shop.

· Costco: The first shopping hour (8am-9am) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Ultimately, you may need to call your local grocery store for the exact hours.

How can I be safe about touching surfaces (e.g. steering wheel) after shopping the grocery store?

Disinfect your hands after leaving the grocery store before entering your car. This will ensure that your steering wheel is touched only with clean hands. You can also take the extra step of disinfecting your steering wheel with disinfectant wipes. As always, make sure to avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose and mouth.

Do my clothes and shoes become contaminated when I go to the grocery store?

There have been no documented cases of transmission of coronavirus via clothing and shoes at this point. However, doing laundry is an essential part of doing preventive hygiene measures to help reduce your risk of transmission. Most importantly, wash your hands frequently and disinfect “high contact” surfaces such as door handles, phones, remote controls, light switches, bathroom fixtures, countertops, kitchen tables, or desktops.

What are the rules for grocery stores or restaurants if an employee has COVID-19?

Per the FDA, if an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform the other employees of that individual’s possible exposure in the workplace but maintain confidentiality. Sick employees are then required to follow the CDC’s guidelines about staying home and avoiding public places to help protect others in the community. Additionally, food production and processing facilities as well as farms must follow standardized cleaning protocols set by local and state health departments.

Medical Concerns

What if I take hydroxychloroquine regularly but cannot get a refill because they are using it for COVID-19?

Unfortunately, hydroxychloroquine has been touted as a treatment for COVID-19 despite the lack of scientific evidence. It is an antimalarial drug that is also commonly used to treat a wide range of autoimmune diseases. If you take this medication regularly and are concerned about running out, contact your primary medical provider to discuss your concerns.

What if I have a low white blood cell count? Is that important?

Contact your primary medical provider to discuss any concerns regarding lab work.

What should I do if I have dental issues and need urgent dental work?

Dental settings have unique characteristics that warrant additional infection control. Postpone elective procedures, surgeries, and non-urgent dental visits. For emergency dental work, dental providers must follow the CDC guidelines for providing dental care. Please confirm with your dentist if their facility is able to follow the CDC guidelines.

OTHER

Will I still get my stimulus check if I already receive income for a disability?

Most recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are eligible for the COVID-19 stimulus payment. The IRS will be providing most adults in the United States with $1,200 stimulus payments (also called economic impact payments), following Congress's passage of the CARES Act (the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act).

You are eligible for a stimulus check as long as you have a Social Security number (a taxpayer ID number doesn't count) and you are not claimed as a dependent on someone else's tax return.

If you receive income in addition to your disability benefits that makes your combined income over $75,000, your stimulus payment will be reduced. Similarly, if you are married and file a joint return, and your income combined with your spouse's income is over $150,000, you'll receive a reduced payment.

What should I do about my gym membership? How can I continue exercising?

All gyms are currently closed due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, many individuals have not be able to contact their gym on the phone in order to cancel their gym membership. We suggest you still try calling your gym to inquire about your options, such as pausing or canceling your gym membership.

In the meantime, there are options for continuing to exercise, such as:

· Parks remain open for proper socially distanced exercise, such as walking. Playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, and all other confined gathering areas are closed in the parks.

· If you can exercise safely in your home, feel free to do so. Some activity ideas include: using home equipment for weights or exercise bands, online yoga or exercise classes, or walking across your home.

Is the city being kept clean and properly sanitized?

Local and state health departments have guidelines for maintaining proper sanitary conditions for places like grocery stores, restaurants, food processing facilities, farms, etc. However, other places such as banks, pharmacies, public transportation, etc. may not be required or even have the ability to follow these standards. This is why social distancing, using a face mask in public places, frequent handwashing, and avoiding touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth are so important.

Does Zyrtec being taken off the market have anything to do with COVID-19?

Zantac, not Zyrtec, has been taken off the market. This is entirely unrelated to COVID-19. Zantac is being removed from the market due to potential carcinogens (molecules that can cause cancer) in the formula.

Can the chemtrails of airplanes be sending COVID-19 down on us?

No, there is no data to suggest that the chemtrails of airlines are sending COVID-19 down on us.

Thanks to Sarah Tietz, MD and medical students of the University of Colorado School of Medicine