This is the fourth webinar in the COVID-19 Expert Panel series led by the Columbine Health Systems Center for Healthy Aging. In this series, we will be answering community questions related to health and COVID-19.
PANEL QUESTIONS
Air Circulation/Transmission
– I read an article that airplanes may be safer than we initially thought because of air exchange? It is interesting that flight attendants are not getting sick. Can you comment on this? (0:20)
– Eventually winter will arrive and Coloradoans will return to the indoors. This would be a good winter to have optimal air circulation in our homes. How does one evaluate the effectiveness of the air circulation in their homes? In times of COVID what is optimal airflow? Surely, there will be many “products” on the market advertised to improve airflow; however, which ones are effective? (26:32)
– Could you explain how to determine the appropriate number of people that a certain size room can hold? This might help people figure out appropriate size of holiday parties and family get togethers. (33:43)
– We have heard that bandanas or buffs/gators used as face coverings actually enhance the spread of COVID-19, can you comment on this and other face coverings? (37:33)
Food Safety
– What foods need to be washed before eating so that you can protect yourself against any infectious disease including COVD-19. How should you wash them? Just rinse? For how long? (06:55)
– Can I get COVID-19 from a food handler who has packaged my food? For example, I keep hearing about meat packing plants that have outbreaks in their workers. How safe is poultry and beef? (30:07)
Mental Health
– I have a loved one who says they are experiencing “situational depression” because they are worried about COVID-19 and the future? Is this anxiety or depression? What are some strategies for staying sane right now? Does mindfulness or meditation help? (12:30)
– My adult daughter is drinking at least two glasses of wine a night. She says its because she is home schooling all day and needs to “take the edge off”. Is this behavior something to be worried about? We have alcoholism in my family. (18:36)
Vaccines/Testing
– The CDC just came out with new guidelines saying that most people don’t need to be tested unless they have symptoms, even if they have had known contact with someone who is positive. This seems completely opposite to the previous guidelines. Why is it so confusing? (22:32)
– Can getting a flu vaccine make me more susceptible to COVID-19 by using up antibodies to fight flu that could be used to fight COVID-19? (41:12)
– What are the different types of tests, why is it taking so long to get results? Can you tells us about the new rapid test? (46:19)
– I’d be curious to hear thoughts on initial vaccines for COVID when one receives final approval. I’m willing to bet there will be some fear amongst the public about a new vaccine, especially one that has been developed rather quickly. (51:19)
Vitamin D/Contact Tracing Scams
– I’ve seen discussion on medical CME sites of a correlation between low vitamin D serum levels and increase incidence of severe Cov-2 illness (cytokine storm). That’s a serum level of less than 30 ngm/ml. Do you have any information about this? (09:45)
– We have heard of elders being scammed by people pretending to be contact tracing for COVID and asking for credit card or bank information. Anything you can share to help people know the difference between a legit notice and a scam? (25:04)
RESOURCES
– CSU Extension Food Safety:
– CSU Extension Handling Fresh Produce fact sheet: Smart Colorado
– Washing Produce:
– Health District’s Connections: Adult Services – 970-221-5551 – Behavioral Health Specialists are available 7 days a week by phone or videoconferencing
– For crisis situations, please call SummitStone Crisis Line, 970-494-4200; Colorado Crisis Services, 1-844-493-8255 (or text “TALK” to 38255), or call 911.
– Well-being for seniors:
– How to identify phone scams:
– How to identify phishing emails:
