Numerous Nigerians rushed to buy hand sanitizer and
face masks at the wake of the announcement of the countries confirmed case of
coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the weekend, as part of personal hygiene and
sanitary measures to protect themselves from a deadly infection.
It is stylish to see people wearing facemask as a
form of protection against the dreaded virus across the country. However, Prof.
Dimie Ogoina, a Professor of Medicine and Consultant, Infectious Diseases at
the Niger Delta University and Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Bayelsa State, has
advised that people should only use a face mask if they have respiratory
symptoms.
Prof. Ogoina, who spoke in a recent chat room
organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) said, people
don’t need face masks except if they have respiratory symptoms to protect
disposal of droplets during coughing or sneezing.
He advised; “If you have someone who has been
coughing or sneezing and you need to assist that person, ask the person to wear
face mask if available and you should also wear a face mask if available.”
The Professor of Medicine who is also the current
Chief Medical Director of the NDUTH said facemask was not a dress code, adding
that it should be worn if you are in the same room or within six feet of someone
suspected to have coronavirus.
He said a face mask should not be reused and that
anyone wearing it should not touch the front of the face mask pull it down
intermittently to breathe or talk or hang it under the mouth or jaw to pull it
over the nose later.
The Consultant in infectious diseases said if any
of these is done, then you are already exposed if your face mask was
contaminated.
The Professor of Medicine, who is also President of
the Nigeria Infectious Diseases Society (NIDS), said the use of face mask by
the general public is not recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Prof. Ogoina also said it is difficult to describe
original or fake face mask without visual inspection, adding that it is better to
buy from established shops.
“If people continue to buy everything in stores at
this rate, those treating cases will not find face masks to use!”
The consultant responded to some questions thus: Is it only alcoholic hand wash and
sanitizers that can protect people from contracting the virus?
Prof. Ogoina explained that simple soap and water
can kill the virus on our hands and on surfaces.
He said; “The hands are one of the most common
sources of disease transmission. Let’s all protect our hands always.”
He also warned;” The disease is new, there is yet no
evidence that garlic, ginger or hot lemon juice protects against coronavirus.
Can regular intake of vitamin C, fruits and vegetables boost immunity against
COVID- 9?
He also said; “There are a lot of things that could
help our immune system, especially good rest, food and water in right
quantities and quality. “Vitamin C, cod liver oil, fruits and vegetables have
no specific benefit against COVID-19. However, fruits and vegetables are part
of a nutritious diet.”
On what to do if someone around sneezes or coughs
without covering their mouth, he said; “People must all be extra vigilant to
avoid close contact with someone coughing or sneezing.
If that is not possible,
first, keep a distance and ensure you protect your hands, nose, mouth and eyes
from contact with droplets by whatever means possible.
“Face masks may be counter-productive not because
they are not useful but because most people don’t know how to use them. Don’t
forget to wash your hands when you have the chance,” he said.
Responding to if anyone who coughs or has running
nose should report to the hospital for a confirmation test. Prof. Ogoina said
first, avoid self-medication and ensure you seek medical attention when you
have coughed and fever.
He counselled the public to always seek the advice of a
doctor to review their history.
“If you have a travel history to places with
COVID-19 or contact with someone suspected to have the disease, then you should
immediately notify authorities via NCDC toll-free phone numbers.
“Meanwhile, it
is important to note that catarrh and cough are common and most people who have
these symptoms don’t have COVID-19.”
On providing assistance to a sick person to visit
the hospital without getting infected, he said when assisting a person with
cough and sneezing, it is important to protect your hands, nose, mouth and eyes
as much as possible.
The Professor of Medicine said; “First ask for help
if you are unsure. Then inform relevant authorities if you strongly suspect
COVID-19. Use a face mask and the sick person should use it too.
If not available, ask the person to cover his/her
mouth, cough into a flexed elbow or into a disposable tissue. Avoid touching your
own mouth, nose and eyes. Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you
have the chance.
“Please note that catarrh, fever and cough are
common in our environment. Many people with these symptoms don’t have
COVID-19.”
Ogoina said though routinely screens are being done
on travellers in the major international airports by checking for fever and
asking for symptoms such as cough, it is neither feasible nor evidence-based to
test everyone for the virus even if they have no symptoms.
“The Ports Health Authority is expected to be extra
vigilant. However, I observed a knowledge gap as most of them don’t use face mask
appropriately,” he added.
He said the incubation period of COVID-19 is one to
15 days. Prof. Ogoina said the transmission of the virus causing COVID-19 could
be by an animal to human or through human to human transmission. He said animal to the human transmission could be when undercooked or raw animals are eaten.
He said although the virus is thought to originate
from bats, the exact animal host responsible for the disease is still unknown.
He said human to the human transmission could be from respiratory droplets with
close contact with someone infected especially when they cough and sneeze.
When these droplets touch the eyes, nose and mouth,
then infection is possible. He also said airborne transmission occurs when
infective agents are inhaled. COVID-19 is not transmitted by inhalation, except
under certain procedures undertaken in the hospital settings.
On environment to human transmission, he said
COVID-19 could be acquired if infected droplets from coughing and sneezing
contaminate surfaces.
“This is what we call formites. When you touch these
fomites and then touch your nose, mouth or eyes, then you can become infected.”
Asked if it is safe to buy made in China products at
the moment, the expert said there was no evidence that COVID-19 could be transmitted
from imported goods.
“Besides, the virus cannot survive in inanimate
objects for long especially when exposed to high temperatures common with ferry
of some imported goods,” he said.
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