Doctor’s Diary: Avoiding Covid-19 asymptomatic carriers
Nationwide distribution of at-home Covid-19 self-tests kits has begun. Individually, we should be able to determine if one’s symptoms might be from the virus, or even if one could be an asymptomatic carrier.
Not much has been discussed about asymptomatic carriers, as we are still on a learning curve figuring the role it plays in the spread of this pandemic. But as a house call physician, my patients have long worried about individuals entering their homes, especially healthcare professionals.
One of my pessimistic patients even claimed he was going to purchase a Covid-19 sniffing dog for protection “when I come up with $10,000!”
Certainly, the mortality for seniors 50 or older statistically is 93% of those who have died.
Does this mean with mandates lifting, that younger adults and children will still be safe? Probably.
Here’s the dilemma. Even though the younger population might not face a high mortality, could they still be carriers of the virus? And if indeed they are carriers, can they pass it to others around them including their grandparents or parents?
This is what seniors fear.
Here are recommendations I still provide to my older adult patients as mandates diminish:
Get your vaccination and boosters;
Maintain appropriate distance when outside;
Avoid being around sick people;
If going out to eat, do so outside;
Wear a mask around people inside or outside your home especially if you do not know them as they might be carriers.
My pessimistic patient adds: “A more accurate and friendly protection would be to get a Covid-19 trained sniffing dog. After the $10,000, the only cost is for dog chow.”
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
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