TIPS FROM HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

Medical advice from healthcare professional: Dr. Daju GU, who is the Deputy Director of Gaochun Hospital of Najing City

Masks:

1. Many world renown healthcare organizations and institutes claim wearing masks, especially on a healthy person, is rather ineffective in preventing the disease. Is this true?

Wearing mask is undoubtedly better than not wearing a mask in terms of personal protection. However, this does not mean one needs to load up in masks. Currently there is a shortage in mask supply and PPE globally, and we urge people to not over purchase, especially masks of higher protection quality such as 3M N95 model. An ordinary surgical mask should suffice or personal use. Please kindly reserve PPE for healthcare professionals.

2. What types of masks are available for COVID-19 protection?

While there are many masks available on the market, some with extra fancy features, the plain vanilla surgical mask is sufficient or the daily use. Again, please reserve PPE items of higher protection grade to medical professionals.

The ordinary surgical mask comprises of three layers: an outer layer (normally coloured blue), a filter layer, and an inner layer that sits closest to the mouth. Before putting on a mask, we must remember to wash our hands. Grab the mask form the outer blue layer, use our hand to put the mask over our mouth and nose area, remember the wire edge sits on top of our nose. Avoid using our hands to touch the inner layer of the mask as any contamination may cause infection. Simply strap on the bands around our ears, mould the wire to fit our nose. Make sure the wire is shaped to closely adhere the shape of our contour, so as to avoid any gaps for potential droplet transmission.

3. Is it true that we can reuse a mask once its been sterilized or boiled in water for over 30 minutes?

While the virus can be killed in high temperature, over heating a mask will more likely damage the middle filtration layer, making the mask less effective in droplet protection. One general tip is to leave the PPE item in an open ventilated space for a couple or hours or best overnight. Then the mask may be reused.

4. Some have claimed to use alternatives items as masks. These include scarves, ties, linen. Are they effective?

Once again, having something is better than having nothing at all. However, as mentioned a surgical mask comprises of three basic layers of material, one of which is a filtration layer. Clothing fabric was not made to have filtration material, nor will it fit ergonomically as well as a mask.

Disinfecting and Hygiene

5. Besides alcohol, are personal care items such as soap, shower gel, dish washing detergent all effective disinfectants?

These are all cleaning products that we should be using on a day to day basis regardless of whether we are in a pandemic. I strongly advise to thoroughly wash our hands regularly with soap and flowing water. There are many videos on the internet on how to effectively wash hands. The key is to not skip any corners, including our knuckles, fingernails, wrist. Alcohol is indeed probably the strongest disinfectant, however, using too much alcohol can lead to skin irritation. Soap and running water should suffice for daily activities. In addition, be aware of storing alcohol as it may lead to potential fire hazards.

6. UV is commonly known for having disinfecting effects. Does this mean we should be sunbathing more?

Sun exposure is indeed beneficial to our health especially with vitamin D and calcium absorption. However believing that sunbathing will disinfect our body and kill off the virus is a naïve thought. If we become infected, the virus will be contained inside our body underneath our skin where sunlight cannot be reached.

Housekeeping

7. Should we be keeping our windows open or closed?

It is always important to have ventilated air. Try to have windows open for 1-2 hours per day to circulate fresh air.

Food & Diet

8. Why is it important to drink water? How much water should we intake?

Water helps to regulate our body’s balance or fluids. Try to drink at least 8 cups a day, if not more.

9. Is Vitamin C important? Besides lemons what are other sources of vitamin C?

Vitamin C is beneficial to our health and skin. It But there is no need to overdose on vitamin C. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, kale, chilli, pepper, kiwifruit, strawberries.

10. Is there a diet for COVID-19 protection?

We recommend eating a balanced diet just as any healthy being should. This means eating food rich is nutrients and fibre, and eating less processed food that is high in fat and sodium.

Fitness

11. Should we be exercising more during pandemic to build a stronger body and immune system?

Follow a normal exercise routine and keep to a level of intensity that is fit for you. There is no need to over exercise as it may lead to muscle injury and fatigue. During lockdown, seek exercise routines that are more fit for stay home environments such as Yoga, Tai Chi, HIIT.

12. COVID-19 is a respiratory related disease. Does this mean performing more aerobic exercises would help build a stronger lung and therefore be better protected against the disease?

A healthy cardiovascular and respiratory system is desired in general. However we must also remember a well balanced exercise plan includes both cardiovascular and strength building. Aerobic and anaerobic exercises work complementary to each other to build an overall healthy body.

Bonus Perk:

Doctor Gu has kindly provided a Chinese Medicine formula that is good for immune protection against COVID-19. This formula has been approved by medical authorities in China and can be bought over the counter at Chinese Medicine retailers.

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Chinese medicine pre-prescription of new coronavirus infection pneumonia

This traditional Chinese medicine prescription is suitable for people working in places with high infection risk such as fever clinics, pre-examination and triage. It can replenish lung qi, protect the watch and protect Tsinghua Dampness. The prescription is as follows:

Astragalus 20g Atractylodes 10g Magnolia officinalis 6g French Pinellia 10g Windproof 10g Jujube 6g Guanzhong 3g Ophiopogon 6g Poria 15g Raw Licorice 3g

Perrin 10g, Nepeta 10g, Bupleurum 8g, Pueraria lobata 15g, decoction, 1-2 times a day, each serving 100-200ml.

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Chinese medicine sachet prescription for preventing new coronavirus:

Perrin 40g Windproof 15g Nepeta 15g Mint 15g Atractylodes 15g Galangal 15g Lemongrass 15g Borneol 10g, powdered, packed in sachets and worn with you.

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新型冠状病毒感染肺炎的中药预处方

本中药方剂适用于发热门诊，预检分诊等有较高感染风险场所工作的人员。可补益肺气，固卫护表，清华湿毒。方药如下：

黄芪20g  苍术10g  厚朴6g  法半夏10g  防风10g  大枣6g  贯众3g  麦冬6g  茯苓15g  生甘草3g 

佩兰10g  荆芥10g  柴胡8g  葛根15g，水煎服，一日1-2次，每服100-200ml。

    预防新型冠状病毒的中药香囊药方：

佩兰40g  防风15g  荆芥15g  薄荷15g  苍术15g  高良姜15g  香茅15g  冰片10g，研粉，装香囊，随身佩带。

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Dr. GU Daju is the Deputy Director of Gaochun Hospital of Nanjing City. At the same time, he is also a member of the "New Coronary Pneumonia" Prevention and Control Expert Group of this time. Graduated from Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Director GU has been engaged in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of emergency medicine and critical care medicine since 2005. He studied in the Department of Emergency Medicine of the General Hospital of Nanjing Military Region from 2009 to 2010. He is responsible for multiple traumas, acute poisoning and various medical emergencies The treatment of severe patients has rich clinical diagnosis and treatment experience. Ability to operate relevant life support equipment such as ventilator and CRRT.