S  T      P! COVID-19 Alert!

 
 


The OtoLing practice is within a medical building for essential business. The current building status has been guided by scientific data, federal and state regulations, and professional opinion. Despite that, caution will continue for those with suspected or known exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 ) coronavirus and/or those who present with overt signs and symptoms (s/sx), that are related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center provides current infection status in your vicinity (i.e., county and state).



Following Primary Scientific Research Regarding Aerosolized Particles


Scientific research indicated that coronavirus and its known 17 mutations (06/15/2022) have been aerosolized beyond mere speech droplets  (Stadnytskyia, Bax, Bax, & Anfinruda, 2020), and makes interior office filtration and movement essential. Plexiglass barriers—alone—have been insufficient. The interior spaces, within many homes and businesses, has not been exchanged with outside air at a sufficient rate (i.e., 6 to 10 times per hour). 


Dust, in distinction, is airborne and with visible particles that one can see with the naked eye. Yet, the scale of the coronavirus is much smaller than dust (i.e., 200,000 to 2,000,000 on a pinhead), and stays aloft much longer than dust particles. Clearly, the cooler months have been associated with increased risk in places with insufficient ventilation, increased density, and minimum distancing (Ong, Tan, Lee, et al., 2020). Further, the SARS-CoV-2 virus (one of several coronaviruses) flourishes in low humidity and cool temperatures (i.e, seasonal high atmospheric pressure, low humidity, and cool temperature).


The CDC messaging has evolved across the months as scientific data has been analyzed. Further, the SARS-CoV-2 mutations or variants pose greater threats to elderly citizens and medical practitioners than the original COVID-19 (“wild”) virus. Despite this, the scientific analyses indicate that elderly individuals should consider wearing a mask whenever you are outside (i.e., inside motor vehicles, walking a dog, etc.).


The recent spread in some states has been partially attributable to unvaccinated individuals, aerosolized particles, and close distancing. Nonetheless, breakout infections have occurred—even among those who have received booster shots have been effective. The CDC advice has been mixed regarding businesses, schools, and certain entertainment venues. Despite this, medical clinics and hospitals have maintained universal precautions.


Precautions


Universal precautions will continue as usual and extended beyond hand washing, even if you have received a vaccine to counteract SARS-CoV-2. Current CDC guidance indicated that booster vaccines are effective for only four months. This means that one should seek advice from a county health department or a licensed medical practitioner. As such, patients five years and older are required to present a valid vaccination card to verify current vaccine status before a scheduled office visit. In other words, one should have received primary and secondary vaccinations coupled to a booster shot within the recommended period.


Recommended precautions include (1) all those entering the office must wear an N95 respirator mask that covers both the nostrils and the mouth. A mask will be provided to those who do not have an appropriate covering  (2) an agreement to participate in a body temperature check (either ear canal, forehead infrared radiation thermometer), (3) complete a questionnaire form to help rule out SARS-CoV-2 signs/symptoms and (4) agree to adhere to the OtoLing protocol for COVID-19 and its 17 known variants (06/15/2022). Fomites (i.e., objects that may harbor potential infectious  microorganisms) have been minimized or disposed for safety. As such, horizontal and angular surfaces have been sanitized for potential touch points. All the same, Oto-tips®, individually wrapped tongue depressors, and gloves are disposed regularly and safely. 


Symptoms


The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance urges individuals to monitor documented early SARS-CoV-2 symptoms including updated guidance regarding sustained fever [≥38º C (100.4º F)], a dry cough, sneezing, taste perversion (dysgeusia), absence of smell (anosmia), shortness of breath, and weakness/fatigue (malaise). Despite this, the scientific community has been discovering new symptoms and signs every week. Accordingly, seek professional medical opinion if you have doubts. “Procrastination is the thief of time,” Edward Young.



Only one family member may accompany a patient for an evaluation or therapy office visit. All therapy will be conducted via telehealth until the current infection and mortality rates have decreased to safe or nominal levels. Additionally, therapy notes will be signed electronically to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent transmission.


References


Stadnytskyia, V., Bax, C. E., Bax, A., & Anfinruda, P. (2020). The airborne lifetime of small speech droplets and their potential importance in SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 117(22) 1-3 https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2006874117


Ong, S. W. X., Tan, Y. K., Lee, T. H., Ng, O. T., Wang, S. U. Y., &  Marimuthu, K. (2020). Air, surface environmental, and personal protective equipment contamination by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Co-V-2) from a symptomatic patient. Journal of the American Medical Association. 32(16) 1610-1612. doi:10.100/jama.2020.3227.