Dr. Brandon Lane informs on COVID-19 VIRUS

Your health, safety, and well-being should be your first priority. But sometimes things are beyond your control, and that’s when you turn to medical professionals who dedicate their lives to treating patients, helping them to regain their health, safety, and well-being.

But in a scenario where doctors are not familiar with the disease, it becomes a bit tricky and can be scary to health professionals and the public.

That is why it is best to follow protocol and listen to the professionals who are investing so much time into learning about what it is we are dealing with when it comes to the Coronavirus.

Throughout history, nothing has killed more human beings than infectious diseases, and the Corona Virus continues to spread like wildfire throughout cities, communities, and homes.

Doctors all over the country are putting their own health, safety, and well-being on the line right now to help treat patients who are battling one of the worst diseases to strike, not only our country, but the entire planet.

Dr. Brandon Lane, Board Certified in Emergency Medicine, is the Assistant Director of the Emergency Department at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark.

Dr. Lane spoke with the Delta Dunklin Democrat Thursday to give some tips and words of advice to his community.

“I’m quite certain that everyone is well aware of how important it is to keep all surfaces clean,” said Lane. “This virus can live on surfaces such as metal, glass, ceramics, and paper for up to five days. It can remain on wood surfaces, such as furniture and wood decking for up to four days. It can remain up to three days on plastics and stainless steel and can remain on cardboard for a solid day. It can remain on aluminum and copper for several hours.”

Although supplies are low, Dr. Lane said if you are unable to find the necessary cleaning products, you can use household bleach and water.

“You can use one-third cup of bleach with one gallon of water to disinfect and sanitize, or for smaller portions, use four-teaspoons of bleach per quart,” informed Lane.

In addition to keeping everything wiped down and sanitized, another major precaution Dr. Lane stressed everyone adheres to is the social distancing order.

“It is crucial for many reasons, ” he exclaimed.

Dr. Lane explained how some people can be infected and never show any signs at all, while others die from the disease.

Lane informed, “This virus is more atypical because some are asymptomatic. Some show no symptoms at all, yet test positive, while others have symptoms that are severe. This is where we are seeing a majority of the cases. They are referred to as high-risk patients. And by high-risk, I mean those with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, those with prior respiratory disease, and even those who have been on steroid treatment for chronic illnesses. Those over 65-years of age are also considered high risk.”

Lane continued, “Others are asymptomatic, which means they will show no symptoms at all. Therefore, they can have the virus and spread it without even knowing it, and that is why we expect to see the numbers of infected patients increase in the coming weeks.”

Dr. Lane explained that is why it is so extremely important to avoid going anywhere for at least 14 days if at all possible.

“By the time some realize they have it, they have spread it to countless others, including family, friends and the general public,” Lane explained.

Because medical professionals are dealing with something new to them, as well as the general public, it can be a scary situation.

“We can’t say for sure right now whether someone can get it again after having it,” Dr. Lane said. “We believe the virus could mutate and come back but we can’t say anything for certain right now because we’ve not been able to study it like other diseases, and we can’t say for certain at this time whether it may be airborne as well. We just don’t know.”

Dr. Lane did say that in most cases, the virus appears to peak at or around day five.

“There is an incubation period of two to fourteen days,” informed Lane. “That’s the time we refer to as the time the patients become infected to the time they show symptoms.”

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease. Symptoms can include coughing, a sore throat, shortness of breath, and fever. The means of how this respiratory illness is transported from one to another can vary. But a few things to keep in mind to prevent your chances of contracting this disease is, in addition to following the social distancing order and self quarantining if possible, is to be mindful of hand-washing and also, face touching.

“This virus affects the mucus membranes,” shared Lane. “That means you can transfer the virus when touching your face, transferring to the mucus membranes in your eyes, nose, and throat.”

Many Americans will face profound challenges in the coming weeks and months, especially with shortages of supplies, which are critical in either treating patients or protecting oneself from this disease.

“We are truly in this together,” said Lane. “But only those who are taking these warnings serious are helping. We all have to work together to help get this under control and hopefully get back to our normal everyday lives.”

According to Dr. Lane, the best thing for people to do who think they have any of the symptoms is to immediately isolate themselves, because right now, there is no cure or treatment.

“Of course if your symptoms are severe, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, you will need to seek medical attention,” Dr. Lane said. “Right now there is a shortage of tests. So not everyone with symptoms is being tested. But if your symptoms are mild, you should self-quarantine.”

Other words of advice are to practice common knowledge.

Only one family member should go to the grocery store. Do everything possible to protect the elderly.

“If you have to be around elders, wear a face mask and make certain to sanitize properly before any direct contact. And that’s only if you have to be around them. We have to do everything we can to help protect them and others,” Dr. Lane said.

Otherwise, Dr. Lane said one thing others who are at home should keep in mind during this time is that it’s a great opportunity for families to reconnect.

“If you are able to be at home with your spouse and children, make the best of it. Do those things you’ve wanted to do and spend that time you wouldn’t have had with them before this thing,” said Lane.

Dr. Lane and his colleagues will continue to work hard to treat patients and save lives.

Let’s do our part to help them. Stay home. Save lives. Do not participate in large gatherings and practice social distancing. Wash your hands thoroughly, and if you have any symptoms at all, isolate yourself.