Q&A with Martin Blase: Addressing COVID-19 Concerns and Misconceptions

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant concerns and misconceptions among people all around the world. As a result, many have resorted to panic buying of different home essentials, including toilet paper, soap, sanitizers, and masks. In this Q&A session, we will discuss common concerns and misconceptions related to COVID-19 with Martin Blase, a professor of medicine and infectious diseases at Rutgers University.

1. How effective are regular cleaning products in fighting the virus?
2. Is testing for the virus important, and how is it done?
3. Are retired healthcare professionals encouraged to volunteer during this pandemic?
4. Is the virus susceptible to mutations?
5. Is it possible to reduce the spread of the virus by building immunity in the population?
6. Can hot water washing help in eliminating the virus?
7. How variable is the clinical course of the virus?
8. Is it possible to recover from the virus and be immune to it?
9. Is the virus susceptible to soap and sanitizers?
10. Do gloves protect against the virus?
11. Why do people resort to panic buying during pandemics?
12. How does the virus spread?
13. Are there any opportunities and inventions that can arise from this pandemic?
14. Why is social distancing, isolation, and quarantine necessary to prevent the spread of the virus?

1. How effective are regular cleaning products in fighting the virus?

Martin Blase: Regular cleaning products that people use at home like kitchen cleaners and chlorine compounds are effective in killing the virus. However, it’s essential to spot clean grocery bags, and using gloves while handling public objects is also recommended. The virus can survive on surfaces for quite some time, and maintaining disinfection routines reduces the spread. Sanitization and effective cleaning have proven useful in combating the spread of the virus.

2. Is testing for the virus important, and how is it done?

Martin Blase: Testing for the virus is crucial in efforts to control the spread of the coronavirus. The tests can identify individuals that have contracted the virus and are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Testing for the virus is done by detecting the antibody response after a few weeks of infection. The virus multiplies until it is eliminated by the immune system. A test for the virus’s antibodies can determine whether an individual had the virus or not. Timely testing is essential in efforts to contain and manage the virus.

3. Are retired healthcare professionals encouraged to volunteer during this pandemic?

Martin Blase: Retired healthcare professionals are encouraged to volunteer if they can protect themselves from contracting the virus as they assist in emergency care. We have realized a shortage of healthcare professionals during this pandemic, and voluntary contributions from former healthcare professionals can save lives. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is highly contagious, and older healthcare professionals are at risk. Hence, they must take precautions and protect themselves.

4. Is the virus susceptible to mutations?

Martin Blase: Although there is no evidence of mutations in the virus strains in the U.S, the possibility of the virus mutating exists. In general, RNA viruses like coronavirus tend to mutate frequently. Scientists worldwide are closely monitoring the virus’s genetics and developing vaccines and drugs to fight it. Mutations in the virus strains can impact the efficacy of the vaccines and drugs developed. However, I cannot say we are entirely susceptible to the mutations until more studies have been conducted.

5. Is it possible to reduce the spread of the virus by building immunity in the population?

Martin Blase: Building immunity in the population can reduce the virus’s spread, but this approach can be difficult during a pandemic. In most cases, the rapid transmission rates of the virus make acquiring herd immunity impractical, even more so for COVID-19. Without proper control measures, acquiring herd immunity can lead to mass infections and fatalities. Instead, our focus should be on developing a safe vaccine to prevent COVID-19’s spread.

6. Can hot water washing help in eliminating the virus?

Martin Blase: Washing clothes in hot water can help in the elimination of the virus. Standard detergents and hot water of around 140 degrees Fahrenheit can be effective in eliminating the virus on fabrics as it cannot survive extreme temperatures. However, some clothes can become damaged if exposed to hot water or be laundered with improper detergents, leading to excessive wear and tear. Following the instructions on clothes care labels, ensuring proper detergent use, and washing clothes regularly can help eliminate the virus.

7. How variable is the clinical course of the virus?

Martin Blase: The clinical course of the virus is highly variable; some individuals show no symptoms, while others develop severe pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome. In general, people affected by the virus are either asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms. However, people with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or cancer, are at a higher risk of developing severe symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on several factors like age, chronic diseases, exposure, and immunity.

8. Is it possible to recover from the virus and be immune to it?

Martin Blase: Yes, it is possible to recover from the virus and be immune to it. Once the immunity response has been activated, it will defend the recovered individual from subsequent infections with the virus. However, we do not know how long immunity lasts or understand immune resistance to mutations, considering the emerging reports of re-infection. Scientists worldwide are researching to determine the longevity of the immunity and immunity to the virus mutations.

9. Is the virus susceptible to soap and sanitizers?

Martin Blase: Yes, the coronavirus is susceptible to soap and sanitizers. The integrity of the virus’s lipid envelope is disrupted by sanitizers and soap, and the virus cannot survive. Hence, thorough and regular hand washing or sanitizing can eliminate germs, including the coronavirus. Soap is more effective in cleaning off the virus when used for a minimum of twenty seconds. Physical removal of the virus through soap and water is an effective way of preventing its spread.

10. Do gloves protect against the virus?

Martin Blase: Wearing gloves can offer some protection against the virus, and it is advisable to use them when working in a high-risk environment. However, inappropriate glove use can lead to more risk of exposure. Wearing a glove does not necessarily mean that you will not contract the virus, especially for prolonged glove use or glove removal. Proper glove use involves proper glove disposal, regular glove replacement, and avoiding touching surfaces when wearing gloves.

11. Why do people resort to panic buying during pandemics?

Martin Blase: Panic buying is not uncommon during times of crisis. Panic buying is a fearful response driven by the uncertainty of the future. Most people feel overwhelmed during a pandemic and worry that they might not have enough supplies to last them through the crisis. People start panic buying due to the fear of running out of essentials like food, water, and toilet paper. In some cases, it can lead to acute shortages and other problems like hoarding, price gouging, and uneven distribution.

12. How does the virus spread?

Martin Blase: The virus spreads through droplets and airborne transmission. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release tiny droplets containing the virus into the air. These droplets can infect other people nearby or fall onto surfaces, which can infect others who touch the contaminated surface. Touching the infected surface and then touching one’s face is another way of contracting the virus. In most cases, the viruses spread through close contact and respiratory droplets.

13. Are there any opportunities and inventions that can arise from this pandemic?

Martin Blase: Yes, there can be new opportunities and inventions that emerge from pandemics. Pandemics like COVID-19 trigger the need for new medical equipment, supplies, and cleaning materials. The pandemic has exposed gaps in supply chains and manufacturing capabilities, offering opportunities for companies to shift their supply chain models. Emerging innovations include telemedicine and remote patient monitoring, which could improve accessibility to care among the unprivileged population.

14. Why is social distancing, isolation, and quarantine necessary to prevent the spread of the virus?

Martin Blase: Social distancing, isolation, and quarantine are necessary to prevent the spread of the virus. These measures create a physical barrier between infected and non-infected individuals, slowing down the virus’s spread. Social distancing involves maintaining a six feet distance between people, working from home, and avoiding large gatherings. Isolation involves separating an infected person from non-infected people. Quarantine is separating people that have been