Doc's Medical Minute: continue prevention efforts

  • Published
  • By Col (Dr.) Ryan Mihata, 86th Medical Group Commander
  • 86th Medical Group

Rheinland-Pfalz amended its Ordinance 12 on Nov. 6, providing an update to what many people are calling “lockdown-light.”  Unfortunately, the case count across the local area continues on an upward trend this week. The Rheinland-Pfalz incidence is 138 cases per 100 thousand over the last seven days. In the local area, we continue to see the highest numbers of cases that we have seen through the entire pandemic. Some areas in Europe have increased strain on their hospital systems and overloading of Intensive Care Units. This is concerning as the death rate from COVID starts to increase when hospitals become full. We need to continue prevention efforts to protect our population, which will save lives.

We continue to get questions about the process for releasing COVID positive patients from isolation. CDC guidance has advanced as we learn more about the virus.  Early on, we tested everyone before release from isolation. This is no longer recommended. Those in isolation after a positive test are released 10 days from their symptom onset or the positive test (if they were asymptomatic) as long as they meet criteria.  Data indicates that most people (from asymptomatic to moderate symptoms) are no longer infectious after that time.  We do not test at this point because the virus genetic material can remain in the individual’s nose for up to 3 months, well after the time they can transmit the virus.  If you want to read more, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/duration-isolation.html

Across the United States, influenza numbers remain low. Decreased international travel as well as COVID precautions are helping limit the spread of flu.  Here in Europe, we are at baseline levels, the levels seen between “seasons” during subsequent winters. The 86th Medical Group is planning for multiple Flu Shot lines; the dates depend on when the shipment of vaccines arrives. For more on influenza, head to: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm

As always: wash your hands, watch your distance, and wear your face covering.