Ask An Epidemiologist with Dr. Recinda Sherman

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Recinda Sherman, an epidemiologist, to discuss some critical questions for health, wellness and fitness professions to consider. (Time stamped questions listed below).

Recording Date: 5/24/2020

Please note today's discussion focuses only on one of the avenues to explore when deciding on reopening dates and plans. Health, wellness and fitness professionals also need to weigh ethical considerations. "Do No Harm", code of ethics by profession, and the same ethical actions we would take under other circumstances where there is a possibility of comprising a client's health, still need to be considered.

Disclaimer: Today's content is for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as advice, medical or otherwise. The views of guests in each episode are solely their own. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical conditions or care.

6:50 To start can you tell me a little about what Epidemiologists do?

13:55 What are some of your favorite resources for us to easily learn the epidemiology of COVID-19?

22:34 Can people who have antibodies be protected themselves from reinfection but still be carriers and spread to other? Do we know yet how long antibodies protect someone?

25:43 I’ve seen research on hard surface fomites, ranging from 8 hours on chrome to 5 days on wood. But I haven’t seen any research on fabrics?

28:02 I’ve seen estimates all over the place in regards to the effectiveness of cloth masks in regards to COVID-19.

38:03 How dangerous is removing clothes over your head or wearing “buffs” as masks?

40:54 Should curtains, rugs, lampshades and other fabric surfaces that cannot be laundered between each interaction be removed?

44:44 What role do HVAC units play in the spread of droplets? (Updated: bit.ly/updatesaskanepi)

48:04 If transmission is primarily coming from respiratory droplets, in careers that cannot keep a 6 foot or more distance, how does closer contact change our risk? Does amount of time matter?

49:57 We are hearing that people are testing positive many weeks after diagnosed and have complications much longer than 14 days. How confident are we that the virus is contagious for only 14 days?

52:53 Please note the head to toe map of COVID-19 symptoms mentioned here was mistakenly attributed to John Hopkins University. The graphic provided sources (including JHU), but did not provide any citations. As an alternative, this Washington Post article provides a body map: bit.ly/covidbodymap

55:38 Is there a possibility that COVID-19 becomes like the seasonal flu where we may have to guess the strain seasonally for an annual vaccine?

58:39 How does the size and circulation of air flow in a room affect COVID-19 transmission?

1:02:08 It is sometimes recommended to air rooms out between clients by opening windows and doors. Does this potentially run the risk of “kicking up” virus particles from surfaces into the air”? If you do not have a room with windows, would additional time between clients allow droplets to settle? (Updated: bit.ly/updatesaskanepi)

1:05:55 What is the risk of viral shed through touching someone else’s skin? Or is it truly more about respiratory droplets due to close contact?

1:09:03 Many of our surfaces are somewhere in between porous and non porous, a good example being stretch pleather covers for our tables. These are recommended to be cleaned with EPA-disinfectants but does the combination of pleather and stretch make them more susceptible to collecting germs and viruses?

1:10:21 For massage, some of us practice ashiatsu or b