Supermarket Social Distancing, Avoiding Myths & More FAQs on Coronavirus (Podcast)

Coronavirus treatment myths could be harmful and should be avoided. But social distancing at the supermarket is critically important. Those are just a couple of the topics discussed during the latest Baptist HealthTalk podcast on the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this installment, Kamaljit Kaur, M.D., a family medicine physician and telehealth professional on Baptist Health’s Care On Demand, answers questions on common concerns during the pandemic.

“Telemedicine is very beneficial, especially in this pandemic,” says Dr. Kaur. “We’re not only seeing coronavirus concerns in our offices, but we’re seeing the normal, everyday cold, cuts, bruises, ankle sprains, diabetes follow-ups … For most of those, we do not need a physical exam. We don’t need a full in-person visit. And that’s when telemedicine is absolutely beneficial, especially when we’re trying to practice social distancing.”

Here are some Q&As from the podcast featuring Dr. Kaur and Baptist HealthTalk host, Jonathan Fialkow, M.D., deputy medical director, chief of cardiology and a certified lipid specialist at Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute. You can access Baptist HealthTalk on your computer or smartphone, or via Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.

Dr. Fialkow: “When you’re doing your telemedicine visits, you’re speaking to people who are contacting Care On Demand … what are the more common types of questions?”
Dr. Kaur:
“A lot of people want to know what they can do at home to treat themselves and I think there’s a lot of myths out there, such as — ‘should I gargle or swallow alcohol’ or ‘are there essential oils that can help’ — or salt water. Just basically, they want to know what they can do for themselves … I want people to know that all those are myths. They can be more harmful than beneficial. What we, as your health providers, want you to do is make sure you’re getting enough rest. Make sure you’re getting enough fluids so you’re hydrated and just practicing social distancing as much as you can — so you can heal on your own. And try not to expose and infect other people.”

Dr. Fialkow: “Something that I think is a little misunderstood is the idea of social distancing, (which) of course is keeping people away from each other so people don’t give it to each other — and especially at a very rapid pace which can outweigh what our healthcare system can deliver. Can you elaborate a bit on social distancing?”
Dr. Kaur:
“Social distancing has a kind of a negative vibe to it. When people think about it, they really don’t like the term. But its intention is very positive. It’s something that we have seen in the past — that when implemented — reduces the rate of transmission of infections and helps us eradicate the infections in some communities. Social distancing is keeping enough distance between yourself and the people around you so that if you cough, or if you sneeze, your respiratory droplets can’t reach them — and vice versa. The correct distance you should keep for another person is six feet.”

Dr. Fialkow: Any recommendations regarding working from your home and about going out to the supermarket?
Dr. Kaur:
“Certainly, we’re going to go to the grocery store. But when you’re in those public places and when you’re out for those essential activities, practice social distancing as much as possible. For instance, if you’re in line at Publix, try to stay six feet away from other shoppers, especially when you’re actually in that cashier line, which can be difficult to do sometimes. But it is going to be advantageous for you, and that’s something that we’re all expected to do now.”

For the full podcast, you can access Baptist HealthTalk on your computer or smartphone, or via Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.

Concerned you may have coronavirus?
Use our online Coronavirus Assessment tool or call our COVID-19 hotline, 1-833-MYBAPTIST (833-692-2784). To see a doctor on your phone from the comfort and safety of your home, download Baptist Health Care On Demand.