Dr. Peter Zalan: Here is a resource to help you protect your family from COVID-19

Below you'll find a link to a video produced by a New York City intensive care physician, Dr. David Price, on how to avoid the COVID virus in your personal life. He made it for his family and friends.

It is excellent. I think everyone would benefit from watching it and following its advice.

The video gives information many people may have already heard. Its strength lies in its clear, concise delivery and its obvious empathy. It provides re-assurance that if you do the right things, you will stay safe during the pandemic.

It is called "Protecting Your Family."

I asked an infectious disease specialist to review the video. He wrote back to me: Excellent video. Very helpful.

I next looked for an opinion from a public health perspective.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have updated their recommendations. A significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms and can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.

In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies). It is critical to emphasize that maintaining six-feet social distancing remains vital.

The experts all agree on the following advice: DO NOT WEAR A SURGICAL MASK OR N95 MASK. Leave these masks for health-care providers.

There is no evidence that Ibuprofen, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or Tylenol can make COVID-19 cases more severe. So DO NOT discontinue these medications because of the coronavirus.

The video is long but definitely worth listening to. Part 1 is the presentation by Dr Price. Part 2 is a question and answer period. The author has consented to its distribution. In fact, he wrote back to me: “Of course Pete - empower all you can.”

Click the link below to watch the video.

Covid_19_Protecting_Your_Family_Dr_Dave_Price_3_22_2020 from Mariana Price on Vimeo.

Here is a second video that I can definitely recommend. It is short and delightful: “How soap kills the coronavirus”

And remember, wash your hands.

Dr. Peter Zalan is past president of the medical staff at Health Sciences North.