Covid-19

Frequently Asked Questions

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that cause diseases in animals and humans. They often circulate among animals and can sometimes evolve and infect people. In humans, the viruses can cause mild respiratory infections, like the common cold, but can lead to serious illnesses, like pneumonia. A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the disease Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in a seafood and poultry market in Wuhan, China in December 2019. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the outbreak as a pandemic.

What are the symptoms? How can you tell the difference between coronavirus and a cold or (flu)?
The symptoms are similar, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. To diagnose a potential case, healthcare professionals may use a COVID-19 diagnostic test and/or run tests to rule out flu and other infections. Individuals with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe illness. Some individuals who are infected may not have symptoms, others require ventilator support, and many have died. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus and may include:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- chills
- fatigue
- muscle pain or body aches
- headache
- sore throat
- new loss of taste or smell
- congestion or runny nose
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
What are the symptoms in children?
Children with COVID-19 may have mild, cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough, and some children experience vomiting and diarrhea. Occasionally, a child gets really sick after being infected with COVID-19.
- a fever that will not go away
- abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting
- rash or changes in skin color
- pink or red eyes
- trouble breathing
- the child seems confused or overly sleepy
How is the novel coronavirus transmitted?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person (within about 6 feet). It can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Recent studies have indicated that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms, which is why face masks are recommended.
Are individuals contagious before they develop symptoms?
There is evidence that the novel coronavirus can be spread before an individual develops symptoms. This poses a problem because people who do not know they are infected may continue to go to work, school, and other public places. People who are sick and have symptoms are more likely to stay home, which means fewer opportunities for the virus to spread from one person to another. When asymptomatic transmission occurs, infection control experts and public health officials may need to take additional measures, such as social distancing, isolating patients, or using quarantines.
What should individuals do if they think they may have been infected?
Those who think they may have been exposed to coronavirus, either through travel to an affected area or close contact with someone who has a confirmed case, should call a healthcare professional if they have any of the symptoms. It is important to call first, so that the clinic or hospital can prepare and prevent the spread of infection. Stay home and away from other people if you might have been exposed to COVID-19.
Who is at greatest risk of serious illness?
Although COVID-19 can affect anyone, individuals at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19 include the following:
- Older adults (the older people are, the higher their risk for severe illness)
- People with chronic medical conditions like kidney disease, sickle cell disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Those living in a nursing home or long-term care facility
- Obesity (body mass index [BMI] >30)
- Those who have a weakened immune system from solid organ transplant
- Others who may be at risk of more severe illness include people who have asthma, high blood pressure, neurologic conditions such as dementia, cerebrovascular disease such as stroke, people who are pregnant, or those who are immunocompromised due to cancer treatment and other conditions.
How does COVID-19 affect pregnant women?
Pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalized, admitted to the intensive care unit, and receive mechanical ventilation than non-pregnant women; however, pregnant women are not at greater risk for death from COVID-19. Pregnant women should get vaccinated against whooping cough and influenza (flu) during each pregnancy to protect themselves and their baby, with immunity for the first few months of life.
What can individuals do to protect themselves?
Everyone should practice the following healthy habits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and other respiratory viruses:
- Stay home as advised by state and local public health officials
- Wear a cloth face covering if you do go out
- Practice social distancing—stay at least 6 feet apart
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Clean and disinfect common objects and surfaces daily
When will a vaccine for COVID-19 be available in Kenya?
There is currently no vaccine available to prevent COVID-19, but clinical trials are underway and a vaccine for COVID-19 could be available as soon as 2021, if all steps go as planned. More than 30 vaccine candidates are in various stages of testing around the world to evaluate their safety and effectiveness.
How can individuals who have chronic health conditions protect themselves from COVID-19?
Follow the recommended preventive steps: Stay home as advised, wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. If you have a chronic medical condition like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or lung disease, you should also:
- Continue taking your medications
- Have at least a two-week supply of all prescription (and non-prescription) drugs
- Talk to a healthcare professional to make sure you are up-to-date on all recommended vaccines, including vaccines to protect against influenza and pneumococcal disease
- Do not delay emergency care because of COVID-19. If you need emergency help, call 719.
Do face masks protect against COVID-19?
Face masks can help prevent an infected individual from spreading the virus. It is recommended to use breathable cloth such as 100 percent cotton, with two layers of fabric for optimal filtering. When held up to a bright light, the fabric should not let a lot of light shine through. Face coverings should:
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops
- Allow for breathing without restriction
- Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
- Face masks are not recommended for children less than two years of age or by individuals who have trouble breathing or who cannot easily remove them.
- Remember: Face masks are not a substitute for other preventive measures—continue to wash your hands properly, avoid touching your face, and maintain social distancing (stay at least 6 feet apart from others) in conjunction with wearing face masks in public spaces.
What are the best cleaners to remove germs?
It is important to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a regular basis. Detergent or soap and water can be used to clean surfaces. To disinfect, use diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, or common household disinfectants, which are effective in killing this virus and can be used safely. Hand hygiene is most important because hands are an important means of transmission for this virus. There are many things that we cannot control but we can wash hands and keep them away from our faces.
What tests are available to detect COVID-19?
- Molecular tests are used to detect the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Molecular tests are fairly accurate and can be used to diagnose the disease.
- Antigen tests are a new category of tests that can quickly detect fragments of the virus from nasal swabs. Antigen tests can provide results in minutes, but they are not as sensitive as molecular tests. Positive results from antigen tests are highly accurate, but negative results may need to be confirmed with a molecular test.
- Antibody (or serology) tests detect the body’s immune response to COVID-19 by looking for antibodies in the blood to help determine prior exposure. When the body is fighting an infection or has fought an infection, antibodies can be found in the blood. These tests do not detect the actual virus but are used to identify people who have been infected with the virus in the past.
Are there any treatments available for COVID-19?
Talk to your healthcare professional about treatments that may be available for you.
Is it safe to get routine medical care?
Many routine medical visits can be provided virtually via telemedicine or home delivery. However we recommend that you attend your regular reviews and clinics. Necessary protocols have been put in place for your safety as you visit the hospital. If you have a specific issue that needs attention, call the Outspan hospital on 0722 696901. You will be advised accordingly . In an emergency, call 719
What is social distancing?
Deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least 6 feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching or spreading COVID-19.
Is it dangerous to be outdoors?
Going out for a walk is good exercise and may be psychologically beneficial. But, wear a face covering and maintain at least a 6-foot distance between others. Individuals who have a chronic health condition such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, as well as older adults are at greater risk for complications from COVID-19 and should be extra careful around others—either indoors or outdoors.

Outspan Hospital's Preparedness

At the Outspan Hospital, we have established a multidisciplinary Covid 19 preparedness team headed by a physician which closely monitors, and proactively responds to the developments in the country and globally associated with coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition, we are in close contact with the Ministry of Health and NGOs in monitoring and implementing safety and patient management guidelines. Our staff is continuously being trained and updated on professional developments in management of Covid 19. We want to reassure our patients and visitors that we are well-prepared to manage the impact of Covid 19.

covid 19 training april 2020 Outspan Hospital Staff Covid-19 Preparedness Training

Advisory to patients:

We have implemented temperature checks and screening questions for all persons entering the Outspan Hospital. We have strict infection control and prevention protocols in place to protect patients, health care workers and visitors to minimize the risk of any infection some of which are outlined below:

All visitors and patients and staff should wear face masks all the time. After putting it on to cover your nose and mouth, do not touch the front of the mask. You can purchase to replace your mask at the hospital pharmacy.
A hand washing area is also provided for you at the hospital entrance.
If you notice that you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, you should advise the hospital to assess your risk and whether it is safe for you to be admitted. Inform the hospital of any other existing medical preconditions if any. If you have had contact with a known or suspected case of COVID-19, then please alert the hospital so appropriate precautions can be implemented if you are admitted.
For your safety the hospital has established a special respiratory clinic. This clinic will attend to patients who exhibit chest infection, cold or flu like symptoms for further investigations and advice.
If you are in need of elective surgery the decision to proceed will be assessed by the treating specialist. The assessment will be done on an individual case basis such as the risk of the procedure, the condition of the patient, availability of hospital ICU and bed availability.

Information for maternity patients

Our maternity staff is very excited when a new baby is born at our maternity. It is an exciting time for a mother. The Outspan Hospital wishes to assure you that the first priority for the management is the safety for you and your baby. As much as the staff would love to see you receive all the traditional jubilation that comes with a newly born, we have introduced extra measures to protect you and your baby from COVID-19.

Information for visitors

Due to the COVID-19 the Outspan hospital management has restricted visits for all wards. We are encouraging the new normal where visitors will be communicating with their loved ones and the hospital via mobile phones, internet and other electronic communication devices. On admission, the hospital has restricted the number of relatives accompanying the patient to the wards. The hospital management seeks your cooperation on the following:

Visiting hours:

6.30 am - 7.00 am
1.30 pm - 2.00 pm

One visitor will be allowed per patient per visiting hour. The visitor must produce the ‘Next of Kin’ card. No visitor below 12 years will be allowed into the hospital. No food or fruits from outside are allowed in. If you are unwell or have travelled to a Covid 19 hotspot, we advise that you restrain yourself from visiting a patient in the hospital. Avoid visiting vulnerable people, such as those with compromised immune systems due to illness or medical treatment.

Isolation ward:

The Outspan Hospital has established an annex of the hospital as an Isolation ward to exclusively manage suspected cases of Covid 19 and confirmed Covid 19 patients. This ward is separate from the main hospital. We wish to assure you that our high standards of care, safety and professionalism will not been compromised. No visitor will be allowed in the Isolation ward

Home Based Care:

Due to constraints in resources such as space, the Outspan Hospital has prioritized admissions for those with the highest probability of poor outcomes. These include those with severe and critical illness and those aged 60 years and above and those with underlying medical comorbidities. The hospital is offering assessment and recommendation for home based isolation and care. In this case, for asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic COVID-19 confirmed cases. The Ministry of Health has developed guidelines for the implementation of home based care. The hospital will supervise implementation of these guidelines.

Normal Services:

Our normal services including our specialized clinics continue to operate. Outpatient services are on for 24 hours. Other services such as Dental health, Endoscopies, Renal Dialysis and our Cancer Center are open. Contact the hospital for appointments on the mobile phone contacts provided on this page.

Where to get more information:
Outspan Hospital main phone line: 0722 696 901

Email: info @outspanhospital.org OR Website: www.outspanhospital.org

Guidelines for Self-Quarantine

What should I do for effective self-quarantine?
If you are under self-quarantine, you are advised to observe the following prevention and control measures:

Stay in a well-ventilated room away from other people such as family members preferably with separate hygiene and toilet facilities. If you share the same hygiene and toilet facilities, ensure you disinfect it after use using regular household disinfectant or soap and water.

If you are working, stay at home for the entire duration of the quarantine (14 days).

Ensure that you have adequate food, water, hygiene provisions and appropriate medical treatment for existing medical conditions while in self-quarantine.

Ensure that you have the necessary communication facilities e.g. mobile telephone to communicate with family members and other people while in quarantine.

Always wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand rub

Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or tissue when coughing and sneezing. Throw away used tissue immediately into a dustbin or burn it and wash your hands immediately with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. The handkerchief must be washed and ironed by you daily.

Stay away from pets, as there is a chance that humans can pass the disease to them

Avoid sharing toothbrushes, utensils, dishes, drinks, towels, clothes or bed linen with anybody in your home.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs/handles, bedside tables, bedframes, and other bedroom furniture daily with regular household disinfectant or soap

Clean and disinfect bathroom and toilet surfaces at least once a day with regular household disinfectant or soap.

If you develop symptoms of acute respiratory infection, including fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing, please call for immediate help on the telephone numbers below. Outspan Hospital mainline- 0722 696901

What should I do to keep my spirit up while in self-quarantine?

Being under quarantine can be frightening. The following should be done to reduce anxiety:

Talk to the other members of the family about the COVID-19. Understanding this disease will reduce anxiety.
Reassure young children using age-appropriate language.
Think about how you have coped with difficult situations in the past and reassure yourself that you will cope with this situation too. Remember that quarantine won’t last for long.
Keep in touch with family members and friends via telephone, email or social media.
Stock plenty of materials to read to keep your mind occupied.
Exercise regularly from your quarantine area.
Ensure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep hydrated.
Eat all your meals in a timely manner.

What happens when I complete the 14 days of self-quarantine?
If you complete the 14 days of self-quarantine without any symptoms, the surveillance team/health authorities will formally discharge you from follow up and you will be free to go about your usual activities.
What happens if I develop symptoms during the 14 days of self-quarantine?
If at any time during your 14 days of self-quarantine, you develop symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately from the nearest medical facility.
Outspan Hospital Main line: 0722 696901
Do family members or other people I live with also need self-quarantine?
Other members of the household are not required to self-quarantine unless they have had close contact with you or meet one of the criteria for self-quarantine as provided by the Ministry of Health. If you develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19, members of your household will be classified as close contacts and will be required to self-quarantine.

Psychological Tips

Accept that things are not the same

Accept that there is a change. Accept that we are in an abnormal situation that is not likely to change very soon. Accept that you are not in control of the change. Accept that you will have to do things because a higher authority has said so and it is non-negotiable. However, what you can control is how you see this change. What you can control is your reaction to this change. But before you can gain some semblance of control, accept that you have lost. Loss may range from loss of a job and pay cuts to loss of freedom and movement. Loss of connecting with friends in social places. Loss of being able to greet people with a handshake, a hug, a peck on the check. Loss of space now that the significant other is there all the time. Loss of options for entertainment. Loss of having teachers take care of learning. As a result of that loss, you will grieve.

Give yourself time

Allow yourself to feel what you are feeling. Anger. Resentment. Fear. Loss. Feelings are like traffic lights. They are warning signs that we do not ignore. So, let them come. Sit with them. Feel the feelings that rise to the surface. Just because you have the feeling, does not mean you have to act on it. So every day, during this grieving process, find a quiet space and let those feelings rise to the surface. Let them come with no judgment. We all grieve differently. For some, they need to talk it out. So call, whatsapp, text a friend and express the feeling. Post your feelings on your social media pages and engage with those who comment. For others, get a piece of paper or a journal and write it down. For others, doing something helps. So get a skipping rope and jump. Get outside the house and walk it out in your compound. Or even thorough clean and organize a specific room. The point is to give yourself permission to feel what you are feeling and then find a safe outlet for it. Do not rush.

Set a new routine

You may not realize it, but what had become familiar was once new to you. You did not always work. You did not always have kids. At some point, those things that you had become used to were once strange to you. This tells you that you already have the skills to deal with change. So, here you are once again, tasked with setting a new routine. Finding a new normal. Focus on only on what matters. For those with families, you may have to call a family meeting and figure out what will day to day look like? What are things that need to get done (cooking, cleaning, learning, working), things that are fun to do, things that each person would like to do alone, things to do together. Do not assume that somehow, naturally, things will fall into place. Just like when a baby entered the family, it had to take effort to adjust to the change; this will also take effort. Setting a new routine may not be accomplished in one sitting. It may take several meetings to come up with a routine that will work 70% of the time. Keep an open mind and keep tweaking it until a level of comfort is attained. It is not about perfection. Throughout this process, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Make an effort to stay calm.

There are people who are naturally calm in a crisis. For most of us, it takes effort to remain calm when everything is falling apart. Fear inhibits good decision making. To be successful in coming out of this COVID 19 pandemic, we have to learn how to do the opposite of what our fight or flight response (limbic system) is telling us to do. How do you do this? You first become aware of the fear and spot it as soon as it begins to surface. In this way, you will be able to contain it before it gets out of control. You do this by labeling every thought that results from that fear as irrational, and it is not a representation of reality. When you do this, the fear subsides and you are now able to focus more accurately and rationally on the information you have to go on. For example, situation: students only learnt for 10 weeks and had to go home abruptly. Fear: no learning is taking place. Irrational thought: National exams will have to be postponed and the students repeat a full year. Calm action: Breathe in slowly on an 8 count, hold the breath for a 4 count, then let it out slowly for a 6 count. Rational thought: Only 3 weeks of face to face learning have been lost. Students were given materials to cover what was not taught. There is a lot of online support. Professor Maghoha categorically stated that there is no such plan of postponing exams as at now.

Stay positive.

Being and staying positive is not automatic. It takes concerted effort. You have to help your brain control fear by staying positive. Know that your mind cannot hold fear and positivity at the same time. Just like you cannot be tense and relaxed at the same time. Look for the good in this situation. Examples: I now have the opportunity to spend time with my kids. I can cook those recipes I have been piling up. I can watch that series that I have been too busy to watch. If that is not working, think about things that you have overcome in the past. Or think about the things you are looking forward to in the future. Look for inspirational stories and quotes. Borrow a leaf from children and engage in a bit of imagination and dreaming. Staying positive includes limiting exposure to news about COVID 19. Make a decision that you will only watch the briefing OR one news cycle and that is it. This also means limiting social media that talks about COVID 19. Go through all your social media and assess what you have been following. Is it positive? Does it make you laugh? Does it brighten your day? Does it leave you feeling uplifted, encouraged, more positive? If the answer is no, then unfollow and/ or block people, pages and groups that increase fear and anxiety and consciously look for and follow those with positive vibes.

Do not be afraid to ask for help.

We are Africans. We do not do things alone. We have committees for weddings, funerals, even album launches. Do not lose sight of this because of social distancing. If you have lost your job, gone through pay cuts; ask for help. At the time of writing this article, half a million had been raised for a twitter member for an operation of his head. This is in the middle of COVID 19 and talk of essential services. Twitter that is known for trolling came together and raised half a million. 200 thousand ABOVE what was needed. The bible says in Mathew 7:7-8 Ask and it shall be given unto you… it does not say, wait to be asked or sit in hope that someone will be spoken to about your need and divinely intervene. Reach out. Ask. Seek. Knock. And keep asking until you get what you need. Finally, know deep within yourself that you can survive COVID 19. Know that your purpose on this earth must be fulfilled. Know that you have the ability to overcome adversity. Know that for an arrow to be shot forward, it must be drawn back.