28.03.2024

Tips for wearing a face mask

In line with other states across the nation and CDC guidance, the Illinois stay-at-home May 1 order extension requires wearing a face covering in public places such as grocery stores and pharmacies or at work.

Any individual who is over the age of two and medically able to tolerate a face-covering is required to cover their nose and mouth.

While many have already been wearing a mask, it’s important to do it right. Dr. Kamo Sidhwa, infectious disease specialist at Advocate South Suburban Hospital suggests taking the following actions to ensure your safety:

  • Masks should be washed daily with regular detergent or soap after initial use.
  • It may need to be washed by hand or in the gentle cycle of the washing machine if made of delicate material. It may be also be worthwhile to have a few masks available while you are cleaning.
  • If elastic is in the mask, it needs to be checked to make sure it has not lost its elasticity and remains secure and fitted when wearing.
  • Once your mask is visibly soiled or damaged, you should discard it and start using a new one.
  • Be careful when removing dirty masks to ensure you aren’t touching your face until after you wash your hands.

Safe masking is an important step we can take in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, but Dr. Sidhwa also reminds us that masks does not take the place of social distancing.

“The point of these coverings is to lessen the chance that a potentially asymptomatic infected individual may spread their infection to others,” says Dr. Sidhwa. “Distancing is still the most important thing we can do to decrease overall spread.”
How a virtual doctor visit helped save a life

Fear of COVID-19 is delaying critical care.

How a virtual doctor visit helped save a life

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports are showing large number of cases of sudden cardiac death due to patient fear of going to hospitals or seeking care. It is imperative for us to continue to take care of patients at risk who may delay their care in fear of coronavirus exposure.

If you or a family member have signs of a heart attack or stroke, don’t delay care. Please call 911 or go to the emergency room. Our hospitals have measures to protect you from infection.

If it’s not an emergency, virtual visits are a great option now. We quickly expanded virtual visits at the start of the pandemic to continue to provide care for everyone, especially the vulnerable.

With the help of a virtual visit, we saved another life.

A patient of mine had a couple of fainting spells. He consulted with me via a virtual visit. He was deemed high risk for sudden cardiac death. That’s how we knew he needed to go to the hospital. With the assistance of my fellow in-training, an electrophysiology study test was performed. His heart stopped, indicating he needed the life-saving implantable defibrillator surgery. It was done immediately. He left same day safely back to his family knowing that his heart and life are protected.

I am very grateful to my amazing team and to the leadership of Advocate Aurora Heath organization which has worked hard to keep staff and community safe.

Care must go on. Saving lives must go on.

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