For many years, doctors have been concerned about overuse of antibiotics to fight infections caused by bacteria. COVID-19 is a virus and does not respond to antibiotics. Recently, people who are hospitalized because of COVID-19 have been given antibiotics to prevent a second infection from other bacteria. This is worrying because it could lead to a situation where bacteria become resistant. This occurs when the antibiotic does not work anymore, and could leave us vulnerable to even more infections.
Latino Diabetes
COVID-19: Testing Information
Facing diabetes and COVID-19 together
COVID-19: Testing Information
Should I be tested for COVID-19?
You need to consider 3 questions:
- Do you have a fever of 100 or greater?
- Do you have a new cough?
- Do you have shortness of breath or pain taking a breath?
If you answer no to all 3 questions, you do not need a test. If you answer yes to any of the questions, contact your healthcare provider and let them know you may need a test. You may be asked additional questions about your age, recent travel, contact with someone who has the virus, your diabetes and other medical problems, and whether you work at a healthcare or residential care facility. If you are tested, the results may not be available for a few days. While you wait for the result, stay in isolation at home. This means you should not go to school, work, shopping, or to any restaurant. Try to maintain a distance of 6feet, when possible, from other people at home and do not eat in common areas. You can go outside if you are not coughing and have a private backyard, or private outdoor area that is at least 6 feet from other residents. Wear a mask.
If I get COVID-19, can I recover at home?
Staying at home makes sense if you have the infection and:
- Your health is stable enough to receive care at home. This includes being able to control your diabetes.
- Appropriate caregivers are available at home.
- Ideally there is a separate bedroom where you can recover without sharing immediate space with others.
- Food and other necessities are available.
- You and other household members have access to appropriate, recommended personal protective equipment (such as gloves and facemasks) and are capable of adhering to precautions, such as cough etiquette and hand washing.
- You can stay away as much as possible from household members who may be at increased risk of complications from COVID-19, such as older people and people with severe chronic health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes.
COVID-19 NEWS
Disclaimer and Sources
Sansum Diabetes Research Institute specializes in diabetes. While we are not experts in infectious disease, we are following and conveying on this site the research evidence and advice from the following authoritative organizations:
World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/share-facts.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fshare-facts.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html#who-is-higher-risk
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
American Diabetes Association
Table:
- Down S on behalf of the Primary Care Diabetes Society (2020) COVID-19 and diabetes. Diabetes & Primary Care [early view publication].
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