Dr. Alexander Simidchiev: When we cannot keep our distance, masks are mandatory – Diseases

The virus changes social relationships, puts pressure on many systems. People who are in the front line put their families at risk because this virus is unforgiving if it nests somewhere. This was stated by pulmonologist Dr. Alexander Simidchiev, head of a department of the Hospital of the Ministry of the Interior, in the BNT “Panorama” program.

It made an interesting impression on me that RHI employees now wear strictly personal protective equipment, he said, comparing the situation now with that of three months ago.

“The masks help when they stop the release of droplets that can penetrate the individual. When we cannot keep our distance, then they are mandatory. When a person is outside at a great distance, there is no risk of infection, because these droplets are heavy and they fall in a certain path on the ground and there is no way to get infected. If a person is home alone, there is no point in wearing a mask either, “said Dr. Simidchiev.

“There are scientific publications that say that masks help protect not 100%, but 30%. In the situation we find ourselves in, this is also a lot. It is extremely important to have a reasonable sufficiency, that is, measures to” They are not too strict, but too soft. In restaurants and stadiums, risks are combined. This infection is not so dangerous, many more people get the flu, but fewer die. However, we should not underestimate it, “warned the pulmonologist.

More and more emergency calls from coronavirus patients

“The virus has a single purpose: to survive passing from one person to another. The PCR test is a sensitive method to detect the virus. It takes between 1 and 2 days to test positive. However, its result is slow: 6 to 12 hours, if there are accumulations, and 24 hours, “explained Dr. Alexander Simidchiev.

“Differences in speech confuse people. The biggest problem is not the virus, but the information. Just because we don’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. I’ve treated several patients with a long history of COVID-19 . They have been in the hospital for four months. And then it was difficult for them to return to their normal life. There are things that work like masks. If we wear masks, they will protect us as a society. They are a symbol of our responsibility, “he said.