COVID Vaccine

We strongly recommend getting the COVID vaccine. The data is convincing, and the science is thoughtful and effective. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are promising and will get us close to herd immunity, if we all get vaccinated.

Please discuss the vaccine with your physician if you are pregnant or have a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines.

Check your local health department for appointments as we move through the Phases. Most places are currently in Phase 1b – people ages 65 and over. Teachers, childcare workers, emergency services, and food and agriculture workers are next. Most of us will be in Phase 2.

Monoclonal Antibodies

If you are diagnosed with COVID and have any of the following risk factors, talk with your physician to see if a monoclonal antibody infusion would be right for you. It must be done within the first 7 days of illness and has been shown to decrease hospitalization.

Risk Factors: Body mass index (BMI) above 35; Chronic kidney disease; Diabetes, Pregnancy (only a high-risk criterion if patient also has another high-risk criterion) Age 65 or older;

Age 55 or older with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or chronic respiratory disease; Immunosuppressive disease or treatment; and Untreated HIV

Age 12 to 17 with BMI at or above the 85th percentile and at least one of the following: Sickle cell disease, heart disease, Neurodevelopmental disorders, tracheostomy or gastrostomy, Asthma

COVID Home Treatment

Vitamin C – 2000 mg daily;

Vitamin D3- 4000 iu daily;

Zinc – 50 mg twice a day. Take with food as it may cause nausea;

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – 1000 mg every 4-6 hours as needed for fever;

Ibuprofen (Motrin) – 400-600 mg three times a day (with food) if fever is not controlled by the Tylenol,

Rest, fluids, Sleep on your stomach to increase aeration in lungs;

Stay isolated in your room – at least 10 days, use a private bathroom if possible, and wear a mask if you must be around others;

Talk to your physician and do virtual visits every 2 days from days 4-10;

Use Pulse oximeter to check oxygen – go to the hospital if oxygen less than 91% or you have chest pain or worsening shortness of breath.

COVID - Hospital treatment

We prefer large hospital systems or Academic Centers.

If you are hospitalized with COVID, there are several treatment regimens and they may include Remdesevir, Convalescent plasma, Steroids (dexamethasone or prednisone), Blood thinners, and most importantly oxygen therapy for support.

Take your Phone or iPad with a charger - as family members are not allowed to visit at this time at most hospitals.

Call your family when the treating physician comes in so that they can get updates and ask questions.

COVID – Living in Nigeria

COVID is real and present in Nigeria.

Due to a younger population (median age in Nigeria is 17 vs. 38 in USA) that is less likely to die from COVID and limited access to testing, there is a belief that COVID is not in Nigeria. But we are watching with alarm as we see the increase in COVID cases and deaths especially after the recent holiday travels, particularly in the East.

Prevention is key! - Avoid large crowds, stay home, and wear a mask

If you develop symptoms of COVID- yes, similar to malaria - but in the era of the pandemic, COVID should be high on your list - Start home treatment regimen with Vitamin C, D3, and Zinc.

If you get short of breath, please go to an Isolation Center for Oxygen and further evaluation