<p>The Aga Khan University Hospital recognizing the need for authentic information on the account of COVID – 19 hosted a Facebook Live session to answer misinformation regarding the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><div>The experts who participated in this session included:</div><div>
</div><div>Moderator: </div><div>Dr. Adil Haider, Professor, and Dean Medical College
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</div><div>Panel:
</div><div>Dr. Faisal Mahmood, Associate Professor and Section Head, Medicine
</div><div>Dr. Zahra Hasan, Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
</div><div>Dr. Sadaf Ahmed, Senior Instructor, Family Medicine
</div><div>Dr. Irum Qamar Khan. Assistant Professor, Emergency Medicine</div><div>Mr. Hassan Somani, Senior Manager, Patient Business Services
</div><div>Ms. Rozina Roshan, Manager, Infection Control
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</div><div>These specialists covered some very important points of discussion. Professor and Dean Adil Haider started by saying, “The Aga Khan University Hospital has been preparing to manage patients and also we’ve been preparing, so that all of our staff and members of the public know how to protect themselves from this virus.” Dr. Faisal Mahmood discussed the origin of this virus in the Wuhan province of China and how it entered Pakistan through Iran. He pointed out that most individuals are safe and may not get too sick, however, some people like the elderly, those with a weak immunity or pre-existing pulmonary issues, and smokers are at greater risk.
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</div><div>Dr. Zahra Hasan further discussed the mode of transmission of the COVID-19 stating, “It is transmitted through droplets, like many respiratory infections. The virus travels through droplets that may be transferred if someone who coughs or sneezes has COVID-19.” She further discussed that the virus travels about a meter’s length from the patient, so it is wise to keep our distance from the affected.
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</div><div>Our experts recommended the use of normal surgical masks only if you are traveling or in circumstances where human contact is necessary with patients. Dr. Faisal Mahmood showed the correct way of wearing the mask and discouraged the use of masks for the general public. He stated that the N-95 mask is only recommended to be used by certain health care practitioners.
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</div><div>The experts discussed precautionary measures that the general public should adopt. This includes washing our hands regularly, not touching our face, sneezing and coughing in our elbows and not going to crowded places. Ms. Rozina Roshan, Manager Infection Control, further added that for most surfaces and often-touched areas such as doorknobs, it would be ideal to rub them for 20 seconds with disinfectants or alcohol rubs. As per disinfection guidelines, all surfaces should be first washed with soap water and then with disinfectants as a more effective method of infection control.
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</div><div>Mr. Hassan Somani, Sr. Manager Patient Business Services, mentioned that the cost of the test is approximately Rs. 8,000; however if a patient comes through the government screening process, most expenses are taken care of by the government. If someone comes for the test without a referral then they must cover the charges themselves. Still, The Aga Khan University Hospital offers welfare to deserving individuals.
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</div><div>Summarizing the whole event, Dr. Faisal Mahmood gave advice on building immunity that includes a balanced diet, exercise and seven hours of sleep. He restated the importance of washing hands regularly, sneezing into our elbows and avoiding crowded areas. The experts reassured to the public that patient of COVID-19 is in isolation and the hospital is completely safe and functioning. Professor and Dean Adil Haider closed the event by stating, that the guiding principles of The Aga Khan University are Impact, Quality, Relevance and Access, and like everything we do, for COVID-19 too we were well prepared to combat this virus and to deal with this situation to offer quality care to our patients.
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</div><div>The complete video of the Facebook Live session can be viewed on:
</div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ-W-0Y11F0&feature=youtu.be">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ-W-0Y11F0&feature=youtu.be</a>
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