COVID-19; ADVICE FROM YOUR LOCAL PHARMACIST

On the day of my interview with Pharmacist, Borja Casado de Juan, we were still in Phase 0 of the Spanish government’s lockdown exit strategy. He was ready to answer questions and give advice regarding how to stay safe as we ease off from home confinement. We share the highlights below.

WORDS MARISA CUTILLAS © Courtesy of Farmacia PARAISO Estepona

HOW CAN PEOPLE STAY SAFE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

We generally advise our clients according to the measures laid out by the government. If you are going out, we recommend the use of a mask and a visor that extends from the forehead to below the chin.

WILL VISORS STOP THE VIRUS FROM REACHING YOU? CAN PARTICLES ENTER FROM UNDERNEATH THE VISOR’S OPENING?

The virus drops to the floor and other surfaces such as clothing so the visor acts like a physical barrier.

WHICH MASKS ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT PHARMACIES? IN THE PAST IT WAS HARD TO FIND THEM.

We have surgical, ffp2 and ffp3 masks.

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR CLIENTS TO BUY, FOR INSTANCE, A BOX OF 50 MASKS?

We prefer that clients come by every few days as their need for masks arises. This avoids hoarding and ensures masks are well distributed in the community.

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE HOW MANY MASKS (AND WHICH TYPE) TO RECOMMEND TO CLIENTS?

We try to ask what line of work they are in, if they are in high-risk jobs, etc. Those working in health services or supermarkets, for instance, would be recommended higher-security masks because they are more likely to be exposed to the virus.

WHAT OTHER SAFETY MEASURES DO YOU RECOMMEND?

Gloves and sanitising gel are very important.

IS IT TRUE THAT GLOVES CAN BE RISKY BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN TOUCH THEIR FACE AFTER TOUCHING SURFACES?

We recommend that people apply sanitising gel even when they are wearing gloves. This will keep the glove surface clean and bring the risk of contagion down.

CAN YOU GET COVID-19 BY SIMPLY GOING FOR A WALK IN AN OPEN AREA?

How the virus transfers is not fully known but ideally, if you are going for a walk, you should aim to go when few people are outside. Wear your visor and mask and the moment you get home, disinfect (wash) your clothing and shoes.

Farmacia PARAISO Estepona C.C. Mustang, Autovía del Mediterráneo, Km 167, Estepona.

WHY IS THIS VIRUS SO DANGEROUS?

Because of how rapid and effective it is at contagion.

WHY AREN’T MORE TESTS BEING CONDUCTED IN SPAIN?

We don’t have enough test kits.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN TOLD ABOUT THE COVID VACCINE?

We still don’t know when a vaccine will become available, but there are many teams making big progress at the

moment – one of which is the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) in Spain. They have managed to sequence the DNA of COVID-19 and their vaccine is currently at the experimental stage.

COULD THERE BE A SECOND WAVE OF THE VIRUS?

Some epidemiologists believe there will be a second wave in October or November. We are currently exiting the lockdown but we need to stay calm and realise we are in the final sprint of the strictest part of confinement.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO AVOID CONTAGION AS WE APPROACH THE NEW NORMALITY?

The exit will be different depending on the area. For instance, in some parts of China people are already living a far greater normality. We will need to continue being vigilant about the times we go out, the types of places we visit, etc. We will need to continue taking care and to strictly follow measures established by the government. We will also need to conduct more tests, especially among health workers and seniors. Remaining vigilant is key; everyone should be on the lookout for symptoms such as headaches, fever, a dry cough, and the like. Those who suspect they may have the coronavirus should call their health centre and request a test.

WHAT ROLE DOES IMMUNITY PLAY IN ALL OF THIS?

Boosting your immunity is very important right now, because when this system is working well, it is like a first line of defence. Taking a supplement won’t stop you from getting COVID-19 but it will give you a better defence against it. We advise clients to take an immunity supplement. There are many available (including Vitamin C and zinc) and some are homeopathic, including echinacea.