Question:

Ask the Pharmacist Special Edition COVID-19 Update with Dr. Dorian Lo, President, Express Scripts Canada

Answer from Express Scripts Canada Pharmacist:

Hello – and welcome to a special episode of Ask The Pharmacist.

I’m Dr. Dorian Lo, the president of Express Scripts Canada. These are trying times for all of us, so I’d like to take some questions about COVID-19.

So, let’s get started...

What is COVID-19?

There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.

In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease.

How can I can prevent myself from contracting COVID-19? What precautions should I take?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, so the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. So be sure to take these precautions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with others and stay home as much as possible.
• Be sure to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others if you have to go outside.
• Finally, be sure to clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

How can I stay positive during the COVD-19 pandemic?

One of the best ways to stay positive is through positive reinforcement.

On that note, I’d like to thank my incredible team at Express Scripts Canada and the ESC Pharmacy for their hard work, commitment and dedication during this unprecedented time.

In fact, our global parent company recently announced it will help accelerate research for potential COVID-19 treatments with a donation of medications to a Washington University School of Medicine’s clinical trial.

I also recognize the outbreak of COVID-19 can cause fear and anxiety in many.

Here are a few ways to help cope with stress:

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, this includes social media.
• Take care of your body. Practice deep breathing, stretching or meditation. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep. And avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
• Check in with your loved ones often. Virtual communication can help you and your loved ones feel less lonely and isolated.

Until next time, this has been Ask the Pharmacist. I wish you good health.