Coronavirus COVID-19
At ABC Medical Center
We are prepared to serve you on our two campuses with the highest safety standards.
Why choose Centro Médico ABC?
At ABC Medical Center we are committed to providing quality care in the current epidemiological situation of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
How can we help you?
ABC protocol
Learn more about the care for patients with probable SARS-CoV-2 infection and the tests we have available at the Centro Médico ABC.
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Safety measures
At Centro Médico ABC, we are prepared to assist you in case you need it. Before your visit to Centro Médico ABC you should know our safety measures.
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COVID aftereffects
At Centro Médico ABC we develop diagnostic and follow-up protocols for patients recovered from COVID-19 that could present both physical and psychological aftereffects.
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Mental health
At Centro Médico ABC, we care about your health and with the advice of our specialists, we prepared the following guide with 12 steps to protect your and your family’s mental health.
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Vaccination
Learn about the reasons to get vaccinated, what to know about the different vaccines and how these vaccines work on your immune system.
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Rapid Test
For Centro Médico ABC, your health and safety are very important, that is why we provide you and your family with a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test from your car.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and a dry cough. Some patients may have pain, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and appear gradually. Some people become infected but do not develop any symptoms and are not unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without the need for any special treatment. About 1 in 6 people who get COVID-19 develop a serious illness and have trouble breathing. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. About 2% of people who have contracted the disease have died. People with a fever, cough, and shortness of breath should seek medical attention.
The "incubation period" is the time that elapses between infection with the virus and the appearance of symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1 to 14 days, and generally are around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data becomes available.
A person can contract COVID-19 from contact with another who is infected with the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through droplets from the nose or mouth that are released when an infected person coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person, so other people can get COVID-19 if they touch these objects or surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. They can also be spread if they breathe in droplets spread by a person with COVID-19 by coughing or exhaling. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from someone who is sick.
WHO is reviewing ongoing investigations into the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to report updated results.
Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is transmitted primarily through contact with respiratory droplets, rather than through the air. See the previous answer to the question.
The main way of spreading the disease is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone when coughing. The risk of getting COVID-19 from someone with no symptoms is very low. However, many people who get COVID-19 have only mild symptoms. This is particularly true in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, it is possible to catch it from someone who, for example, only has a mild cough and does not feel sick. WHO is reviewing ongoing investigations into COVID-19 transmission period and will continue to report updated results.
The risk of contracting COVID-19 from contact with the feces of an infected person appears to be low. Although initial investigations suggest that the virus may be present in some cases in feces, spread by this route is not one of the characteristic features of the outbreak. WHO is reviewing ongoing investigations into the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to report updated results. However, it is a risk and therefore one more reason to wash your hands frequently, after using the bathroom and before eating.
The risk depends on where you are and, more specifically, on whether a COVID-19 outbreak is occurring there.
For most people in most places, the risk of contracting this disease remains low. However, we know that there are some places (cities or areas) where it is spreading and where the risk of contracting it is higher, both for the people who live in them and for those who visit them. Governments and health authorities are acting with determination every time a new case of COVID-19 is detected. It is important that we all respect the restrictions on travel, movement, and mass concentrations of people applicable to each specific place. By cooperating with disease control measures, we will reduce the risk each of us runs of contracting or spreading it.
As has been proven in China and other countries, it is possible to stop COVID-19 outbreaks and end its transmission. However, the great speed with which new outbreaks can appear forces us to be aware of the situation in the places where we are or where we intend to go. WHO publishes daily updates on the situation of COVID-19 in the world, which can be consulted, in English, at the page https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/.
For most people in most places, the risk of contracting this disease remains low. However, we know that there are some places (cities or areas) where it is spreading and where the risk of contracting it is higher, both for the people who live in them and for those who visit them. Governments and health authorities are acting with determination every time a new case of COVID-19 is detected. It is important that we all respect the restrictions on travel, movement, and mass concentrations of people applicable to each specific place. By cooperating with disease control measures, we will reduce the risk each of us runs of contracting or spreading it.
As has been proven in China and other countries, it is possible to stop COVID-19 outbreaks and end its transmission. However, the great speed with which new outbreaks can appear forces us to be aware of the situation in the places where we are or where we intend to go. WHO publishes daily updates on the situation of COVID-19 in the world, which can be consulted, in English, at the page https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/.
Coronavirus is a large family of viruses that are common among bats and other animals. In rare cases, people become infected with these viruses, which can then spread to other people. For example, SARS-CoV was associated with civets and MERS-CoV is transmitted through dromedaries.
The possible animal origin of COVID-19 has not yet been confirmed.
As a protective measure when visiting live animal markets or in other similar situations, avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces that are in contact with them. Make sure that proper food hygiene practices are observed at all times. Handle raw animal meat, milk, or organs with care to avoid contamination from uncooked food and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.
The possible animal origin of COVID-19 has not yet been confirmed.
As a protective measure when visiting live animal markets or in other similar situations, avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces that are in contact with them. Make sure that proper food hygiene practices are observed at all times. Handle raw animal meat, milk, or organs with care to avoid contamination from uncooked food and avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products.
No. There is no data to indicate that companion animals or pets such as cats and dogs have been infected or can spread the virus that causes COVID-19.
It is not known for sure how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on a surface, but it appears to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies conducted (including preliminary information available on the COVID-19 virus) indicate that coronaviruses can survive on a surface from a few hours to several days. The time may vary depending on the conditions (for example, the type of surface, the temperature, or the humidity of the environment).
If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with a common disinfectant to kill the virus and thus protect yourself and others. Wash your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with a common disinfectant to kill the virus and thus protect yourself and others. Wash your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Yes. The probability that an infected person will contaminate commercial items is low, and the risk of contracting the virus that causes COVID-19 from contact with a package that has been handled, transported, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures is also low.
No. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, only against bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work against it. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19. They should only be used to treat a bacterial infection as directed by a doctor.
Although some western, traditional, or home remedies can provide comfort and ease the symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medications can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication, particularly with antibiotics, to prevent or cure COVID-19. There are several ongoing clinical trials with western and traditional medicines. WHO will provide updated information as soon as the results of clinical trials are available.
We still have a lot to learn about how COVID-19 affects humans, but it appears that older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes) develop severe cases of the disease with more frequency than others.
If the characteristic respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 are not present (especially cough) or if a person who may have contracted this disease is not cared for, it is not necessary to wear a clinical mask. Remember that disposable masks can only be used once, and also keep in mind that if you are not sick or do not care for someone who is, you are wasting a mask. The world's stocks of masks are running low, and the WHO urges them to be used wisely.
The WHO advises making a rational use of clinical masks so as not to waste unnecessarily or improperly use valuable utensils (see the section When and how to use a mask).
The most effective measures against COVID-19 to protect yourself and others are wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth with your elbow or a tissue when coughing, and keep a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) with people who cough or sneeze. For more information in this regard, the basic protection measures against the new coronavirus can be consulted.
How to put on, use, remove, and dispose of a mask
1. Remember that only healthcare workers, caregivers, and people with respiratory symptoms such as fever and cough should wear a mask.
2. Before touching the mask, wash your hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant or soap and water.
3. Inspect the mask for tears or holes.
4. Direct upwards the top (where the metal strip is located).
5. Make sure to face out the correct side of the mask (the colored side).
6. Put the mask on your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask to mold it to the shape of your nose.
7. Pull down the bottom of the mask so that it covers your mouth and chin.
8. After use, take off the mask; remove the elastic bands from behind the ears keeping the mask away from your face and clothing, so as not to touch potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask.
9. Dispose of the mask in a closed container immediately after use.
10. Wash your hands after handling or disposing of the mask. Use an alcohol-based disinfectant or, if they are visibly dirty, wash them with soap and water.
The WHO advises making a rational use of clinical masks so as not to waste unnecessarily or improperly use valuable utensils (see the section When and how to use a mask).
The most effective measures against COVID-19 to protect yourself and others are wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth with your elbow or a tissue when coughing, and keep a distance of at least 1 meter (3 feet) with people who cough or sneeze. For more information in this regard, the basic protection measures against the new coronavirus can be consulted.
How to put on, use, remove, and dispose of a mask
1. Remember that only healthcare workers, caregivers, and people with respiratory symptoms such as fever and cough should wear a mask.
2. Before touching the mask, wash your hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant or soap and water.
3. Inspect the mask for tears or holes.
4. Direct upwards the top (where the metal strip is located).
5. Make sure to face out the correct side of the mask (the colored side).
6. Put the mask on your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask to mold it to the shape of your nose.
7. Pull down the bottom of the mask so that it covers your mouth and chin.
8. After use, take off the mask; remove the elastic bands from behind the ears keeping the mask away from your face and clothing, so as not to touch potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask.
9. Dispose of the mask in a closed container immediately after use.
10. Wash your hands after handling or disposing of the mask. Use an alcohol-based disinfectant or, if they are visibly dirty, wash them with soap and water.
COVID-19 symptoms are usually mild, especially in children and young adults. However, they can also be serious, requiring hospitalization of around one in five infected. Therefore, it is quite normal to worry about the effects that the COVID-19 outbreak may have on us and our loved ones.
This concern should help us to adopt protective measures for ourselves, our loved ones, and the communities where we live. The main and most important measure is regular and thorough hygiene of the hands and the respiratory tract. Second, it is important to stay informed and follow the advice of local health authorities, such as those regarding travel, commuting, and events where large numbers of people may gather. You can consult the advice on protection on the page https://www.who.int/es/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public.
This concern should help us to adopt protective measures for ourselves, our loved ones, and the communities where we live. The main and most important measure is regular and thorough hygiene of the hands and the respiratory tract. Second, it is important to stay informed and follow the advice of local health authorities, such as those regarding travel, commuting, and events where large numbers of people may gather. You can consult the advice on protection on the page https://www.who.int/es/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public.
The following measures ARE NOT effective against COVID-2019 and may be harmful:
In any case, if you have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, try to get medical attention as soon as possible to reduce the risk of developing a more serious infection, and be sure to inform your health care provider about your recent travels.
- Smoking
- Wear several masks
- Take antibiotics (See Are there medications or therapies that prevent or cure COVID-19?)
In any case, if you have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, try to get medical attention as soon as possible to reduce the risk of developing a more serious infection, and be sure to inform your health care provider about your recent travels.
Most people who become infected have a mild illness and recover, but in other cases it can be more severe. Take care of your health and protect others with the following measures:
Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water kills the virus if it is on your hands.
Adopt respiratory hygiene measures
When coughing or sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a bent elbow or a handkerchief; throw away the tissue immediately and wash your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, or soap and water.
Why? By covering the mouth and nose during coughing or sneezing, you avoid the spread of germs and viruses. If you sneeze or cough, cover yourself with your hands, you can contaminate objects or people you touch.
Social distancing
Keep at least 3 feet (1 meter) distance between you and other people, particularly those who cough, sneeze, and have a fever.
Why? When someone with a respiratory illness, such as 2019-nCoV infection, coughs or sneezes, they project tiny droplets that contain the virus. If you are too close, you can inhale the virus.
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Why? Hands touch many surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus. If you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself.
If you have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention.
Respiratory symptoms with fever can have a variety of causes, and depending on your travel history and personal circumstances, 2019-nCoV could be one of them. Stay informed and follow the recommendations of healthcare professionals.
Wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water.
Why? Washing your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer or soap and water kills the virus if it is on your hands.
Adopt respiratory hygiene measures
When coughing or sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a bent elbow or a handkerchief; throw away the tissue immediately and wash your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, or soap and water.
Why? By covering the mouth and nose during coughing or sneezing, you avoid the spread of germs and viruses. If you sneeze or cough, cover yourself with your hands, you can contaminate objects or people you touch.
Social distancing
Keep at least 3 feet (1 meter) distance between you and other people, particularly those who cough, sneeze, and have a fever.
Why? When someone with a respiratory illness, such as 2019-nCoV infection, coughs or sneezes, they project tiny droplets that contain the virus. If you are too close, you can inhale the virus.
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Why? Hands touch many surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus. If you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with contaminated hands, you can transfer the virus from the surface to yourself.
If you have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention.
Respiratory symptoms with fever can have a variety of causes, and depending on your travel history and personal circumstances, 2019-nCoV could be one of them. Stay informed and follow the recommendations of healthcare professionals.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a very unstable molecule that is used to create proteins in cells. mRNA can be synthesized in a laboratory and, when injected into cells, can cause protein fragments to be produced. When these small protein fragments (peptides) leave the cell, the body can develop an immune reaction to them, the 2 main vaccines in the US Pfizer and Moderna use this approach to vaccinate people against COVID-19 infection.
-Dr. Roxana Trejo, Centro Médico ABC
-Dr. Roxana Trejo, Centro Médico ABC
At the beginning of COVID-19 vaccine trials, a relatively weak immune reaction was found a few weeks after people received the first dose of the vaccine, followed by a strong reaction when a second dose was administered.
The following set of trials looked at the ability to prevent COVID-19 infection after receiving the 2 doses of vaccine, the vaccines were very effective in preventing infections that cause symptoms, as of today it is not known how well the vaccine works if only 1 dose is administered.
- Dr. Roxana Trejo, Centro Médico ABC
The following set of trials looked at the ability to prevent COVID-19 infection after receiving the 2 doses of vaccine, the vaccines were very effective in preventing infections that cause symptoms, as of today it is not known how well the vaccine works if only 1 dose is administered.
- Dr. Roxana Trejo, Centro Médico ABC
It has been argued that because COVID-19 is such a serious disease that is spreading rapidly around the world and because vaccines can be manufactured and administered at a relatively slow rate, a first dose should be given and the second dose delayed until a large number of the population receives the first dose.
The immune response to 1 dose of the vaccine is known to be relatively low, although people who received their first dose had some protection against COVID-19.
There is concern that people believe they are protected with a single dose of the vaccine which is wrong since people who receive only 1 dose generate partial immunity to COVID-19 infection, which increases the risk that they will develop vaccine-resistant variants of SARS-CoV-2, as well as that people who receive only 1 dose think they have sufficient protection against COVID-19 infection and do not receive a second dose. There is no evidence that people who receive just 1 dose have adequate long-term protection against COVID-19 infection.
- Dr. Roxana Trejo, Centro Médico ABC
The immune response to 1 dose of the vaccine is known to be relatively low, although people who received their first dose had some protection against COVID-19.
There is concern that people believe they are protected with a single dose of the vaccine which is wrong since people who receive only 1 dose generate partial immunity to COVID-19 infection, which increases the risk that they will develop vaccine-resistant variants of SARS-CoV-2, as well as that people who receive only 1 dose think they have sufficient protection against COVID-19 infection and do not receive a second dose. There is no evidence that people who receive just 1 dose have adequate long-term protection against COVID-19 infection.
- Dr. Roxana Trejo, Centro Médico ABC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine be given within 3 weeks of the first dose for the Pfizer vaccine and within 4 weeks for the Moderna vaccine, it is recommended not to elapse more than 6 weeks between doses, although if the second dose is not administered during these periods, it can be administered without the need to repeat the first dose, it is not recommended to administer the second dose earlier than indicated above, but if a person needs to receive the second dose earlier, the second dose is allowed up to 4 days ahead of schedule.
- Dr. Roxana Trejo, Centro Médico ABC
- Dr. Roxana Trejo, Centro Médico ABC
So far, the new variants appear to increase the ability of COVID-19 to spread, but they do not influence how someone gets sick from the disease. Current vaccines appear to work against the newer variants. When vaccines are created, they are designed to create many different antibodies against different parts of the virus, so that even if one part of the virus mutates, the antibodies can recognize another part of the virus. There may be a variant that reduces the effectiveness of the vaccine, and companies that make vaccines are creating new ones that should work against new strains of SARS-CoV-2.
- Dr. Roxana Trejo, Centro Médico ABC
- Dr. Roxana Trejo, Centro Médico ABC
COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed by government agencies.
JAMA February 3, 2021. doi: 10.1001 / jama.2021.1375
JAMA February 3, 2021. doi: 10.1001 / jama.2021.1375
Yes: short trips are allowed, close to home, linked to people's individual physical activity. Be sure that:
- Your certificate has the "individual physical exercise" box checked;
- Do not go out in a group; respect a distance of one or two meters with the people you know;
- Do not stray too far from your home (the Ministry of Sports recommends 1 or 2 kilometers).
Yes, but not for a stroll, and alone. Only "short trips", "close to home" and "linked to people's individual physical activity" are allowed. In Paris and several major cities, parks and gardens have been closed since Tuesday for an indefinite period.
Yes, restaurants and bars are closed, but "takeout and delivery activities are kept in restaurants and places to drink, with the recommendation to avoid contact", the government said.
Si los restaurantes y bares están cerrados, pero "las actividades de comida para llevar
y entrega se mantienen en restaurantes y lugares para beber, con la recomendación de
evitar el contacto", dijo el gobierno.
According to preliminary studies reported by the World Health Organization, the virus could survive on certain surfaces from several hours to several days. Therefore, you can disinfect the surfaces if you think they have been infected. Simple disinfection is sufficient, for example with bleach. However, the probability of someone infecting goods is low, as is the probability of catching it from a package that has traveled and has been exposed to variations in temperature and climate.
If you are not sick, wearing a mask is not recommended. In fact, this is considered restrictive and less effective than respecting the barrier gestures: distance and absence of contact between people, cough directed towards the elbow, regular hand washing. The only case recognized by the authorities to wear a face mask is the following: if I have a positive result or if I am diagnosed clinically, and if I have an essential medical appointment.
Dozens of tutorials and patterns circulate on social networks, on fabric, on paper... However, these masks can be falsely reassuring. The French Society of Hospital Hygiene indicates "avoid using other types of screens instead of surgical masks (cloth masks, paper masks, cloths tied behind the head) due to scientific data regarding their effectiveness (tightness)". The masks are reserved for patients and caregivers, with specificities for each type of mask, meeting very strict standards that you may not necessarily be able to meet.
Yes, if your appointment is kept because it is considered that it cannot be postponed (for example, for cancer). Then you must check the "health reason" box on your exemption certificate.
If your "psychiatrist" is a psychiatrist, yes, because travel is allowed for health reasons. If your "psychiatrist" is a psychoanalyst or psychologist, the health reason will be more difficult to defend because they are not doctors.
In addition, it is very likely that your specialist doctor (as is the case with many health professionals) has decided to cancel all your appointments during the hospitalization period. May offer video consultations to comply with travel restrictions.
In addition, it is very likely that your specialist doctor (as is the case with many health professionals) has decided to cancel all your appointments during the hospitalization period. May offer video consultations to comply with travel restrictions.
Yes, donating blood and platelets is still just as crucial, even during delivery, as there are still significant needs. You have the right to donate your blood under two conditions:
- You have no flu symptoms.
- You have a respective travel certificate, with the box "assistance to a vulnerable person" checked.
- Feel free to make an appointment on the Internet if possible.
Although it is known that the virus responsible for Covid-19 can survive up to ten days in an object, the various studies have not yet made it possible to conclude that the latter could be a vector of transmission. When in doubt, health authorities in various countries, such as the United States and South Korea, recommend disinfecting loading surfaces contaminated with soap or bleach, mainly toilets and faucets. Avoid touching your phone and your face when you are outside and wash your hands when you arrive home.
If you are infected or isolated, you cannot ask your employee to come to work, explains the Federation of Individual Employers. On the other hand, you must maintain her salary.
If you are not sick or at risk, you can ask your employee to come to work respecting "barrier gestures. If your employee refuses to move into your home, you are not obligated to keep her salary, even if nothing prevents you from being understanding. In the case of babysitters, you can activate a partial unemployment plan to allow them to keep their salary (you only pay 80% of the salary, which will be reimbursed by the State).
Only if you are part of a very close family, respecting the safety rules (one meter distance, regular hand washing) and checking the "convincing family reason" box on your certificate. For everyone else, it is unfortunately impossible. "We must not deviate from the rule", said Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Tuesday, March 17, about France 2.
As long as your garden is attached to your home and you do not need to go out into the public space to get there, you can enjoy it for as long as you like. If, on the other hand, your garden is far from your home (worker's garden, shared garden, etc.), this is prohibited.
The State Department said on Tuesday (March 17) that non-emergency construction sites should be postponed. Only "urgent interventions by plumbers, electricians, etc." are authorized. In addition, hardware stores are part of the stores authorized to open during confinement (present under the label "retail sale of construction materials, hardware, paints and glass in specialized stores" in the decree published on March 16 in the Official Gazette)
If someone with the virus coughs or sneezes while preparing a meal, it can contaminate the food. But for consumers, there is almost no risk of becoming infected through food, says Bruno Grandbastien, president of the French Society for Hospital Hygiene. “Transmission is carried out only through the respiratory route or through the mucous membranes” and not through the digestive route. “The National Agency for the Health Safety of Food, Environment and Work also recalls that, like other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 is sensitive to cooking temperatures". A heat treatment at 63°C for four minutes [a temperature used in the context of collective catering] allows to divide by 10,000 the contamination of a food product", writes ANSE.
