Top Doctor Answers Greater Danbury’s Questions About COVID-19

Dr. Rajeev Fernando has been recognized as one of America's top doctors in New York for the specialty of Infectious Disease since 2014. He is an accomplished doctor, with a generous heart and compassion for making this world a better place.

Here are some of the highlights from our conversation this week:

Our first question came from Katelyn in Danbury, she say's that she knows cases of the virus have dropped off a bit, but wanted to know if there will be a second wave? 

"That's a great question, my feeling right now, since the weather is a lot nicer, and people are getting outside, the most important thing you can do is wear the mask, keep the six foot distance, practice hand hygiene and sanitizing. We do know the virus transmits less effectively in heat. The virus loves the cold weather and doesn't spread as effectively in the warmer climates, so I would say it's unlikely we'll have a second wave right now. As long as we continue to practice social distancing guidelines we should be fine. Unfortunately a lot of irresponsible people are walking around not wearing masks, and staying too close to each other at parks and beaches, these are the type of people that could fuel a second wave".

Kenny from Dover Plains wants to know about wearing a mask. He drives for a living, and was wondering if he needs to wear the mask all the time?

"Personally, if your by yourself in your car driving on your own, you're not trying to protect anyone. If there's someone in the car with you then it would be reasonable wearing a mask. For this situation I would say no, however, I think masks should be mandatory. I have no political agenda, I'm looking at it as a physician helping humanity. The reason the U.S. has the highest amount of COVID-19 deaths in the entire world is really because we really love our freedom, and tend to say, who are you to tell me to wear a mask, and we've lost lives because of that. We know what works to keep you safe and healthy, the more we don't follow the guidelines, the greater the risk of the virus spreading".

Finally Laurie in New Fairfield wants to know if you can get the COVID-19 virus more then once?

"Another great question. In theory, you can get COVID-19 twice because of the different mutated strains, just like what happens with the influenza virus, and with this virus we've seen a lot of mutations, but none, at least with what we know now, are significant enough to create a second wave. The vast majority of people we are seeing right now, the ones who have recovered from the virus, they rarely get a second infection, it's uncommon, but we have to watch very closely, when it mutates in the winter, you may see more reinfection".

Every Thursday morning Dr. Fernando joins Mr. Morning on KICKS 105.5 to answer your questions about the coronavirus and how it pertains to the Greater Danbury area.

If you have a question you would like answered, just send a chat message through your KICKS 105.5 mobile app or call Mr. Morning at 1-877-303-1055.