Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
If I go to sleep late will it cause heart problems? I hope not. I only wake up at around six to eight o'clock in the morning. I go to sleep at 2:30 to 3:30 AM. This habit started around ten months back. I also get head aches many times when I wake up. I take a nap in the day from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM usually. How can I break my bad sleeping habits. Can I take something natural to get good sleep? Also, will I get COVID-19 if I have the mask and others did not have and I stand four to six feet away from them. I am Pfizer vaccinated and have taken the booster shot too.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have read your query and would guide in your case. I am sorry for such discomfort you are having. You have asked two queries in the chat. Let me address each one by one. You mentioned you sleep between 2.30 to 3.30 AM and wake up around 6:00 to 8:00 AM. This means your sleep duration is average of four to five hours. The recommended guideline is that adults should sleep seven hours or more per night on regular basis to promote optimal health. Getting less than seven hours of sleep on a regular basis increases risk of several adverse health outcomes. You should increase the length duration of night sleep and reduce afternoon nap to around 30 minutes to one hour of duration. Most probable reason for headache after waking up is due to insufficient sleep duration. I would suggest few habits that could help change your habit of late night sleep. Before that is there any reason of sleeping late at night? Do you have any chronic health conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking habits, physical inactivity, etc? Do reply.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
No, I do not have chronic health conditions. I only have asthma at times. I have not had it in two years. Today, I wore my mask and talked with my neighbor who did not have a mask and was six feet or more distance from me. Are there risks of me getting sick, if she is sick? If I had my mask and the people around me are without masks could I get sick? Please help me.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I will suggest a few habits which could help to get you to get early and also have an adequate duration of sleep. Regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus disease), in the above clinical scenario, you are not at a risk of getting infected or sick. I am saying the above because you have already completed the COVID-19 vaccination along with a booster dose and wearing a mask whenever interacting with surrounding people and maintaining a minimum distance while talking. Personal protection from COVID-19 includes:
1) Complete vaccination along with booster dose if eligible.
2) Maintain COVID appropriate behavior to minimize the risk of transmission.
3) If possible, you can suggest or ask the interacting person to wear a mask.
You are completely vaccinated, and following COVID-appropriate behavior, so this reduces the chance of getting infected or sick. Personal awareness is very important in breaking or reducing the transmission of any air-borne infection, including COVID-19.
How was the sleep today?
Is it the same pattern as yesterday?
Any headache post-wake-up today?
Here are the few habits which you should do regularly for better and early sleep-
The doctor may prescribe very low-dose medicine if needed to help in getting proper sleep. Regarding your health, you have no risk factors for chronic health conditions, but since you are not getting proper sleep, it may have a health impact. So I would suggest you practice daily habits and do visit a local doctor if you are unable to change your daily habits in spite of working on it. If you have any further related queries about it, please make a reply in the subsequent chat.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am going to bed tonight at 4:30 AM. I usually do not go to sleep so late. I had many things to do on the internet. I go to sleep between 2:30 AM and 3:30 AM usually. I wake up between 6 AM and 8 AM, then I go back to sleep from 10 AM or 12 PM to 2 PM. Can I get heart problems because of that? I hope not. I am 49 years old. I have had these sleeping issues since last year. I do not have chronic illnesses, only asthma at times. I have not had asthma in two years. Yesterday I did not wake up with a headache. What can I take that makes me naturally drowsy so I can sleep earlier?
Kindly suggest.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Thanks for the follow-up.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
The recommended guideline is that adults should sleep seven or more hours per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health, but you are getting sleep in the split way of four hours on average from 2 AM to 8 AM and then again two hours on average from 10 AM to 2 PM.
You have mentioned you have established this kind of sleep pattern for quite a long duration since July last year. Please answer a few questions-
1. How is the sleep quality?
2. Do you feel any lethargy, weakness, brain fog, or cloudiness in your thinking after getting up from sleep?
Sleep quality is very important rather than maintaining sleep duration. However, both are essential in the long term.
If you are feeling normal with this kind of sleep pattern without any post-sleep issues, then there should not be any kind of increased risk or odds of developing a cardiac problem.
Regarding how to promote sleep naturally on time, I would suggest the following:
1. You must do exercise at least 45 minutes a day for five days a week. Aerobic exercise boosts immunity, keeps body organs functioning at their optimum level, and maintains healthy heart and lung function.
2. You must follow your daily routine with adequate nutrition taken on time and take an afternoon nap of 20 minutes only.
3. You must be physically active throughout the day; that makes your body tired enough so that the moment you hit the sack, you feel drowsy.
4. You must have dinner two hours before bedtime.
5. You must avoid watching television before sleep and be away from electronic gadgets for at least half an hour before sleep. Make your room soothing for sleep by dimming the light, taking a bath, and plugging in earphones with relaxing and calming music. Set room temperature that you are comfortable with, neither too cold nor warm temperature of the room.
6. You must avoid tea, coffee, or any drink before bedtime.
7. You must avoid continuous thinking about future that makes your brain alert and awake before sleep.
8. Changing your daily lifestyle habits only would help you get a proper and healthy sleep quality, and a few of them I have listed above.
I hope this helps.
Please follow up if you have any health-related queries.
Take care.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
If someone comes from outside (he had touched objects when he was out) and he touches the faucet to wash his hands, washes the hands with soap and water, and later touches the faucet again to rinse his hands. Will he get infected? Just wondering.
Please help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understand your concern.
Technically if someone with a dirty hand touches the faucet to wash hands, then some microbial contamination has got transferred from hand to faucet while touching faucet before washing hands. Now, after washing his hands, if he again touches the faucet, which has already got some contamination due to the above act prior to washing, then there is a likely chance that his hands are again contaminated because the faucet was contaminated.
Ideally, the faucet should also be sprinkled with sanitization spray or soap lather while washing hands.
In reality, a person touches many objects and transfers microbial contamination without awareness in normal daily life, but one should avoid this and remain vigilant of the act of touching the surfaces because that is one of the effective ways to curb the spread of any infection including SARS-CoV-2.
You must not panic about it because reinfection with touching such a contaminated faucet depends on how much microbial load has transferred while touching the faucet with dirty hands, the duration of contact of touch, etc.
Also, to get infected in the above scenario requires repeated exposure, microbial load, and various other factors.
I suggest you adopt personal hygiene manners whenever possible and avoid stressing yourself by thinking about it.
I hope my explanation helps you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I had cleaned the faucet before he used it. Will he get infected?
Kindly suggest.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understand your concern.
Definitely, he will not get infected because you cleaned the faucet before he used it.
So do not worry about it and maintain personal hygiene to avoid microbial transmission.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
So, should he have clean hands to use the faucet?
Please help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
I would say that after coming home from outside and touching the outside objects, he must clean his hands, turn the faucet on and wash his hands thoroughly with soap under running water.
Now before turning off the faucet or tap, spray the sanitization liquid over the faucet to prevent the spread of microbial contamination to the washed hand from the faucet, then turn off the faucet and then rinse or sanitize the washed hands by spraying sanitization liquid on the hands.
Or they can ask someone else in the family to open the faucet to wash hands (here, the faucet is not touched with contaminated hands), and then he can turn off the faucet with a clean hand after washing the hands.
Why are you so stressed with it?
I suggest you not to get tense or stress yourself with minute details and just remain aware. Practice personal hygiene whenever possible to avoid microbial contamination transmission and thus avoid the risk of infection.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
You told me that he could spread the virus by touching the faucet before and after he washes his hands. Please tell me that if he uses a hand towel, will he get sick, too?
Please help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
That is your home, so obviously, home members would be touching various household objects, and this limits the spread of infection as there is no one from outside.
You or he just need to clean the home and faucet, water shower knobs, etc., with chemical spray once in two or three days. He will not get sick after touching the faucet or water knobs. Do not worry about it.
After he comes home from outside, ask him to wash his hands with soap and sanitize with sanitizer spray, and then he should touch any household objects to prevent any transfer of contaminants from outside to home; thus, you need not wash every home object whatever he touches because now he would be touching objects with washed hands.
Regarding hand dryness, I suggest you apply a regular moisturizer containing glycerine as an ingredient.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
If he does not use sanitizer and comes from outside, can he put the virus on the objects? Does he need to wash his hands? He might refuse to wash his hands. Also, if he buys things with plastic, metal, carton, or cardboard and has come from outside, can he tranfer the virus in the objects even if I have cleaned them? I get very panicky about it. We even have lots of ugly arguments about it. I would appreciate your help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Technically speaking, if someone comes from outside, there is a potential chance that he or she can unknowingly contaminate the hands while handling outside objects and thus can transmit microorganisms from outside to the home and household objects.
So even if you have cleaned home objects, there is a potential chance of contamination if someone touches the household objects without washing hands coming from outside.
To prevent this, one should wash hands and sanitize hands coming from outside before touching household objects to prevent possible transmission of contaminants from hands to the household objects.
You do not have to panic about it.
It is not essential that the person and other family members would definitely become sick if he or she touches such objects, but one has to maintain hygiene and awareness of catching potential contaminants while outside and prevent such transfer of contamination to household objects. Therefore, hygiene is of paramount importance in preventing microbial illness.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Are you referring to the faucet? That if he touches it and I have cleaned it, he will or will not get sick? If his hands are clean and he touches metals, plastics, cartons, and cardboards several times, can he get sick? What if he does not touch his face? How long can a disinfectant stay on surfaces?
Kindly suggest.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
I will try to answer each question you have asked-
1. Are you referring to the faucet?
I am referring to any household object which he touches without washing his hands coming from outside. If he touches the faucet after you have cleaned it, there is very less or nil chance that he will get sick because he is touching already cleaned objects.
2. If his hands are clean and he touches metals, plastics, cartons, and cardboards several times, can he get sick if he does not touch his face?
Since he is touching various objects like metals, plastics, cartons, and cardboard with clean hands and also not touching the face, then such an act will not make him sick, and since the above-mentioned objects are from home and usually they remain clean most of the time, there is nil chance that he will become sick.
3. How long can a disinfectant like Lysol or another one stay on surfaces?
Washing the surface with a disinfectant like Lysol (5 % Cresol) stays almost four hours to five hours, and then the surface should be disinfected again with disinfectant if the surface gets contaminated with dust, unknowingly microbial transfers, contaminated outside shoes, etc. but at home usually disinfection with Lysol done twice a day if there is toddler or infant at home to prevent microbial contamination illness.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
If he has clean hands and has bought food products or miscellaneous items from a store and they have plastic, metal, cardboard, and cartons containers, can he get sick if he touches them without touching his face? Will the virus from those items stick to table surfaces or any surface?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
He will not get sick from touching the above-mentioned items. Just merely touching above household objects will not make any person sick because touching is not the way through which virus or other microbial contamination can enter our body (when our hands get contaminated with the virus and unknowingly touches our face, eyes, nose, or mouth with contaminated hands then there is the possibility that virus could enter in our body but remember it does not necessarily mean it would make you sick always).
Also, these items do not always contain sufficient microbial contamination that would make anyone sick by touching such objects. Theoretically, it is possible that the virus from those items can stick to the table or any surface in the home and the skin but remember it would not be able to make you sick because the route of entry of the virus is through the mouth, eyes, and nose and not through the skin. Our skin acts as a protective barrier to prevent the virus or other microbes into the body.
Also, viruses that stick to the surface do not remain alive for a long period because such a virus needs a host to replicate, and the surface does not provide any essential metabolites for replication. Hence, the virus does not remain alive for long periods outside the environment.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Will the virus stick to any surfaces in the house, like computers, kitchens, rooms, or doors with metals, plastics, and cartons, for only 20 minutes with clean or unclean hands? When does the virus stay on surfaces for days or hours? I have read things like that online. Does the person need to clean his hands often?
Please help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
The virus does not remain for long on external surfaces because the virus cannot metabolize and replicate for a longer duration without any host. Also, the external temperature and pressure conditions affect the longevity of the virus on the external surfaces, so there is no clear-cut guideline about how long viruses can remain alive on the external surfaces. I suggest you clean home surfaces once a day and wash your hands after coming from outside before touching any household objects. You must maintain personal hygiene and spray and clean household objects once daily with disinfectant spray.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Will the virus spread throughout the house if someone with clean or unclean hands touches things that may have the virus? That worries me because another person in the house always touches things. I do not want the virus to spread.
Please help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
The virus will not spread throughout the house because the most common mode of spread of the virus is coughing and sneezing. I am trying to say that merely touching household objects with contaminated hands does not lead to spreading the virus throughout the home. Still, one should be cautious and prevent as much as possible to limit contamination.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply,
Does he need to wash his hands after touching food items and other things he has bought in plastic bags when he comes from outside?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
When he comes from outside, it is better to remove all items from the plastic bag after washing his hands. If it contains any eatables, you must wash your hands before you take any food item out of the plastic bag. It is preferred to wash hands after coming from outside and then take out the contents of the plastic bag. This activity would minimize the risk of microbial transfer in the house and is also a healthy way to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. What about your sleep pattern? Are you applying the moisturizer which I suggested for the dry hand?
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am using a moisturizer for my dry hands. Can the virus be transmitted if he washes his hands after taking off the plastics?
Please suggest.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Touching household objects without washing hands will not lead to the spread of microbes throughout the house but may transmit microbes from contaminated hands to the object. Now, you will not get sick by touching the contaminated object, and you should sanitize your hands and the object. Remember that you will not get sick just by touching contaminated household objects, and microbes will not spread in the house. One should practice good personal hygiene so other family members can be prevented from catching the infection.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Do viruses remain in the objects we do not sanitize? I wash my hands around 20 to 30 times daily, and it is affecting my skin. When I disinfect everything daily, my relative touches plastic and metals.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understand your concern.
You do not have to wash your hands and sanitize them 20 to 30 times daily. I think you have an obsession with maintaining cleanliness and avoiding dirt of any kind. You should clean the house once or twice a day, but since you get anxious about the dirt and cleanliness, you wash multiple times, eventually affecting your skin and psychological health. Instead of cleaning the objects, you should focus on your obsession and anxiety arising due to it.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Why do you say that there is no virus in outside objects?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
When you wear a mask, and he is two feet away from you, there is the least possibility of catching the virus because there is social distancing. The mask protects you from inhaling respiratory droplets. The other person does not need to suffer from viral respiratory illness while singing. In our normal surroundings also, there are microbes, but we do not get sick often due to our strong immune system and weak microbial concentration and strength. I agree there is a chance that outside objects may carry microbes, but that does not mean it will necessarily make you sick after you touch your face or eyes. I think you are overthinking it and making yourself anxious most of your time.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
If someone coughs and I do not have a mask at the moment, will I get sick? Will I get sick if he buys something outside and has not washed his hands? I am still worried about the virus.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Scratching throat could be due to some allergy or upper respiratory tract infections. Depending upon the cause of throat soreness and whether there is associated discharge while coughing or not, the person present in front would catch the infection. Many factors determine whether a person would catch an infection or not, such as the immune status of the person, infection status of the coughing person, very close contact, and inhalation of the droplet. He will not get sick, but he should change his habit because it can rarely cause infection. I have mentioned earlier also that viruses can stick to the material like plastic, but the longevity of the virus is variable.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
If my husband uses his t-shirt to open door handles, can he get the virus? It happened a few days back, after which he sneezed once yesterday and today. He also touched the faucet and the knob of the bathroom. I cleaned them last night after he touched them. Can he get sick? Also, can I get sick as well?
Kindly advise.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
If your husband has opened the door with a t-shirt he will not catch the virus. The entry of virus occurs through following ways:
You must be knowing these ways of virus transmission but it does not mean that if you are exposed to the virus you would definitely catch the infection and develop the disease subsequently.
Many factors are involved whether the exposure would lead to disease development or not like:
In the hospital many times it happens that I touch my eyes or nose unknowingly after palpating a patient or touching the door knob but that does not mean I get sick everytime, however, I always practice protocols and avoid such behavior as much as possible and sanitize my hands after I get an awareness about it. Sneezing a few times does not mean that he is sick. You need to observe all the classical symptoms he develops in another few days. It is good to read that you have cleaned the bathroom and faucet. That is the only thing you can do after you realize that there is a chance of contamination. You can minimize these activities, however, you cannot completely get rid of them. I suggest you to take less anxiety about the virus transmission and sickness but be aware and practice protocols according the medical guidelines.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My husband has been talking for over an hour with a friend with his mask on and off. Also, his friend does not have a mask. However, they are standing at six feet distance from each other. If both of them do not wear a mask can they get sick?
Kindly advise.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The positive aspects of the above query are that both of them were sitting and talking at a distance of six feet from one another, none of them were visibly sick, and they had no symptoms like cough or sneezing from which I can presume that both are healthy. Also, both of them put on their masks intermittently. However, ideally, people should mask up most of the time, especially when talking to an unknown person or in social gatherings. Considering your current query, they will not get sick as they have maintained a preventive approach, and both of them are familiar with each other, which means that none of them had an active infection when they met. I suggest you practice guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus and get vaccinated on time.
How is your sleep pattern now? Are you getting quality sleep? Are your early morning headaches subsided?
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Both of them had their masks on and off. Is there any risk of my husband getting sick? Also, can he spread the infection in the house and make me sick?
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Your husband will not get sick, and there is no chance of him spreading it in the house. Therefore, even you will not get sick either.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for your reply.
I hope everything turns out well.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
In your query, your husband and his friend know each other. Since both are healthy, there is almost zero risk of catching the infection. I suggest not to be anxious and not to overthink. I feel sorry that you remain anxious most of the time, and I want to help you.
Please follow up if you have any other queries.
Take care.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the response.
My husband said he has sneezed a few times when his friend was out in the yard with him. Will they get sick? This incident happened yesterday. Can the home health kit detect the virus with accuracy?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Does your husband have symptoms like headache, running nose, dry cough, etc.? Does your husband's friend have any symptoms? Is the home health kit you plan to use approved to detect COVID 19 infection? If yes, you can test the sample using the test kit and analyze the result, whether it is positive or negative. Please read all the instructions carefully in the health kit before testing the sample.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I used a government-approved kit. My husband's friend did not have any symptoms. Will my husband get infected by touching the door handles, furniture, or tickets while we skate inside the rink?
Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I read your query and understand your concern.
Touching external objects like door handles, furniture, and tickets, would not cause a viral infection. However, any person might get infected with the contagious COVID-19 virus (in the above circumstance) only after touching their own eyes or mouth with a hand. Also, the hand should get contaminated with the virus after touching an external object. That is why we should carry hand sanitizer to rub our hands often after touching external things if we are in the market to buy our groceries. There is a possible chance that the external object might be contaminated with the virus. We should also prevent ourselves from touching our nose or eyes with the contaminated hand and wearing a mask for a maximum duration of time if we are outside, if possible. You and your husband should take the full vaccine dose as recommended in your area to maximize complete immunity and protection.
Do not worry; you will not get infected while you skate on the rink as you take all precautionary measures.
Please follow up if you have any further related queries about it.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
1. How do we wash our hands there?
2. If people skating close to us do not wear a mask, will we get infected?
3. Should we skate nearby the edges where the bars are or in the center to be safer?
Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
All the people visiting there would be anxious about the same issue you are having. Hopefully, everyone on their behalf would take all preventive measures to avoid unnecessary contact with each other while skating. There might also be rules inside the skating rink that would make it compulsory for everyone to wear masks while skating.
I suggest you take preventive measures like wearing a mask, carrying a small hand sanitizer with yourself, rubbing it before and after you finish your skating, and maintaining distance, especially with people you suspect are somewhat sick or not wearing a mask at all. As you are attentive and aware and taking precautions in the skating rink, you and your husband will not get infected, and any place in the skating rink would be safer to skate.
Please follow up if you have any further related queries about it.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
I am sleeping late again tonight. I had many things to clean at night and in the kitchen. Most of the time, I have been sleeping late for a while (1:30 AM to 3:45 AM). I wake up at 7 AM, or 8 AM, then sleep again between 11 AM to 2 PM. Could I get serious heart problems?
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Have you not changed the scheduling of the sleep pattern?
I thought by now you would have changed sleep timing and gotten sleep in the night with a duration of around six hours without interruption. So why would you wake up again at 7 AM or 8 AM in the morning? Any specific reason?
You have adjusted to this sleep schedule pattern for quite a long I think, more than six months. Since you have adjusted to the above routine and do not have any risk factors for developing heart disease (which I asked about in the earlier query), it is unlikely that the above routine would lead to health complications later in life. Sleep duration should be a minimum of 6 hours without any interruption.
Please follow up if you have any further related queries about it.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
My husband wakes up at 7 or 8 AM, so when he gets in the shower, I hear it, and it wakes me up. After he leaves, I have issues going back to sleep. I usually have many chores to do. I do them from 4 to 9 or 10 PM. After 11 PM, I feed my birds, clean dishes, and clean the kitchen; I also eat dinner afterward.
What can I do, and how can I change my sleep schedule?
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
You have written your daily schedule, which you do at home. You have to alter specific work patterns, give less time, or do some work at a pace depending on the priority, and skip a few works you think are being done daily.
Based on the above routine, I am suggesting a few changes that might help you shrink your daily routine and get you to sleep before or around 12 AM.
1. You may use an ear plug if shower sound disturbs your sleep, and even if you slightly wake up despite using an ear plug, promote yourself to sleep again.
2. Do not interrupt and break your morning sleep. Morning sleep is very vital for health. It is fine that you begin to sleep late at night, but you should continue your sleep without a break in the morning. This would help you complete your sleep duration by 9 AM only, and then you resume your daily chores activity (which you are doing now after getting up after 7 or 8 AM).
3. Do some aerobic exercise daily for at least 45 minutes, like fast walking, jogging on the treadmill, or in the open air. Your breathing rate should increase while exercising (not too much). This would impact overall well-being and energy levels, promote immunity, boost good cholesterol levels, healthy lungs, and positive thinking, and keep you energetic the whole day.
4. In your daily routine schedule, I find you are devoting more time from 4 pm to 9 or 10 pm doing daily home chores and activities. What takes such a long time? You can curtail a few activities here if possible to work and feed your birds, maximum till 11 PM or 12, including dinner. You should go to sleep by 12.30 AM.
5. Before sleep, take a bath, turn off the light and keep the dim light on, play some soothing, sleep-inducing music, do not think of any daily topic, and you will get sleep and if you do not interrupt morning sleep, then ideally by 9 AM you would complete your sleep duration followed by daily morning exercise too
Please make a few changes to your daily routine lifestyle, and add daily aerobic exercise for 45 minutes to promote healthy and early sleep.
I hope you find my reply helpful.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
I was cleaning the kitchen with a detergent spray, and I accidentally opened the rice cooker that had rice, and a few seconds later, I closed it. Unfortunately, the spray was two feet away from the food. Can I use the cooked food?
Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
1. How is your sleep pattern?
2. Did you make any adjustments to your daily schedule?
You are trying to say that you accidentally opened the lid of a bowl containing cooked rice while cleaning your kitchen with a detergent spray. You suspect that the detergent spray fumes might have fallen over the cooked rice while cleaning. However, the spray was about two feet away from the food.
Is there any accidental spill of detergent spray unknowingly over the rice bowl or very close to the rice bowl, even in the minute amount?
Kindly reply to the above questions for further suggestions.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your response.
Is it deadly to eat that rice? Is it okay to eat the rice? I opened the rice cooker's lid for a few seconds, sprayed the detergent a bit on the food, and then closed the lid.
My sleep pattern is better. However, sometimes I sleep between 2 and 3 AM, but I wake at 8 AM. I sleep 4 to 5 hours, and after 11 AM, I go back to sleep.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
You mentioned that you might have sprayed the detergent a bit on the food and closed the lid. My firm and sincere suggestion would be not to eat the rice and throw it away. There is no point in risking your health after eating detergent-sprayed rice, which you suspect might be a chance.
You do not know how much in concentration the food was exposed to spray, and the rice's palatability would have changed completely. How can you eat such food which smells or tastes like detergent spray?
Your sleep pattern is similar to the old schedule; however, it is good to read that you are trying to make some amendments to the schedule, as sometimes your sleep pattern is better.
I hope I was helpful to you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for the response.
My husband sneezed about five to six times after returning from Walmart. He did not sneeze immediately upon coming home and had barely touched anything, except the kitchen door and the door to his computer room. I spoke to him while maintaining a distance of about 6 feet and wearing a mask, and later, we were about 4 feet apart briefly in the bathroom.
He does not have a fever and has not been coughing or experiencing any significant respiratory symptoms. Could this be a sign of a viral infection? I would really appreciate your guidance.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
You have mentioned that his only symptom was sneezing about five to six times after coming home. I would like to clarify a few points to better assess his health status:
Since when has he been experiencing sneezing?
Has he had any mild fever or headache?
Has he had any cough?
Has he experienced any unusual tiredness or body aches?
Please reply to the above questions so that I can better understand his current condition.
Regarding touching objects at home, there is no need to worry. Simply touching household surfaces, in the absence of clear symptoms of a viral illness, is unlikely to spread infection.
It is good that you are wearing a mask at home when sneezing is present, though excessive precautions may not be necessary, as sneezing can also occur due to non-infectious causes such as seasonal allergies.
Since you have mentioned that he does not have a cough or any serious respiratory symptoms like breathing difficulty or chest pain, there is nothing to worry about at this time. The sneezing could very well be seasonal.
Please respond to the questions above so I can fully reassure you that he has not caught any viral infection.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for your reply.
He does not have any difficulty breathing or chest pain. He also has no fever, body aches, or headaches. I believe these symptoms started only today. Is there a chance that he could become sick, or that I could catch a viral infection from him?
I am also concerned about my sleep. I am still going to bed very late, and this has been my routine since June or July of last year. I am worried whether this pattern could affect my heart health. Will I be okay?
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com
Based on the information you’ve shared, there are no additional symptoms at present that would suggest a serious illness. This appears more consistent with an allergic cause, and there is nothing to worry about at this time. However, please remain observant for any new symptoms in your husband, such as body aches, cough, mild fever, or headache, especially over the coming week.
There is no need to worry about either of you developing a viral illness at this point. For sneezing, your husband may take an anti-allergic medication such as Tablet Cetirizine, one tablet at bedtime for 5 days.
I will follow up with you in about a week to check on his health status.
Regarding your sleep routine, I understand that we have discussed lifestyle adjustments earlier, but it seems there has not yet been a significant change. With consistent effort, it is possible to improve your daily schedule by incorporating regular exercise and other measures we previously discussed.
Please be reassured that your current sleep pattern is not putting you at risk of heart disease. There are several major risk factors for heart disease, and you do not appear to have them. Still, improving your sleep timing can positively impact both physical and mental well-being.
Is your sleep interrupted once you fall asleep? Please try to gradually adjust your routine if possible.
If you would like more detailed guidance, you may opt for a video consultation at any time. Alternatively, we can continue through chat, and I will do my best to guide you clearly and effectively.
I hope you find this response helpful.
Take care.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for your reply.
My husband will be flying on a plane next month. If he wears a mask and others don't, can he get infected?
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I have read your query. As per protocol, everyone should wear a mask at the airport and in the plane It's good to read that he will wear mask all the time and I expect fellow passenger also to wear the mask Your husband won't be infected mam because he is taking all precautions including wearing mask which would be enough to prevent acquiring infection Don't worry mam about it Please carry hand sanitizer and wear mask all the time during the journey Around 2 weeks back he had few sneezing episodes Is there any sneezing episodes now also? Any fever or headache when he had sneezing? How is your sleep pattern mam? In summary, self-awareness is very important to prevent acquiring any respiratory illness, and since he is taking precautions and wearing masks during the journey, he won't catch an infection.
Hope you find my reply helpful and guideful mam.
Please follow up if you have any further related queries about it.
Take care.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your kind words.
My husband is no longer sneezing or coughing. However, my habit of sleeping late continues. I believe that exercising regularly may help improve my sleep.
Could you please suggest any foods that help induce or support better sleep?
Also, I wanted to ask, do masks protect my husband if someone nearby coughs, talks, or sneezes without wearing a mask?
Thank you for your guidance.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Regular aerobic exercise will definitely help improve the quality of your sleep. Daily aerobic activity enhances immunity, strengthens the heart and lungs, improves mental clarity, helps with weight control, and promotes smooth and deep sleep.
As such, there is no specific food that can directly induce sleep, except approved medications used for sleep-related problems when medically indicated. However, having dinner at least two hours before bedtime has been shown to improve sleep quality.
Wearing a mask does help in preventing the spread of infections caused by coughing or sneezing around you. Normal talking usually does not release enough respiratory secretions to transmit infection, but it is still wise to remain cautious.
Also, fellow passengers at the airport or on a flight do not necessarily have a viral illness just because they are sitting nearby. Please try not to worry excessively about this. Your husband is unlikely to catch any infection as long as he remains alert and takes appropriate precautions during travel. Advise him to carry a sanitizer, wear a mask consistently, and avoid close interaction with anyone who appears to have symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose.
If you wish, I would be happy to guide you further through a phone or video consultation. This would allow a more detailed discussion on lifestyle modifications and steps to restore a healthy sleep pattern. I have shared guidance through chat as well, but making consistent and decisive changes in your daily routine will be essential.
Please don’t worry about catching an infection as long as the recommended precautions are followed.
I wish both of you good physical and mental health. Please feel free to follow up if you have any further questions.
Take care.
Thanks.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
What can I do if my husband doesn't want to quarantine himself, and how can I not expose myself to the virus? I have no way of contacting his doctor, and I have nowhere to go. I don't want the virus in the house at all. If he goes to another room and touches something, will he infect the room? How can I prevent getting sick besides wearing masks?
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It seems you are feeling anxious after sharing your concerns. Please don’t worry. I will guide you in every possible wa
Thanks.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My husband has not traveled yet. I am seeking clarification regarding the questions I asked earlier, and I appreciate your guidance.
I would like to understand whether the air inside the home becomes contaminated when someone returns from travel. Since I do not have another place to stay, I am concerned about what precautions, if any, are truly necessary. Can I safely touch household items and remove my mask at times, or is there a risk of getting sick immediately?
Additionally, regarding testing after travel: if the traveler is tested on the day of arrival using a home-based test, will that result be reliable? Or is repeat testing required over the next few days, such as testing daily for two to three days or for up to ten days?
Thank you for helping clarify these concerns.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Thank you for the follow-up.
After returning from travel, it is advisable to watch for any symptoms related to COVID-19. An important factor to consider during travel is the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in the area visited. If the number of active cases in that region is high, short-term home quarantine for about a week (or as per local health guidelines) may be considered. If the prevalence is low, quarantine is generally not required.
Simply traveling by air to another state does not automatically mean quarantine is necessary. It is recommended to monitor for symptoms, especially within the first three days after returning home.
Please try not to stress excessively. Currently, most people are fully vaccinated, and active case numbers are generally low. A single home test kit after arrival is sufficient, and the result is considered reliable if performed on the day of arrival. There is no need to repeat testing daily for several days.
If the home test result is positive, then home quarantine should be followed according to local health department guidelines. Until testing is done, there is no need to isolate yourself unnecessarily or restrict movement within the home.
Recommended steps after arrival:
Perform one home test after returning
If the test is positive, follow home quarantine guidelines
If the test is negative, no further action is required
Wash all travel clothing and other washable items in the washing machine
Clean or sanitize other personal belongings if needed
Air itself does not remain contaminated. Wearing a mask at home is optional and only necessary if it provides personal reassurance; it is not mandatory after travel in the absence of symptoms or a positive test.
Please do not worry. The likelihood of infection during travel is low, especially when basic precautions are taken and vaccination is complete.
Feel free to follow up if you have any further questions or need additional guidance. I hope this message helps reassure you.
Take care.
Thanks.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for your reply.
If he touches objects in the house and is positive and goes to rooms I use, will I get infected?
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
He has tested negative for COVID-19 infection. This means there is no risk of infection spreading within the household, and you do not need to repeatedly clean or disinfect every household item he touches while at home. Please try not to worry excessively about this.
I have already suggested appropriate medication for his wet cough. Based on the test results and symptoms, there is no indication of COVID-19 infection. You can be reassured on this matter.
If he coughs near you, you may choose to wear a mask as a precaution and encourage him to take the prescribed medication regularly to relieve his symptoms.
Please feel free to follow up if you have any further questions or need additional guidance related to this concern.
Take care.
Thanks.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for your reply.
He is not willing to wear a mask at all. I am finding it very difficult to convince him to take this precaution or to respect my concerns. At times, he threatens that he wants me to leave the house, which adds to my stress. I am currently unable to find suitable online work, and this situation is causing significant emotional strain.
Because of this stress, my sleep schedule is still disturbed. I usually fall asleep around 2:00–2:30 a.m., and on some days around 1:30 a.m. at the earliest. I am worried whether such persistent late sleeping could negatively affect my heart health.
I would also like clarification regarding infection risk. If my husband coughs or sneezes and then touches surfaces, could I catch a cold, flu, or coronavirus by touching the same surfaces afterward? If he is asymptomatic, is there still a risk of infection through the air, either with or without wearing a mask?
Additionally, I wanted to ask about medications. Can a pain-relief medication that contains a sleep-inducing component be taken during the daytime, or is it meant to be taken only at night? Also, is it safe to take an anti-gas medication before meals for bloating and gas?
I would appreciate your guidance on these concerns.
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
You and your husband should respect and take care of each other. Don't worry, talk to him about the necessity of wearing mask and even if he doesn't wear dont worry because he tested negative He tested negative for COVID-19 infection so you won't get infected whether you wear mask or not or touch the household items Ideally he should wear mask when he is coughing alot or cover his mouth while coughing You have nearly constant sleep pattern schedule Slight variation in the sleep pattern won't bother you I think you take alot of stress and you should avoid stress because stress is big culprit in heart diseases.
Please follow up if you have any further related queries about it.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My husband is still sneezing and coughing once in a while. Could he have the virus? He doesn't want to test himself, and after I tested negative today, he sneezed at me 2 feet from me. I was wearing a mask, and he doesn't want to test himself this month. Can he get me infected if he is sick? Do you think he is sick with the virus? He can smell strong odors, but he coughs sometimes with mucus and at times without mucus.I would appreciate your help.
Please suggest.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I hope you are healthy and doing well.
You have mentioned episodes of cough, sometimes with mucus, along with sneezing. There have been no symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, loss of smell, or breathing difficulty; otherwise, these would have been noted earlier. Sneezing along with a cough is most commonly suggestive of a simple upper respiratory infection, such as a common cold and is unlikely to be COVID-19.
Based on the symptoms described and the negative test results from home testing, it is very unlikely that he has a COVID-19 infection. Therefore, there is no need to worry about catching COVID-19 from him.
The following measures are advised:
An anti-allergy tablet (5 mg) once daily at bedtime for five days to help relieve sneezing
Cough syrup, 10 ml, two to three times a day for cough relief
Gargling with lukewarm water mixed with a pinch of salt if there is any throat discomfort
Please follow up if you have any further related questions.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for your reply.
I want to clarify that I was the one who tested negative yesterday. He did not get himself tested.
He can be very difficult and complicated at times. Yesterday, he was yelling at me, insisting that I hadn’t done the test correctly, even though I followed all the instructions and made no mistakes. He often raises his voice, gets into verbal fights, and sometimes becomes physically aggressive with people. It is very hard to make him stop yelling or to get him to listen calmly, even when I am only trying to help.
I had advised him to wear proper coats during his trip because of the cold weather, but he chose to wear only light jackets. Since returning, he has been sneezing and coughing, which he is now unable to get rid of. He has never gasped for air or had breathing difficulty. I would like to understand how long such symptoms can last and whether it is still possible that he has a viral infection.
He does salt-water gargles occasionally and takes cough syrup inconsistently—he often skips it several times a week. This is despite the doctor clearly advising him to take the cough medication daily. He expects me to listen to him, but he does not follow his doctor’s instructions, which makes the situation even more stressful.
On my end, I have again been sleeping very late. Yesterday, I also had trouble unclogging my bathroom, which kept me awake and added to my stress. I am worried whether this lack of sleep and stress could affect my heart. I did manage to exercise yesterday for about 10 to 15 minutes by doing a dance routine.
I would really appreciate your guidance and reassurance on these concerns.
Thank you for your help and support.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
He should take the cough syrup regularly, three times a day, for at least one week to help resolve the cough. For sneezing, he can take the tablet levocetirizine as advised.
I’m sorry to hear about the yelling and verbal arguments between you both. It’s often surprising how people who have known each other for a long time still struggle with joy and mutual understanding. Relationships do make us reflect on what we truly expect from one another. Living together also means remembering that life exists in the present moment, not in memories, and focusing on the “now” can sometimes make things easier.
You know him better than anyone else, ma’am. Please gently emphasize the importance of taking medications regularly for his health and listening to the treating doctor’s advice. I would be able to guide you more effectively if there is direct verbal communication between you, him, and me through a phone or video consultation.
Please don’t worry, you will be fine. Try not to stress yourself too much. Late-night sleep can often contribute to feeling unwell, so do try to sleep on time regularly. Along with that, exercise daily, eat healthy food, clear your mental burden, meditate, and take some time to understand yourself and your own thoughts.
Regarding infection, don’t worry about catching anything from him. I don’t think he has COVID-19. However, if he is sneezing frequently, wearing a mask is a good precaution, and please ensure he continues the medications as suggested by the doctor or by me.
If you have any further concerns or questions, please feel free to follow up.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
What do you say about my late sleep schedule of today and yesterday? I have so many things to do at night. If I don't clean the floor of the kitchen, my husband most likely will get mad at me, and today he coughed at 2ft from me , I had a mask on. Can I get the virus anyway?
Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I have a few questions to better understand the situation: • Is your husband currently taking his medications regularly? • Is he still experiencing sneezing or coughing? • Has he undergone a COVID-19 test at a certified laboratory?
Since you were wearing a mask while he coughed, and based on the information shared so far, it is unlikely that he has a COVID-19 infection. Please don’t worry excessively about catching an infection. However, for your peace of mind, it would be advisable for him to get tested at a verified lab and continue his prescribed medications.
Regarding your sleep, may I ask why you are unable to go to bed early? If certain tasks are not urgent, it may be better to postpone them and prioritize rest. Occasional disruption to routine is understandable, but frequent disturbance can affect health.
Are you exercising regularly? Maintaining a structured daily routine, along with regular exercise, healthy eating, stress management, and at least 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep, is important.
One or two days of poor sleep will not cause harm, but consistency is key.
Please reply to the above questions. Feel free to follow up if you have any further concerns.
Take care.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for your reply.
If he coughs at a distance of about 2 feet and I am wearing a mask, is there still a risk that I could get infected? He has been taking his medications most of the time. He is still coughing, but much less frequently than before, and occasionally experiences throat discomfort. He has not had any fever.
I have not been exercising recently, though I am planning to start sometime this week or next. He had a viral test done at a pharmacy laboratory, and the result was negative. I also took an at-home antigen test earlier this week, which was negative.
I also have a few additional concerns. If I sleep late consistently for about six months, can that affect my heart health? What can I safely take for constipation? I sometimes have to strain during bowel movements and have been experiencing a lot of gas. Last night, I took an antihistamine in the afternoon for sneezing after sneezing three times and having a mild runny nose.
Would it be safe for me to take a sedating antihistamine, and if so, at what time? Also, when would be an appropriate time to take medication for gas relief?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Based on his symptoms and test results, he does not appear to have a COVID-19 infection. At present, he has only a mild cough and episodes of sneezing. Importantly, both the home-based COVID test and the laboratory test have returned negative.
He does not have fever, body aches, breathing difficulty, or any disturbance in smell, which further reduces the likelihood of COVID-19. You have also mentioned that you tested negative on the home test.
Therefore, there is no need to worry at this point. You are unlikely to catch an infection. However, as a precaution, it is advisable to maintain some distance while he is coughing and ensure that both of you wear masks.
May I ask if he is currently taking any antibiotics? Also, for how many days has he been experiencing these symptoms? If there is no improvement with the current medication, it would be advisable to get a blood test and a chest X-ray done.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Basuki Nath Bhagat
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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