Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Concerns About Safety and Infection Risks

Please consult a doctor for your questions?

Hello, doctor.
I have been out with my family for the past couple of days.
Since the onset of COVID-19, my sister has become very anxious, even though it seems that the situation in the country is not as dangerous now.
Three months ago, I returned to Taiwan during spring break because I was worried that Japan might experience an outbreak similar to that in Europe and the U.S.
My sister was very nervous when I came back, even though I stayed in a separate house for about three weeks before returning to Taipei.

Earlier today, while eating stir-fried rice noodles, I accidentally consumed a plate that the staff had brought to us.
My sister suddenly mentioned that the staff's gloves had touched my noodles, and I hadn’t noticed before eating them.
I was really hungry and didn’t pay attention, but she was worried that I might have contracted the virus from the foreign staff who also handled the dishes.

Additionally, when we arrived at the train station, there was no machine to check temperatures, only manual checks.
After I had my temperature taken, I was looking for my EasyCard when two women rushed past without having their temperatures checked.
My sister scolded me for standing still and pointed out that I didn’t notice the two foreign individuals who didn’t have their temperatures checked.
I was standing there because I hadn’t tapped my card yet, but she criticized me for being careless, even though I had just entered the station and was drinking water.

However, I later realized that the individuals who passed by didn’t have their temperatures checked but only walked past, and they weren’t coughing or anything.
I was also wearing a mask.
I would like to ask you, doctor, if I am really being too careless and if, as my sister says, I could get infected.
I don’t understand how dangerous the situation is in Taiwan.
My mom and I feel that my sister is overly worried.
While her caution isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I feel like I’ve been hearing her complaints a lot lately.
Thank you for your patience in reading this!

f, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/26

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, and there is currently no clear evidence of transmission through food.
Therefore, the dietary aspect you mentioned should not pose a risk of infection.
As for the situation at the station, there have been no confirmed community transmission cases in Taiwan, making it relatively safe.
The circumstances you described do not pose a significant risk of contracting COVID-19, so there is no need for excessive panic.
The ongoing severe pandemic situation abroad is why it is still recommended to wear masks indoors if safe social distancing cannot be maintained, just to be cautious.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2020/06/26

More Info

Managing anxiety related to COVID-19 can be particularly challenging, especially when it comes to concerns about safety and infection risks. Your situation reflects a common experience many people have faced during the pandemic, where heightened awareness of health risks can lead to increased anxiety and stress.
First, it's important to understand that while COVID-19 is a serious illness, the risk of transmission can be effectively managed through appropriate precautions. In your case, you mentioned that you were eating food that may have been touched by a staff member who was also handling other items. While it’s natural to worry about potential exposure, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 from a brief interaction, especially when both you and the staff member were wearing masks, is relatively low. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, rather than through food.
Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that the risk of transmission from surfaces is lower than initially thought, particularly when it comes to food. The virus does not survive well on surfaces, and thorough handwashing or using hand sanitizer after touching potentially contaminated surfaces can further reduce any risk.
Regarding your sister's heightened anxiety, it’s essential to recognize that everyone processes the pandemic differently. Some individuals may feel more comfortable taking extra precautions, while others may find it unnecessary. Open communication within your family can help address these concerns. You might suggest that your sister focus on the facts and guidelines provided by health authorities rather than on hypothetical situations that may not be likely to occur.
To manage anxiety effectively, consider the following strategies:
1. Stay Informed but Limit Exposure: Keep up with reliable information from health authorities but limit the time spent consuming news related to COVID-19. This can help reduce feelings of overwhelm.

2. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Engaging in mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety. These techniques can help you and your sister feel more grounded and less reactive to stressors.

3. Encourage Open Dialogue: Discuss your feelings and concerns with your family members. Sharing your thoughts can help normalize the anxiety and allow for mutual support.

4. Focus on What You Can Control: Emphasize the importance of following health guidelines, such as wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining social distance. Focusing on actions you can control can help alleviate feelings of helplessness.

5. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If anxiety becomes overwhelming or interferes with daily life, consider consulting a mental health professional. They can provide coping strategies tailored to your specific situation.

In conclusion, while it’s understandable to have concerns about safety and infection risks, it’s crucial to balance caution with rationality. By employing effective coping strategies and maintaining open communication with your family, you can navigate these challenging times with greater ease. Remember, it’s okay to feel anxious, but it’s also important to find ways to manage that anxiety constructively.

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