Antibody testing has been in the news quite a bit lately, says Marla Ahlgrimm. But what is it? And is it a good indicator of whether or not a person is immune from the coronavirus disease?

For the last several weeks, people who believe they’ve been exposed to or have had the coronavirus have been flocking to healthcare offices and pharmacies for the newly-available antibody test. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, this is simply a blood screening that can determine who has been exposed and, hopefully, who has immunity from COVID-19.

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Q: What are ovaries?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Ovaries are a female’s primary reproductive organ. They are glands that release eggs for fertilization, protect these eggs while they wait to be implanted, and secrete sex hormones. Women are born with two ovaries, but they do not become functional until puberty. Then, they grow to approximately the size of a large grape and settle into their permanent home inside of the uterus against the pelvic wall. The ovaries are then held tightly in place by special ligaments, which are attached to the uterus.

Q: What did ovaries do?

Marla Ahlgrimm: In addition to secreting sex hormones, the ovaries release eggs during a female’s menstrual cycle. During this process, which is known as ovulation, a woman can become pregnant.

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Keeping your hands free of germs and bacteria is one of the best things you can do to reduce your chances of contracting the coronavirus. However, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are many reasons to keep up with this crucial hygiene practice long after the pandemic has ended.

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that one way people get sick is because germs, such as the norovirus and Salmonella, are transferred from the hands to the face. If you use the restroom, for example, and do not wash your hands after, tiny particles of feces can easily enter into your bloodstream through your eyes, nose, and mouth. You can also experience germ transfer after touching a contaminated object.

It is not just for your own safety that handwashing is important. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that germs can spread not only from your hands to your face but also from you to other people. This is partly why social distancing protocols have been stressed so heavily since March.

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At some point in time, virtually all men and women take medicine. Marla Ahlgrimm says this is often over-the-counter, such as Tylenol for headaches, but maybe a prescription, like birth control. Regardless of the reason, Ahlgrimm says that it’s wise to take a few precautions before beginning a new medicine.

Asking questions

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, pharmacists exist for a reason. They are not simply there to give you medicines, but are also a valuable resource to help answer questions and alleviate concerns over something new. If you have not spoken with your doctor about your prescription – and even if you have – your pharmacist can guide you in your quest to take control of your health.

Keeping a list

Marla Ahlgrimm says something else that’s important for everyone is to keep a list of all the different types of medicine they take. If you, for example, take vitamins or a prescription medication for a recurrent health condition, it’s best to let your doctor and pharmacist know about these. Keep a list handy that includes the day you started taking each medication as well as your current dosage. 

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Now that we are all planted firmly at home, many of us are spending more time in the back yard. And according to Marla Ahlgrimm, that means that more of us are getting bitten by bugs. Do you know how to treat common insect bites and stings? Ahlgrimm answers your questions below.

Q: How concerning are bug bites?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Most are mild and cause very few symptoms beyond slight swelling and a temporary and annoying itch. However, rarely, wasp and hornet stings can cause a more significant reaction, including cellulitis and staph infection. Some insects, including mosquitoes and ticks, also carry diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease.

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Anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve pain. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, the most popular over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs are aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen. Although common and effective, these non-steroidal anti-inflammatories do have side effects. Keep reading as Ahlgrimm answers a few questions on the topic.

Q: What are anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat?

Marla Ahlgrimm: Many women use ibuprofen and similar medications to relieve menstrual aches and pains. Further, when taken correctly, these types of medicines are effective at relieving the pain associated with sprains, muscle aches, and headaches. Many people take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for arthritis.

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