mteb/FeedbackQARetrieval huggingface dataset:
Q&A: Self-care interventions for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and COVID-19
Is self care safe?
For all of the recommendations on self-care interventions on sexual and
reproductive health issued by WHO, the evidence to date suggests that self
care is safe, with the right level of support by the health service as needed.  
Self-care can also benefit health workers, by allowing them to serve a greater
number of patients and deploying their clinical skills where greatest need
exists. During a pandemic such as COVID-19, adopting self-care as part of the
healthcare system can also reduce the exposure of health workers to infection
as self-care will reduce the number of in-person contacts with a health
worker.
Q&A: Self-care interventions for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and COVID-19
How can I get healthcare support during the COVID-19 pandemic for a self-care intervention?
There are a number of ways in which support can be provided:
Digital technologies and platforms, such as helplines through the phone or
online or websites of organizations with recognized expertise may be available
for consultation or follow up. Such information sources could enable you to
then proceed with obtaining and self-administering an injectable contraceptive
or self-testing for HIV, for example.  
It may also be possible to get over the counter medical devices, medicines,
information and diagnostics through pharmacies or drug stores. Menstrual
hygiene products, pregnancy tests, condoms and emergency contraception pills
are usually available over-the-counter and depending on where you live,
contraceptive pills and drugs that protect you from getting HIV if you think
you have been exposed to risk.  
You may also be able to receive communications in a variety of ways that can
help keep you healthy. Examples include notifications and reminders about
taking medicines sent by SMS or email.
Q&A: Self-care interventions for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and COVID-19
Do I need to see a health worker for self care actions?
Self-care interventions provide individuals, families and communities with a
way to manage their own health at home. Some self-care actions, such as
washing your hands and practicing good respiratory hygiene measures that
protect you from COVID-19, do not need you to meet with a health worker. Other
self-care interventions, such as obtaining a prescription for hormonal
contraception and abortion medications or counselling during pregnancy, will
need interaction with a health worker. Such support can be provided in
different ways during this pandemic and will depend on the healthcare
arrangements in place where you live; for example, some medicines are
available over-the-counter without a prescription in a pharmacy, or counseling
and important information during pregnancy and when caring for a newborn can
be provided over the phone or online.
Q&A: Tobacco and COVID-19
As a smoker, is my risk of getting the COVID-19 virus higher than that of a non-smoker?
At the time of preparing this Q&A, there are no peer-reviewed studies that
have evaluated the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with smoking.
However, tobacco smokers (cigarettes, waterpipes, bidis, cigars, heated
tobacco products) may be more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19, as the act
of smoking involves contact of fingers (and possibly contaminated cigarettes)
with the lips, which increases the possibility of transmission of viruses from
hand to mouth. Smoking waterpipes, also known as shisha or hookah, often
involves the sharing of mouth pieces and hoses, which could facilitate the
transmission of the COVID-19 virus in communal and social settings.
Q&A: Tobacco and COVID-19
As a vaper, am I more likely to be infected or to have more severe symptoms if infected?
There is no evidence about the relationship between e-cigarette use and
COVID-19. However, existing evidence indicates that electronic nicotine
delivery systems (ENDS) and electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS),
more commonly referred to as e-cigarettes, are harmful and increase the risk
of heart disease and lung disorders. Given that the COVID-19 virus affects the
respiratory tract, the hand-to-mouth action of e-cigarette use may increase
the risk of infection.
Q&A: Tobacco and COVID-19
What does WHO recommend for tobacco users?
Given the risks to health that tobacco use causes, WHO recommends quitting
tobacco use. Quitting will help your lungs and heart to work better from the
moment you stop. Within 20 minutes of quitting, elevated heart rate and blood
pressure drop. After 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in the bloodstream
drops to normal. Within 2-12 weeks, circulation improves and lung function
increases. After 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
Quitting will help to protect your loved ones, especially children, from
exposure to second-hand smoke.
WHO recommends the use of proven interventions such as toll-free quit lines,
mobile text-messaging cessation programmes, and nicotine replacement therapies
(NRTs), among others, for quitting tobacco use.
Q&A: Tobacco and COVID-19
What can I do to protect people from the risks associated with smoking, smokeless tobacco use and vaping?


If you smoke, use e cigarettes or use smokeless tobacco, now is a good time to quit completely.


Do not share devices like waterpipes and e-cigarettes.


Spread the word about the risks of smoking, using e-cigarettes and using smokeless tobacco.


Protect others from the harms of second-hand smoke.


Know the importance of washing your hands, physical distancing, and not sharing any smoking or e -cigarette products.


Do not spit in public places
Q&A: Tobacco and COVID-19
As a smoker, am I likely to get more severe symptoms if infected?
Smoking any kind of tobacco reduces lung capacity and increases the risk of
many respiratory infections and can increase the severity of respiratory
diseases. COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs.
Smoking impairs lung function making it harder for the body to fight off
coronaviruses and other respiratory diseases. Available research suggests that
smokers are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 outcomes and death.
Q&A: Tobacco and COVID-19
Does nicotine use affect my chances in the context of COVID-19?
There is currently insufficient information to confirm any link between
tobacco or nicotine in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. WHO urges
researchers, scientists and the media to be cautious about amplifying unproven
claims that tobacco or nicotine could reduce the risk of COVID-19. WHO is
constantly evaluating new research, including that which examines the link
between tobacco use, nicotine use, and COVID-19.
Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
Does the BCG vaccine protect people from COVID-19?
There is no evidence at this point that the Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine
(BCG) protects people against infection with COVID-19 virus. Clinical trials
addressing this question are underway, and WHO will evaluate the evidence when
it is available. In the absence of evidence, WHO does not recommend BCG
vaccination for the prevention of COVID-19. WHO continues to recommend
reserving BCG for neonatal vaccination in settings with a high risk of
tuberculosis.

More information
Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
What should health authorities do to provide sustainability of essential tuberculosis services during the COVID-19 pandemic?
People-centred delivery of tuberculosis (TB) prevention, diagnosis, treatment
and care services should be ensured in tandem with the COVID-19 response.  
Prevention: Measures must be implemented to limit transmission of TB and
COVID-19 in congregate settings and health care facilities. Administrative,
environmental and personal protection measures apply to both (e.g. basic
infection prevention and control, cough etiquette, patient triage).  
Provision of TB preventive treatment should be maintained as much as possible.  
Diagnosis : Tests for TB and COVID-9 are different and both should be
made available for individuals with respiratory symptoms, which may be similar
for the two diseases.  
Treatment and care : People-centred outpatient and community-based care
should be strongly preferred over hospital treatment for TB patients (unless
serious conditions require hospitalization) to reduce opportunities for
transmission.  
Anti-TB treatment, in line with the latest WHO guidelines, must be provided
for all TB patients, including those in quarantine and those with confirmed
COVID-19 disease. Adequate stocks of TB medicines should be provided to all
patients to reduce trips to collect medicines.  
Use of digital health technologies for patients and programmes should be
intensified. In line with WHO recommendations, technologies like electronic
medication monitors and video-supported therapy can help patients complete
their TB treatment.
Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
How can we protect people seeking tuberculosis care during the COVID-19 pandemic?
In a context of widespread restriction of movement of the population in
response to the pandemic and isolation of COVID-19 patients, communication
with the healthcare services should be maintained so that people with
tuberculosis (TB), especially those most vulnerable, get essential services.
This includes management of adverse drug reactions and co-morbidities,
nutritional and mental health support, and restocking of the supplies of
medicines.
Enough TB medicines will need to be dispensed to the patient or caregiver to
last until the next visit. This will limit interruption or unnecessary visits
to the clinic. Mechanisms to deliver medicines at home and even to collect
specimens for follow-up testing may become expedient. Home-based TB treatment
is bound to become more common. Alternative arrangements to reduce clinic
visits may involve limiting appointments to specific times to avoid exposure
to other clinic attendees; using digital technologies to maintain treatment
support. Community health workers become more critical as treatment is more
decentralized.
More TB patients will probably start their treatment at home and therefore
limiting the risk of household transmission of TB during the first few weeks
is important.
Vulnerable populations who have poor access to healthcare should not get
further marginalized during the pandemic.
Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
Can tuberculosis and COVID-19 be tested on the same type of specimen?
The diagnostic methods for tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 are quite distinct
and commonly require different specimens.  
Sputum, as well as many other biological specimens, can be used to diagnose TB
using culture or molecular techniques.  
Tests for COVID-19 are done most commonly by nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal
swab or wash in ambulatory patients, but sputum or endotracheal aspirate or
bronchoalveolar lavage may be used in patients with severe respiratory
disease. Molecular testing is the currently recommended method for the
identification of infectious COVID-19 and just as for TB, serological assays
are not recommended for the routine diagnosis of COVID-19.
The pipeline for COVID-19 diagnostics has flourished impressively within a few
months. Amongst these is the Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 cartridge for use on
GeneXpert machines, which are machines used in TB diagnosis. WHO is currently
evaluating this cartridge as well as other tests. Additional resources to roll
out COVID-19 testing should be mobilized rather than relying only on existing
resources that are used for TB, to ensure that the diagnostic coverage for TB
is maintained as necessary.
Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
Do COVID-19 and tuberculosis spread in the same way?
While both tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 spread by close contact between
people the exact mode of transmission differs, explaining some differences in
infection control measures to mitigate the two conditions.  
TB bacilli remain suspended in the air in droplet nuclei for several hours
after a TB patient coughs, sneezes, shouts, or sings, and people who inhale
them can get infected. The size of these droplet nuclei is a key factor
determining their infectiousness. Their concentration decreases with
ventilation and exposure to direct sunlight.  
COVID-19 transmission has primarily been attributed to the direct breathing of
droplets expelled by someone with COVID-19 (people may be infectious before
clinical features become apparent). Droplets produced by coughing, sneezing,
exhaling and speaking may land on objects and surfaces, and contacts can get
infected with COVID-19 by touching them and then touching their eyes, nose or
mouth . Handwashing, in addition to respiratory precautions, are thus
important in the control of COVID-19.
Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
Is tuberculosis treatment different in people who have both TB and COVID-19?
In most cases tuberculosis (TB) treatment is not different in people with or
without COVID-19 infection.  
Experience on joint management of both COVID-19 infection and TB remains
limited. However, suspension of TB treatment in COVID-19 patients should be
exceptional. TB preventive treatment, treatment for drug-susceptible or drug-
resistant TB disease should continue uninterrupted to safeguard the patient’s
health, reduce transmission and prevent the development of drug-resistance.  
While treatment trials are ongoing, no medication is currently recommended for
COVID-19 and therefore no cautions on drug-drug interactions are indicated at
present. TB patients on treatment should nonetheless be asked if they are
taking any medicines, including traditional cures, that may interact with
their medication.
Effective treatments to prevent TB and to treat active TB have been scaled up
and are in use worldwide. The risk of death in TB patients approaches 50% if
left untreated and may be higher in the elderly or in the presence of
comorbidity. It is critical that TB services are not disrupted during the
COVID-19 response.  
Gathering evidence as this pandemic unfolds will be very important, while
upholding the norms of professional conduct and patient confidentiality when
handling clinical details.
Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
How can health authorities ensure supplies of tuberculosis medicines and diagnostics?
Appropriate planning and monitoring are essential to ensure that procurement
and supply of tuberculosis (TB) medicines and diagnostics are not interrupted.  
WHO is monitoring medicine supply at the global level, while The Global Fund,
the Stop TB Partnership Global Drug Facility (GDF), USAID, Unitaid and other
donors play an essential role in supporting countries to secure adequate and
sustainable supplies of TB medicines, drugs and diagnostics.
Countries are advised to place their orders for 2020 delivery as soon as
possible given anticipated delays in transport and delivery mechanisms.
Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
What measures should be in place to protect staff working in tuberculosis laboratories and healthcare facilities, and community health workers, from COVID-19 infection?
Health care facilities, including those that diagnose and care for
tuberculosis (TB) and lung diseases, are bound to receive patients with
COVID-19, many of whom may be undiagnosed. Additional measures may be needed
to avoid that staff in these centres are exposed to COVID-19 infection.
The Information Note includes additional, temporary measures
that should be considered. These include alternative arrangements to reduce
visits for TB follow-up, precautions for sputum collection, transportation and
testing. The note also includes a description of ethical obligations in this
setting.
Existing WHO recommendations for infection prevention and control for TB and
for COVID-19 should be strictly implemented, including personal protection
equipment.
Lessons learnt over many years of TB infection prevention and control, contact
tracing, investigation and management can benefit efforts to stop the spread
of COVID-19.
Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
Should all people being evaluated for tuberculosis also be tested for COVID-19 and vice-versa?
Testing of the same patient for both tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 would
generally be indicated for three main reasons, subject to the specific setting
in each country:

clinical features that are common to both diseases; or 
simultaneous exposure to both diseases; or
presence of a risk factor 

As the pandemic advances, more people of all ages, including TB patients, will
be exposed to COVID-19. The Information Note
contains
further considerations for simultaneous testing for the two diseases.
Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
What services can be leveraged across both diseases?
The response to COVID-19 can benefit from the capacity building efforts
developed for tuberculosis (TB) over many years of investment by national
authorities and donors. These include infection prevention and control,
contact tracing, household and community-based care, and surveillance and
monitoring systems.  
Although modes of transmission of the two diseases are slightly different,
administrative, environmental and personal protection measures apply to both
(e.g. basic infection prevention and control, cough etiquette, patient
triage).  
TB laboratory networks have been established in countries with the support of
WHO and international partners. These networks as well as specimen
transportation mechanisms could also be used for COVID-19 diagnosis and
surveillance.  
Respiratory physicians, pulmonology staff of all grades, TB specialists and
health workers at the primary health care level may be points of reference for
patients with pulmonary complications of COVID-19. They should familiarize
themselves with the most current WHO recommendations for the supportive
treatment and containment of COVID-19.  
TB programme staff with their experience and capacity, including in active
case finding and contact tracing, are well placed to support the COVID-19
response.
Various digital technologies used in TB programmes can support the COVID-19
response, including adherence support, electronic medical records and
eLearning.
Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
What is the potential impact of COVID-19 pandemic on essential tuberculosis services?
Modelling work suggests that if the COVID-19 pandemic led to a global
reduction of 25% in expected TB detection for 3 months – a realistic
possibility given the levels of disruption in TB services being observed in
multiple countries – then we could expect a 13% increase in TB deaths,
bringing us back to the levels of TB mortality that we had 5 years ago. This
may even be a conservative estimate as it does not factor in other possible
impacts of the pandemic on TB transmission, treatment interruptions and poorer
outcomes in people with TB and COVID-19 infection (Predicted impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic on global tuberculosis deaths in 2020, P.
Glaziou).
Between 2020 and 2025 an additional 1.4 million TB deaths could be registered
as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic (Stop TB Partnership
analysis).  
All measures should be taken to ensure continuity of services for people who
need preventive and curative treatment for tuberculosis (TB).
Q&A: Tuberculosis and COVID-19
Are people with tuberculosis likely to be at increased risk of COVID-19 infection, illness and death?
While experience on COVID-19 infection in tuberculosis (TB) patients remains
limited, it is anticipated that people ill with both TB and COVID-19 may have
poorer treatment outcomes, especially if TB treatment is interrupted.
Older age, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are
linked with more severe COVID-19 and are also risk factors for poor outcomes
in TB.
TB patients should take precautions as advised by health authorities to be
protected from COVID-19 and continue their TB treatment as prescribed.
People ill with COVID-19 and TB show similar symptoms such as cough, fever and
difficulty breathing. Both diseases attack primarily the lungs and although
both biological agents transmit mainly via close contact, the incubation
period from exposure to disease in TB is longer, often with a slow onset.
Q&A: Violence against women during COVID-19
How does COVID-19 increase risks of violence for women?
Stress, the disruption of social and protective networks, loss of income and
decreased access to services all can exacerbate the risk of violence for
women.
In many countries, where people are encouraged or required to stay at home,
the risk of intimate partner violence is likely to increase. Please see the
following resource for more detail:
https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/emergencies/COVID-19-VAW-
full-text.pdf

In addition, access to sexual and reproductive health services will likely
become more limited. Other services, such as hotlines, crisis centers,
shelters, legal aid, and protection services, may also be reduced, making it
difficult for women to access the few sources of help that would usually be
available.
Q&A: Violence against women during COVID-19
I run a health facility. What can I do to support women survivors of violence during COVID-19?


Identify information on local services for survivors, including on hotlines, shelters, rape crisis centers, and counselling. 


Find out opening hours, contact details and whether these services can be offered remotely, and establish referral linkages. 


Make these available to health care providers and easily accessible to patients/clients coming to your facility. 


Support the health care providers in your facility to continue to support women survivors of violence during this time. 


Be prepared to shift rapidly to providing care through alternative ways, by creating effective response plans; for example, by ensuring frontline healthcare workers have phones and can charge them. 


Ensure there is a protocol in place to ensure continued safe document storage in case of sudden lockdown. 


Inform survivors of ways they can protect themselves, and provide small credit card-size cards listing relevant phone numbers for support
Q&A: Violence against women during COVID-19
I am worried about someone I know. How can I help?
If you know of, or are concerned about, someone in an abusive relationship
there are some things you can do:


Keep regularly in touch with the person to check that they are safe, ensuring that it is safe for them to be in touch with you. Assume that a perpetrator of violence can see, hear and or monitor communications, so find out how best to communicate with the person that you are concerned about. Send them an SMS or message via email or social media, in a way that is safe for them. Be discrete in connecting with them when the abuser is present in the home so that they are not placed at risk of additional harm. Check each time, as this may change. 


Find out what services for survivors of violence against women (e.g. shelters, hotlines, counselling services, women’s organizations) are functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic and make this information available through your networks and social media. Only provide this information directly if you can do so discretely without the abuser finding out. 


If someone you know needs urgent help for whatever reason, be prepared to call emergency health services, the police, health centre, or hotline.