Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Signs, Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Common hand and wrist problem can be prevented and treated

You wake in the night with a painful tingling sensation in your fingers — or no sensation at all.

As your condition advances, you have trouble holding the steering wheel to drive or typing on your computer keyboard. You experience weakness in your hand and begin dropping small objects.

If these signs and symptoms sounds familiar, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a very common problem. The condition is often associated with overuse of the hands and wrist and other factors.

“It’s important to get evaluated if you develop symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome to get a diagnosis and rule out any other problem,” says Lorenzo Pacelli, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Scripps Clinic Carmel Valley and Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines. “Talk to your doctor if your condition is interfering with your sleep at night and your day-to-day activities.

“Carpal tunnel syndrome is not something you want to ignore because if it goes untreated for a period of time, it can cause permanent damage to the nerve and use of your hand,” Dr. Pacelli says.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Picture a tunnel running from your forearm through the center of your wrist. This narrow passage is called the carpal tunnel. Your median nerve, which supplies feeling and function to your thumb and first three fingers, runs through it.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed, either by a swollen ligament or inflammation of the tendons within the tunnel. Pressure on the nerve may cause numbness and tingling and pain in the wrist, hand or fingers (excluding your little finger).

What are the early signs?

Early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome often involve tingling or mild pain in the hands or wrist, usually during the night. “As the condition worsens, tingling may happen during the day. Hand weakness may make it hard to grasp small objects and perform other activities,” Dr. Pacelli says.

Who gets carpal tunnel syndrome — and why?

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects up to 5% of the adult population in the United States. The condition is often the result of a combination of factors that increase pressure on the median nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel.

Age, heredity and gender are among several risk factors.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is most often diagnosed between the ages of 40-60.

Women are three times more likely than men to experience the condition. Fluid build-up in the ligaments during pregnancy, menopause and before menstruation may trigger some cases.

Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, wrist injury or dislocation, diabetes and obesity are other risk factors.

Work activities that involve repetitive use of the wrist or hand may also contribute to nerve compression.

Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome

Treatments range from rest to over-the-counter medication to physical therapy and surgery. A non-surgical approach may be all you need to get better.

“Resting the affected area for a period may be enough to ease inflammation. Also helpful is taking breaks more often or doing less of the activity that is causing you pain,” Dr. Pacelli says.

Next steps – if needed – may include using a splint to sleep, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. “Sometimes we’ll do a cortisone injection to help reduce the swelling around the tendon to help to take pressure off the nerves,” Dr. Pacelli says.

Physical therapy can help restore functional mobility. At Scripps, physical therapists or occupational therapists provide hand therapy services.

Yoga is an alternative therapy that has been shown to reduce pain and improve grip strength.

When is surgery an option?

If pain or numbness are severe or do not improve with non-surgical treatments, surgery is an option.

Carpal tunnel release is one of the common procedures in the United States. In this procedure, the surgeon cuts through a ligament in the wrist to relieve pressure on the median nerve. The procedure is done with numbing medicine.

“It’s a very effective procedure. Recovery is two to three weeks. The hand stays a little weak for up to a month. But most of the time, the symptoms go away within the first week of the surgery,” Dr. Pacelli says.

4 tips for reducing risk of carpal tunnel syndrome

The following tips can help reduce your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome:

1.   Change the way you work

Make adjustments to promote correct posture and positioning and reduce repetitive stress. As you work, your wrists should be in the same position as they are when you dangle your arms at your sides.

2.   Take frequent breaks from repetitive tasks

Avoid excessive exertion of your hand and wrist muscles. Minimize vibration from machines or tools.

3.   Stretch your wrists before you start tasks and during breaks.

Learn to do isometric and stretching exercises to strengthen the muscles in the wrists and hands.

“Do exercises where you stretch your fingers and redistribute swelling around the tendons,” Dr. Pacelli says. “Wear protective braces if you are susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome.”

4.   Simple wrist exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome

There are simple wrist exercises that are designed to help prevent and treat carpal tunnel syndrome.

A physical or occupational therapist can help you strengthen your hand and wrist. They can teach you how to do specific hand stretching exercises.

Mediterranean Diet Is Best Diet – Once Again

US News ranks healthy diet as best in several categories

US News & World Report recently weighed in on the best diets for 2022. The Mediterranean diet topped the scale as the best diet overall in the annual best diet rankings for the fifth consecutive year.

US News also ranked the Mediterranean diet No. 1 in five other categories: best diets for healthy eating, easiest diets to follow, best diets for diabetes, best heart-healthy diets and best plant-based diets.

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes eating less red meat, sugar and saturated fat and incorporating more fruits and vegetables, nuts and whole grains into your daily diet.

“It’s extremely delicious and easy to follow and get started. It is very sustainable,” says David Felix, MD, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines and a champion of the Mediterranean diet. 

What is the Mediterranean diet?

Dr. Felix says he’s not surprised the Mediterranean diet ranked so high in so many categories and considers it a way of life. 

“The Mediterranean diet is not a fad,” he says. “People who live in Italy, Spain, and other countries in the Mediterranean region have eaten this way for centuries. It’s just a way of life. I grew up on it. My blood pressure is fantastic.” 

Based on Mediterranean-style cooking, this diet focuses on primarily eating plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and seeds. It stresses eating fish and seafood at least a couple of times a week, consuming poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt in moderation and limiting sweets and red meat for special occasions. It also gives priority to healthy fats, such as olive oil over butter and using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods. 

Like other diets, it also emphasizes getting plenty of exercise, especially if the goal is losing weight.

Other proven diets

In addition to the Mediterranean diet, there are many other proven diets to choose from.

The DASH diet and the Flexitarian diet tied for No. 2 in the best diets overall and best diabetes diets categories.

DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension or high blood pressure. It is often recommended to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It emphasizes eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy foods and limiting salt, sugary drinks, sweets and foods that are high in saturated fat.

The Flexitarian diet is mostly vegetarian, meaning you don’t have to eliminate meat completely. The focus is eating more plants and less meat. This diet also tied for No. 2 in the best plant-based diet and easiest diets to follow categories.

Choose wisely and remember the best diets are those that fit your lifestyle and that you can maintain over the long-term.

Tips for maintaining healthy habits

Diets still take some work. The following are tips to keep you on a healthy path and move the needle on your scale in the right direction:

Drink, then eat

Water can help curb an appetite. People often mistake thirst for hunger and reach for a snack when a glass of water will do.

Move around

If the goal is to lose weight, this requires burning calories through exercise. It doesn’t have to be strenuous exercise either. Dr. Felix recommends trying a free pedometer app, such as Stepz, and setting a goal of 10,000 steps a day, if possible.

Get a scale and use it

It’s been shown that people can benefit from weighing themselves regularly. The idea is to spot trends and make adjustments as needed.

Slow down

When one eats quickly, one tends to eat more. So, eat mindfully, chewing every bite 15 to 20 times and enjoying the taste, smell and texture of your food. Another way to slow down is to eat with your non-dominant hand. This will definitely slow you down.

How to Get Rid of Nausea: Home Remedies for Nausea Relief

Most people have experienced nausea, that queasy feeling that often comes on suddenly. While nausea is not usually serious, it can be acutely uncomfortable.

“Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that is often accompanied by an urge to vomit,” says Erin Lester, MD, a family medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Solana Beach. “Anyone can experience nausea, and the symptoms are straightforward. You feel like you’re going to vomit, although you may not actually do so.”

Causes of nausea

Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of stomach upset, often morning nausea, although the condition may occur at any time of the day. Often triggered by changing hormones, nausea during pregnancy is not usually a reason for concern, although it may be bothersome.

Other causes of nausea unrelated to pregnancy include:

Stress and anxiety

When you’re stressed or anxious, your gut’s normal rhythm of digestion is disrupted, which can leave you feeling nauseated. Taking deep, calming breaths can help you feel calmer and reduce the nausea. Sipping a cup of ginger tea or chewing on a piece of candied ginger may also help, says Dr. Lester. The spicy root has properties that are thought to ease nausea.

Dehydration

Even mild dehydration can cause stomach upset, so if you feel thirsty, don’t ignore it. Drinking a glass of plain water may be all you need to make your nausea go away. If you have symptoms of severe dehydration, such as fatigue or dizziness, see a doctor right away.

Low blood sugar

If you haven’t eaten for a few hours, you may have low blood sugar, causing you to feel nauseated and even dizzy. Eating something, particularly carbohydrates, will bring your blood sugar back to normal so you’ll start feeling better.

Medications

Many medications, including supplements and over-the-counter medicines, can lead to a queasy stomach. It will usually help if you eat something small before taking your medications.

“The best way to treat nausea without an identifiable cause is to stop anything that might be causing irritation to the stomach lining. Avoid alcohol, spicy foods and smoking,” explains Dr. Lester.

How to stop nausea

When you do experience the occasional upset stomach, simple home remedies can offer relief. Try these tips:

• Drink clear liquids

• Eat bland foods, such as saltine crackers or plain bread

•  Avoid fried, greasy or sweet foods

• Eat slowly

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals

• Do not mix hot and cold foods

• Drink beverages slowly

• Avoid activity after eating

• Avoid brushing your teeth after eating

Try the following (regardless of age) to stop vomiting:

• Drinking gradually larger amounts of clear liquids

• Avoiding solid food until the vomiting episode has passed

• Resting

• Temporarily discontinuing all oral medications, which can irritate the stomach and make vomiting worse. Before discontinuing prescribed medications, check with your doctor.

If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your primary care physician.

“Your doctor is there to help you,” says Dr. Lester. “In the majority of situations, nausea can be treated easily at home and does not indicate a more serious underlying condition, but always check with your primary care physician if you have any doubts.”

Build a Strong Relationship with Your Doctor

You’ve waited several weeks to see your doctor, but after you leave the office you still have questions, and you don’t quite understand your diagnosis. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to improve your relationship with your physician.

A good patient-physician relationship can go a long way in helping you stay healthy — and getting the care you need when you’re not feeling well.

“Patients who take an active role in their care may not only feel more satisfied with their doctors, but also more in control over their own health and well-being,” says Rebecca Shragge, DO, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Hillcrest.

Communication, respect and trust are keys to any healthy relationship. And the relationship with your health care provider should be no different. Here are eight ways to help you build a good patient-physician relationship and get the most out of your appointments.

1.   Be prepared for your appointment

Take a few minutes to prepare for your appointment with your physician so you can make the most of your time together. You may be able to message your concerns ahead of your appointment through a patient portal.

Common questions to consider include:

• Do you have a new symptom you want to discuss?

• Do you want to go over how a treatment is affecting your daily life?

• What side effects are common with a particular medication you are prescribed?

• Do you need vaccines, including the flu, pneumonia or shingles?

“Before your visit, make a list of your symptoms and how long each has been present,” suggests Dr. Shragge. “Write down what medications you’re taking, including vitamins and supplements, and the dosages for each.”

 If you need lab work or other tests, get them before your appointment so you and your doctor can go over them together

2. Prioritize health issues to discuss

Start your discussion with your physician with the most important health issue or question on your mind.

“Don’t put off things you really need to discuss until the end of the visit. Bring them up right away,” says Dr. Shragge.

3. Follow COVID safety precautions

Be prepared to follow COVID safety protocols before entering the clinic and at the doctor’s office, including wearing a face covering and physical distancing.

At Scripps, all physicians, staff members, patients and visitors are required to wear face coverings. Scripps also offers curbside check-in as an additional safety measure so that you can remain in your vehicle until an exam room is ready for your visit.

4. Bring a companion to your appointment when necessary

Bring a friend or loved one with you, especially if you feel like you have trouble retaining information or you are discussing something serious like cancer or heart disease. Be aware of any visitor restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

“Bringing a friend or family member along can be extremely helpful when it comes to asking questions and clarifying information, especially for older patients or anyone who is nervous about seeing the doctor, or someone who needs a language interpreter,” says Dr. Shragge.

5. Be honest with your physician

Your lifestyle and daily habits impact your health, and the information you share with your physician is confidential so be candid. If you are not honest about things, such as smoking or having a couple of cocktails daily or occasionally skipping your medications, your physician won’t have accurate information, and that can impact your care.

“Let your doctor know what has happened in your life since your last visit,” says Dr. Shragge “For instance, mention any changes you have noticed in your appetite, weight, sleep or energy level.”

Don’t feel embarrassed. Your doctor isn’t perfect, and he or she doesn’t expect you to be either.

6. Be sure you understand your care plan

Before you leave the doctor’s office, make sure all your questions have been answered or if you need to schedule a follow-up visit. Have a clear understanding of everything your doctor has told you about your condition and what you need to do, such as getting lab tests, taking medications and caring for yourself at home.

“If you’re not quite sure about something, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification before you leave,” says Dr. Shragge. “If you have questions once you get home, contact your health care team by calling the office or using an online patient portal to leave a message.”

7. Communicate with your physician, use patient portal

Many health care organizations offer patients a secure health portal in order to communicate with their physicians and manage their health records.

Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Center patients can use MyScripps, the online patient portal where you can check test results, schedule appointments, review your medical history and leave messages for your physician.

8. Follow your care plan

Follow your individualized care plan to get results and monitor progress. Your care plan may include tasks such as monitoring your blood sugar, getting more exercise or taking your blood pressure.

If a physician’s recommendation doesn’t sound doable or your medication isn’t working, let them know so you can re-evaluate and make adjustments to your plan.

Can Loneliness Lead to Chronic Health Issues?

By: Scripps Healthcare

5 tips to combat loneliness and social isolation and boost health

For almost a full year, fear of the COVID-19 virus kept many people around the world confined to their homes, only interacting with colleagues, friends and relatives by phone or video. While the lockdown may have been necessary to reduce the spread of the virus, it contributed to the rise of two other significant health conditions: social isolation and loneliness.

These conditions are not the same, though they may be related. Social isolation is a lack of social contact with others, while loneliness is feeling alone or disconnected with or without social contact. Social isolation can cause some people to feel lonely, but even people who socialize often can feel lonely if their relationships are not satisfying or fulfilling.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that both are public health risks that affect a significant number of people in the United States, especially older adults. One report found that more than one-third of adults age 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of those age 65 and older are socially isolated. Older adults are more likely to live alone, and factors, such as retirement, hearing loss, decreased mobility and illness, can limit their interactions with others.

Emotional pain can cause physical illness

Loneliness and isolation can lead to significant emotional and mental health issues; along with feeling disconnected, people experiencing loneliness may find it hard to trust others or may feel threatened. Like physical pain, emotional pain can activate the body’s stress responses. Over time, this can result in chronic inflammation and reduced immunity, which can raise the risk of chronic diseases.

“Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for serious health conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, obesity, depression, and anxiety,” says Michael Pham, DO, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Carlsbad.

According to the CDC:

• Social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes.

• Social isolation was associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia.

• Poor social relationships characterized by social isolation or loneliness were associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.

• Heart failure patients who experienced loneliness had nearly 4 times the average risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.

In addition, loneliness was associated with increasing depression, anxiety and suicide among both older and younger adults. In a June 2020 study, symptoms of anxiety, depression, substance use associated with COVID-19 and serious suicidal thoughts in the previous 30 days were most commonly reported by those ages 18–24.

5 tips to combat social isolation and loneliness

If you’re feeling isolated or lonely, or know someone who is, it’s important to take action to help prevent negative physical and emotional effects. Studies show that people who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others experience better moods, have a sense of purpose and tend to live longer. These tips can help alleviate isolation and loneliness:

1. Make self-care a priority. Exercise, eat healthy meals, get enough sleep and try to spend time outdoors every day.

2. Make an effort every day to connect with family or friends in person, over the phone, by text or online. Go for a walk with a friend or neighbor or play games together online.

3. Find an activity that you enjoy. Join an online book club, take a class or join a group that shares your interest. Check with your local community center or faith-based organization for options.

4. Consider adopting a pet if you can. Caring for a companion animal can be rewarding and comforting and can lower stress and blood pressure. If you can’t have a pet at home, look into volunteering at a local shelter or pet-sitting for a neighbor.

5. Volunteer at an organization that is meaningful to you. Becoming involved with a cause can ward off feelings of loneliness and help you meet people with similar interests.

“If feelings of isolation or loneliness are affecting your emotional or physical health, talk to your doctor,” says Dr. Pham. “Be very honest about how you’re feeling and how it is affecting your life. Your doctor can offer suggestions and resources to help you feel better and improve your quality of life.”

COVID-19 Screening Questions: Honest Answers Are Important

COVID-19 Screening Questions: Honest Answers Are Important

Concealing COVID symptoms at medical offices puts many at risk

by Scripps Healthcare

There is a growing concern among health care providers regarding patients who fail to disclose they have symptoms of COVID-19 before entering a medical facility.

“Waiting until you are in an exam room to disclose to your doctor that you have COVID-19 or COVID symptoms is simply too late,” says Ghazala Sharieff, MD, MBA, Scripps chief medical officer, acute care, clinical excellence and experience. “Accurate information affects the way we approach personal protective equipment and the rooms we may put patients in. It protects health workers, patients and visitors.”

Everyone entering a Scripps Health treatment facility must be screened for COVID-19 by answering questions about possible symptoms and/or exposure for the coronavirus. The screening tool is only one of several added safety measures Scripps has taken to help prevent the spread of the virus — but it is a vital one that is dependent on honest answers from patients in order to be effective.

“It’s important to answer screening questions carefully and not rush the process just to make your appointment on time or because you’re afraid you won’t be seen if you say you have a symptom,” Dr. Sharieff says. “You will receive the care you need regardless of your symptoms.”

COVID concealment

A recent study in the Journal of Health Psychology found that people who had tested positive for COVID-19 or had symptoms weren’t always honest about their condition around others.

The study surveyed 451 adults in the United States and found women were more likely to disclose health symptoms than men, and older adults were more honest about COVID-19 status and behaviors than younger people.

“Often, lying feels easier and safer than being honest,” says Leah Welch, PhD, a psychologist at Scripps Health. “The study showed approximately one-third of participants who had tested positive denied having symptoms when asked by others and more than one-half reported some level of concealment of their symptoms.”

Why we lie

“Concealing key health information can protect ourselves and our image, but then, negatively impact others,” according to Welch. “It’s important that we do all we can to keep ourselves and others safe, and not jeopardize the health of others.”

Honest disclosures about COVID-19 diagnosis, symptoms and behaviors are imperative to help monitor the spread of the virus and protect the health of the community.

“Concealing your COVID status to the screeners upon entry not only impedes efforts to slow the spread of the virus, but it also can risk the health of the doctors and staff who are taking care of you if they are not alerted to take the proper precautions,” says Dr. Sharieff.

If you suspect you may have COVID, please call the COVID nurse line at 888-261-8431 or use a virtual care options.

Don’t be afraid to seek care due to fears of COVID-19

Health officials urge people not to delay any time-sensitive care for a medical condition due to fears of coronavirus. Medical facilities that follow recommended COVID-19 safety measures are still safe places to visit.

“People also should not hesitate to seek emergency care  because their condition may require rapid or advanced treatments that are only available in a hospital setting,” Dr. Sharieff says.

COVID safety at Scripps

At Scripps, safety measures have been implemented at all facilities, including:

• Screenings for everyone entering facilities

• Required face coverings for all physicians, staff and patients

• Curbside check-in option and social distancing in waiting rooms

• Rigorous cleaning and disinfection for all facilities and equipment

• Dedicated entrance and isolated zones for patients with coronavirus symptoms

• Limited visitors to all Scripps facilities

COVID-19 testing from Scripps Healthcare

FAQs on Coronavirus Diagnostic and Antibody Testing 

By Scripps Healthcare

What are the different types of COVID-19 tests and what do they all mean?

Because of the rapid developments in testing, there has been some confusion around the different types of COVID-19 tests being offered. Here is what you need to know about testing being offered at Scripps Health:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Tests

What is it?

The CDC recommends a COVID-19 test called a nasopharyngeal swab which checks samples from your respiratory system (such as swabs of the inside of the nose) to tell you if you currently have an infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. 

How does it work?

A care provider in protective gear will ask about your symptoms and take your temperature. They will then put a special 6-inch cotton swab up both sides of your nose and move it around for about 15 seconds. It won’t hurt, but it might be uncomfortable. We then test the fluid on the swab to detect the presence of the virus.

Because of recent advances, test results are available very quickly.

How can I get tested for COVID-19?

Scripps Health is testing people with moderate symptoms of COVID-19, especially those who are at higher risk. This includes health care workers, older adults, and patients with compromised immune systems or chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease and chronic kidney or liver disease. 

Scripps is also testing all patients for COVID-19 who are being admitted to our hospitals, obstetric patients and those scheduled for surgery. 

If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19, please call our nurse line at 888-261-8431 before coming in or use one of our virtual care options.

When will I get my results?

If you are tested at an outpatient testing facility, you can expect test results in less than 24 hours. 

If you are tested as a patient admitted to a Scripps hospital or in one of our Emergency Departments, your care team will quickly receive your results typically within 2 hours.

Can the COVID-19 test ever produce false negatives?

False negatives are an issue with any test. This may be because the amount of the virus in your sample is so low, it can't even be detected or because not enough of your sample was taken for an accurate reading.

“At Scripps, we are well aware of the potential for false negatives, and our strategy has been to use universal precautions, in that all health care workers in our system wear a surgical mask while in a patient care area, wear fresh gloves with every patient, and perform meticulous hand hygiene,” says Ghazala Sharieff, MD, MBA, Scripps chief medical officer, clinical excellence and experience. “Also, if we have a strong suspicion for COVID, we don’t rely on a single negative test and we retest as needed.”

What Happens After I Get Tested?

A positive COVID-19 test means you currently have or recently had the virus. Monitor your symptoms and get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing, confusion, or bluish lips or face.

Learn more about taking steps to avoid spreading the virus here. 

If you test negative for COVID-19, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. However, that does not mean you will not get sick. It is possible that you were very early in your infection when your sample was collected and that you could test positive later. Or you could be exposed later and then develop illness. In other words, a negative test result does not mean you won’t get sick later. This means you could still spread the virus.

Coronavirus Antibody Testing

What is it?

Commonly referred to as “antibody testing,” "antigen testing" or "serology" – this test is not used to diagnose COVID-19. Rather, it is a blood test to determine if you have been exposed to COVID-19 at any point in the past – in which case your body would have created antibodies in response to the infection. An antibody is a protein made by our bodies in response to an infection. Once created, antibodies typically help the body fight off an infection.  

How do I get the COVID antibody test?

Scripps Health currently is offering antibody testing in very limited circumstances. Antibody testing requires an order from a physician. Patients with questions about antibody testing should contact their doctor. For more information about antibody testing, visit the CDC. 

Is there any benefit to COVID-19 serology test?

There is still much uncertainty about the value and use of testing for antibodies related to the new coronavirus.

The CDC is still studying and determining the exact benefits to antibody testing. The antibody test provides an estimate of how many people have been infected in order to determine how many in the public remain at risk. This may help with trends and future predictions about the progression of the pandemic.

“Having antibodies to the virus does not guarantee a person will not contract it again. We just don’t know enough about this virus yet,” says Dr. Sharieff. 

COVID-19 Plasma Infusion Study

What is it?

The COVID-19 plasma study is a relatively new clinical study that offers treatment to critically ill COVID-19 patients. This is not a diagnostic test or an antibody test. Scripps is the first health care provider in San Diego County to use an experimental therapy as a possible treatment for COVID-19 patients.

How does it work?

Convalescent plasma therapy takes plasma donated by someone who has recovered from COVID-19 and transfuses it into a hospitalized patient currently battling a serious COVID-19 infection. 

“The idea behind the treatment is that people who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus when transfused into patients with serious, active disease,” says Dr. Sharieff. “The hope is that the plasma will be helpful to very sick COVID-19 patients and speed their recovery.”

While the therapy is still experimental, the FDA is allowing physicians to use plasma from recovered patients to treat those with “serious or immediately life-threatening COVID-19 infections” under an emergency approval system.

Is this treatment working so far?

“Plasma therapy treatment is relatively new, and we are studying its benefits every day,” says Dr. Sharieff. “So far, initial results for Scripps Health patients appear to be promising.”

How to Donate Convalescent Plasma

If someone you know has tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered, they are likely eligible to donate plasma. The American Red Cross recently started a national program to collect and distribute plasma, and current supply is low. Plasma can also be donated through the Scripps Bone Marrow Transplant/Apheresis program by contacting Michelle Meyer at meyer.michelle@scrippshealth.org.