Professor, Epidemiologist Answers Pandemic-Related Questions

Public health expert shares tips on how to tackle stress, how to stay productive during quarantine and much more

Sacred Heart University public health assistant professor Jacqueline Vernarelli answered pandemic-related questions to help students, faculty and staff combat these strange and challenging times. Vernarelli is a nutritional epidemiologist and public health nutritionist. She serves as director of research education and consultation for SHU’s College of Health Professions.

Why is it a bad idea to wear my mask under my nose?

Wearing your mask with your nose out is sort of like wearing your pants with your rear end sticking out; you’re exposing some, but not all, of your sensitive areas. Covering your nose with your mask keeps all of your nasal secretions inside your mask, protecting others. 

What are some good ways to tackle stress?

Make sure you take care of your body by getting enough sleep and eating healthy food. Get exercise, even if it’s just walking outside, doing a quick high-intensity interval workout or yoga sequence in your room. And most importantly, show yourself some love. It’s vital to remember that we all deal with stress differently, and if your stress or emotions become overwhelming, it’s time to seek professional help. Remember, you’re not in this alone. It’s important to have the right tools to deal with your emotions. Get in touch with the SHU Counseling Center for resources and referrals that can help. 

I’m in quarantine, what is a productive, healthy way to pass the time?

Stay engaged. There are several productive, healthy things to do with your time. This year, there are many virtual events going on. Attend a club meeting, watch a colloquium or stream Mass. 

Don’t fall off the grid. Find ways to stay connected with your peers. You can take a virtual fitness class with friends, have a Zoom guitar jam session or challenge your fellow quarantined students to a push-up competition.

Don’t forget about your schoolwork. Engage with your professors and put extra time and effort into class assignments. 

How do I keep from feeling negative or just ‘blah’ during the pandemic? 

In these unsettling times, social support is very important. Stay connected to others in real time by following the Pioneer Promise (in person with masks, outside and six feet apart) or using video chats; but remember, social media is not a replacement for human interaction. Take some time to unwind and relax. You can write down your feelings, make a list of things you want to do, or even just identify the best parts of your week. Finding something you’re excited about or looking forward to, can keep things positive. Yes, we’re not living life in the same way we were pre-pandemic, but it’s not all bad. It’s likely you’re spending more time outside, talking to distant friends or family members more than you did last year.

I’m not feeling motivated … about anything … what can I do?

Usually, we are motivated to do something we enjoy (hiking with friends) rather than something we dread (cleaning the bathroom). The key is planning. You have to make a plan to engage in positive activities and stick to it. Instead of telling your roommates, “we should hike sometime,” make a plan to meet at a specific park at a specific time. When you see a campus email about lawn games, rally a few suitemates and schedule a time to go, so you can keep each other accountable. 

How do I stay safe without being overly paranoid? 

The SHU Coronavirus Planning Team is working hard to keep our community safe. Follow the Pioneer Promise, make smart decisions based on the latest health guidance, and make decisions based on facts, rather than rumors. Take breaks from social media and the news and use your screen time to call your best friend, video chat your grandma or check in with professors during their office hours. Better yet, unplug. Yes, it’s great to stay informed, but that can be done without getting overwhelmed. 

I may have been exposed to COVID-19, but I’m worried about telling anyone because I’m afraid of what people might think of me. 

Unfortunately, there is a great stigma surrounding a COVID-19 diagnosis. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 may worry about seeking testing or speaking with contact tracers. If you think you may have been exposed, you should email covidconcern@sacredheart.edu, and quarantine until you can be tested. You may think that by avoiding testing, you can avoid the stigma related to exposure. However, quarantine, testing and contract tracing are the most effective ways to control the spread of COVID-19. Self-quarantine is how you can best protect others while you await testing. Talking to contact tracers is confidential, and you should never feel ashamed to provide honest answers to their questions. Remember: facts, not fear, are how we will conquer the pandemic.

My roommate/friend/professor/colleague has COVID-19, or is in quarantine because of a possible exposure. Does that mean that they have violated the Pioneer Promise? 

At this point, we are aware of several measures that we can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19; however there is still much we don’t know about COVID-19 transmission, particularly among asymptomatic or presymptomatic individuals. There is no way to have “zero risk” of exposure while living in a community setting. People who have acquired COVID-19 may feel ashamed, isolated or embarrassed. It’s important to show compassion to those who are in quarantine following exposure or while being treated for COVID-19. They are doing the right thing for our community and should be supported.