Dr. Nesochi talks about psychological effects of FaceTune & edited photos — Watch Now!
February 16, 2020
Dr. Nesochi’s Media Reel–Watch Now!
March 28, 2020
CORONAVIRUS #COVID-19 INTERVIEWS:
The Coronavirus pandemic is now a global crisis. There is certainly a lot of confusion about what is fact versus fiction regarding this novel virus. We all continue to learn more about COVID-19 on a day to day basis. Remember, you can obtain all of the latest information about this pandemic on the CDC and World Health Organization websites.
CBS News
Dr. Nesochi talks about COVID 19-bivalent boosters on CBS News.
Deltacron: Why Experts Say You Shouldn’t Worry About this Latest Coronavirus Variant
by: Julia Ries
- A new variant called Deltacron, which contains genetic material from both Delta and Omicron, has been identified in Europe and the United States.
- The variant remains rare, having been detected in a only a handful of people.
- Infectious disease specialists say there’s no evidence yet that shows this recombinant variant is more transmissible or virulent, but studies are underway to better understand Deltacron’s viral traits.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that scientists have identified a new variant called Deltacron, which contains genetic material from both the Omicron and Delta strains of COVID-19.
This latest variant has been detected in Europe and the United States but remains rare, according to WHO officials.
According to infectious disease specialists, coronavirus strains are known to recombine with one another, especially when there are multiple variants circulating at high levels.
But how recombinant events impact the virus’s traits — like how infectious and virulent they are — are unclear and require careful research.
So far, there’s no evidence suggesting there are any changes in severity or level of infectiousness
with this recombinant variant.
There are numerous studies underway to determine if there are any changes in Deltacron’s epidemiology, WHO officials said.
“The data is too limited at this time to make these assessments,” said Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, an internal medicine physician based in New York City, to Healthline. “Nonetheless, it is too preliminary to go into panic mode about this variant until more data is collected and analyzed.”
Full Story on Healthline
BNC interview–Mask mandates 02/08/2022
How to Gather With Friends and Family Safely Despite a Growing Number of Covid Variants
by Nylah Burton
Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, a New York-based internist and media commentator, says the Delta variant is much more transmissible than other strains, but getting vaccinated and wearing masks indoors are the keys to remaining safe. “It is extremely risky at this point in the pandemic to travel and visit others if you are not fully vaccinated,” Okeke-Igbokwe says.
Here are some ways that you can keep safe while reuniting with those you love.
Get vaccinated
First and foremost — get vaccinated. “This should really be a non-negotiable agreement amongst family members to ensure everyone has protection against the potentially life-threatening consequence of a Covid-19 infection,” says Okeke-Igbokwe.
Gather outdoors when possible, and wear a mask indoors
As an airborne virus, it’s harder for the coronavirus to spread while people are outside in fresh, circulating air. But if you are indoors at a restaurant or mall, masking is a must. Okeke-Igbokwe says, “We should all take heed and adhere to the current CDC recommendations for mask wearing at indoor public venues, irrespective of vaccination status.”
Full article on Shondaland
Most Americans Now Support Mask And Vaccination Mandates. Which Companies Will Follow Their Lead?
by: Edward Segal
Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, M.D., is a health media expert and CEO of an internal medicine practice. She said,
“The message to business leaders is quite clear. Essentially, if you would like employees to return to work in person during this pandemic, then you better create the safest work environment possible [where] there is no threat to any employee’s health. From a business leader’s perspective, the economic toll on a company having a Covid outbreak [among] employees can also be a huge detriment to the company. Not only will it disrupt business operations, but it may place a company in crisis mode.
‘The Covid-19 pandemic has placed an unprecedented demand for business leaders to re-evaluate their crisis management and contingency plans. The bottom line is that from a health perspective, no masks and no vaccinations especially [amind] this current delta surge may have life threatening consequences for all,” she warned.
‘From a business management perspective, no masks and no vaccinations ultimately may lead to major economic and financial risk for any company,” Okeke-Igbokwe predicted.
Full article on Forbes
Are COVID 19 vaccination booster shots inevitable? The FDA has authorized boosters for the immunocompromised. Will the rest of us require booster shots? Tune into my chat with Newsy!
08/12/21 Interview
How To Talk To Your Loved Ones About Getting Vaccinated
by Nina Bahadur
08/2021
You can also encourage them to speak to a doctor they trust. “Some people tend to better receive and accept medical information and health recommendations when it comes from their doctor rather than family,” says Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MD, an internist and media health expert. “I’ve had concerned vaccinated patients refer their unvaccinated family members to me simply for consultation to discuss and debunk some myths surrounding the vaccine that may be derailing them from moving forward with vaccination.”
Read Full Interview on Cosmopolitan
CBS News
Physicians fear vaccine-resistant strain could emerge if vaccination rates don’t increase
by Stefany Valderrama
August 9, 2021
Watch now!
CBS News
State ending daily case, vaccine reports but experts warn sudden surge could be missed
by Stefany Valderrama
06/07/21
Watch now!
ARISE TV–The Morning Show 05/09/21
Forbes Interview 04/2021
What’s Next For J & J Now That Their Covid Vaccine Can Be Given Again
by: Edward Segal
Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe is a health expert and CEO of an internal medicine practice. She said the company’s recovery from the crisis, “… will be contingent upon reclaiming the trust of the public in regards to the safety profile of their vaccine. It may be challenging at first to minimize some of the hesitancy that the public may have about the J &J vaccine in light of the recent pause in its administration.”
Okeke-Igbokwe cautioned that, “…the bottom line is that we are still amidst a pandemic, and the need for worldwide vaccination is still crucial. Medical experts have reviewed the safety data extensively, and ultimately the risk benefit analysis indicates that the benefits far outweigh the risks. Therefore, the road to company recovery is still promising.”
Full article on Forbes
Parade Interview 12/2020
Worried About Getting (or Giving) Someone COVID-19? Here’s How to Self-Isolate in a Shared House
by Erica Sweeney
The big question: Is it actually possible for members of the same household to not contract COVID-19 when someone else has it? Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MD, MS, health expert and CEO of Dr. Nesochi LLC internal medicine practice, admits that it’s not easy. “It is challenging, and does take added effort in adhering to certain infection control protocol and guidelines within the household, especially if the shared space is smaller in size,” she explains.
First, Dr. Okeke-Igbokwe says it’s important to distinguish between the terms “self-isolation” and “self-quarantine.” Self-isolation refers to isolating from others in your home if you have a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case. Self-quarantine refers to staying home after a coronavirus exposure.
“So many people are faced with the difficult predicament of having a family member test positive who requires self-isolation, while the rest of the family may require self-quarantine in a shared home,” she adds.
There are several things to keep in mind if you or someone you live with needs to self-quarantine or self-isolate because of coronavirus, including navigating shared spaces, social distancing and mask wearing—and how long it all needs to last.
…
“The individual that is infected should not be gathering with non-infected family members for meals,” Dr. Okeke-Igbokwe explains. “During isolation, it is imperative that these activities occur in separate spaces to avoid spreading the virus.”
The CDC recommends designating one person in the household, who is at a low risk for getting sick, to care for the person who is self-isolating. “This person should be the only one taking meals, medications and essentials to the infected individual,” Dr. Okeke-Igbokwe says, and they should wear masks and gloves and routinely wash their hands…
Read Full Story 
http://bit.ly/34z8J4m
Healthline Interview 12/2020
Young Adults Have Cut Back on Vaping During COVID-19: Here’s Why
by Tony Hicks
Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, a New York-based expert in internal medicine, told Healthline store closures are “only a small piece of the puzzle.”
“There is truly not just one clear-cut reason as to why this group cut back,” she said.
Okeke-Igbokwe said parental scrutiny and lack of peer pressure were factors likely as big as store closures.
“Finally, there was a greater recognition and emphasis on the importance of health maintenance worldwide, and this message resonated across all age groups,” she said. “Perhaps some level of fear was instilled in these teens and young adults about the extent to which vaping may harm their health and increase their risk of COVID-19 illness and complications.”
Bustle Interview 09/2020
What Are The Risks Of Having Sex In Public During The Pandemic?
By Carolyn Steber
Another thing to keep in mind is that your date could be sick even if they aren’t showing any symptoms. “If your partner is an asymptomatic carrier of the disease, you can undoubtedly become exposed during sexual activity,” Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, CEO of Dr. Nesochi LLC, an internal medicine practice, tells Bustle. That’s why, even if they swear they’ve never had COVID-19 or that they feel fine, it doesn’t guarantee it’s safe to get close.”
COSMOPOLITAN Interview 07/2020:
Sorry, But Doggy Style Sex Isn’t Really Safer Than Missionary When It Comes to Spreading COVID
And all your other questions about whether safe sex is possible while social distancing, answered.
by: Carina Hsieh
First things first, is it safe to go out and have sex with a new partner rn?
Hate to break it to ya babes, but no. As Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, a NYC area physician explains, “physical distancing is not at all possible,” during sex. “Having any contact with a new sexual partner is not recommended during these times,” she adds, “However, the reality is that some people will have sex with new partners during the pandemic.”
I get it — it sounds so depressing to hear that the most responsible thing to do is to not have any new sex partners during the pandemic, but when you consider the risks, it’s just not worth it. Sex with a new partner can be dangerous for you, your partner, and anyone either of you may come into contact with when you consider the risk of transmission of viral particles from asymptomatic COVID carriers, explains Dr. Igbokwe. No matter what sex position you use, “your bodies will still come in close contact and there may be potential shedding of viral particles in the process.” she adds.
Is doggy style safer than missionary position if you’re trying to minimize breathing on each other during sex?
You might think that facing away from each other in doggy compared to the face-to-face position of missionary might keep you safer, but you can still transmit viral particles without being face-to-face. Remember, during sex in any position, you might get caught up in the moment and breathe heavily, scream, moan, or yell, which could release potentially infectious respiratory droplets in your partner’s direction, says Dr. Igbokwe.
And while wearing a face mask is one added layer of protection, there’s still some degree of risk involved when you are in such close proximity to someone, no matter the direction you’re facing, says Dr. Igbokwe.
“If one must choose between masked doggy style versus masked missionary, first it is key for both individuals engaging in sexual intercourse to acknowledge that there is still COVID risk involved in any close physical contact with a new partner irrespective of the sexual position,” she explains, adding that “with that said, there may be a slightly lowered risk associated with masked doggy style on account of the reduced face to face interaction as compared to masked missionary.”
But come on, if you can choose between masked doggy versus masked missionary for a consensual hookup, you can also choose to just…not meet up IRL in the first place. If the thought of you, your partner, or anyone you might come into contact with getting COVID and potentially dying doesn’t keep you from wanting to stick to FaceTime sex for a bit longer, please reexamine your priorities.
If my partner and I both test negative for COVID and are only leaving the house to see one another exclusively, is it safe?
Unlike STI testing where if you get tested and then don’t have sex with anyone between testing and can presumably hook up with your new boo safely knowing you didn’t spontaneously pick up anything on the ride over to their place, it’s not quite the same with COVID.
For one, it’s important to remember that any COVID test results would be indicative of your status only at the time of testing, says Dr. Igbokwe. This means it’s possible for you and your partner to test negative, only to have subsequent exposure to COVID elsewhere in the community, like on the subway ride, picking up essentials, etc., and then test positive afterwards.
Assuming you and your partner both tested negative for COVID and are only leaving your house to see one another exclusively, what is the ideal safest sex scenario during COVID? Doggy style, with masks on, in an open field?
The ideal safest sex scenario? Abstinence and other physically distanced options like virtual sex, says Dr. Igbokwe. “The bottom line is that if you are engaging in any form of sexual activity, you must absolutely try to minimize any risk of COVID spread.” she adds.
COSMOPOLITAN Interview 07/2020:
We’re All Still Regularly Washing Our Sex Toys Right Now, Yeah?
by: Carina Hsieh
…there’s no difference in how you should clean your sex toys pre-COVID and now. “The rules are generally the same as pre-COVID and you will want to adhere to best practices to avoid the spread of germs and infection,” explains Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, a NYC based physician… And remember, “ensure good hand hygiene by washing your hands before and after using the toy,” Dr. Igbokwe says.
Reader’s Digest Interview 06/2020:
20 Ways City Life Could Change Forever After Coronavirus
by: Elizabeth Yuko
Public restrooms could get a makeover
Between needing to wash our hands constantly and avoid high-touch surfaces during the pandemic—then later learning about fecal matter plumes—COVID-19 has made us rethink the concept of public restrooms. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MD, an internist and health expert, thinks that we may start to see some major changes in public bathrooms. “Automatic doors and sensor sinks to wash hands may be put in place to minimize the number of touchpoints in the restroom,” she tells Reader’s Digest. Dr. Okeke-Igbokwe also predicts that public restrooms in major U.S. cities might introduce personal protective equipment vending machines that sell supplies like face masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves.
Reader’s Digest Interview 06/2020:
12 Coronavirus Mysteries That Still Can’t Be Explained
by: Lauren Cahn
How does the coronavirus actually spread?
And if someone standing near you sneezes, those droplets travel through the air and can land in your eye, nose, or mouth, adds Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MD, an internist and health expert. It can also land on a nearby surface, and if you touch that surface and then touch your face, you can infect yourself.
What remains a mystery, however, is how long the virus can live on various surfaces, in substances, and in the air. For this reason, and because so much transmission appears to be coming from asymptomatic carriers, experts recommend that people wear masks, not to protect themselves but to protect others, as well as wash their hands frequently and thoroughly.
Are there even superspreaders? Or are there just superspreader events?
What if it’s not that some people are “better” at spreading the virus, but rather that some situations offer a better setup for a prolific spread? According to Dr. Okeke-Igbokwe, “superspreaders actually do exist, and these individuals tend to transmit the disease disproportionately and have the propensity to infect many people.” However, she adds that “superspreader events” facilitate the spread of infection as well.
Why do some children develop multisystem inflammatory illness?
Some children have died of the syndrome, and now scientists are urgently trying to figure out what is causing some MIS-C, why it affects some but not others, and how best to prevent and/or treat it. “Treatment modalities for MIS-C are being researched at this time,” Dr. Okeke-Igbokwe tells Reader’s Digest, and so far, some children with the severe illness have responded to steroids or intravenous gamma globulin.
PlusTV talk show #WAYS:
ICYMI —A few simple strategies to boost your immune system:
*** Get enough sleep 😴 every night *** Exercise 🏃🏽 routinely *** Reduce your stress levels *** If you are a smoker, quit smoking. *** Eat a well rounded diet rich in fruits 🍎 and veggies 🌽 …
CBS News
The New Us: Social and cultural changes that experts hope will continue post-pandemic
by Stefany Valderrama | Friday, May 8th 2020
Watch Now!:
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — As we look at the world and our lives impacted by COVID-19, some of the most profound changes we’re experiencing are also some of the most human.
In just a few short weeks, fear of infection has forced us to reshape nearly every aspect of our lives.
“There will be no more handshakes. There are no more hugs. There are no more high-fives,” said Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, Health and Wellness Expert.
It starts at hello. Human interaction is changing at a fundamental level thanks to Coronavirus.
“What we are seeing now is definitely going to move forward into our new normal,” Dr. Okeke-Igbokwe told CBS12 News. “Even a year from now, two years from now, people are going to be reluctant to even give that handshake and it’s going to be understandable because things have changed as a result of this pandemic.”
Learn more on CBS12
Dr. Nesochi interviewed by Stefany Valderrama of CBS12 for coronavirus story on social and cultural changes post pandemic.
Reader’s Digest Interview 05/2020:
13 Things You Shouldn’t Try to Do Yourself During Quarantine
by: Meghan Jones
Self-diagnosing medical conditions:
There’s a reason health care workers are essential! Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, M.D., warns that trying to diagnose, and, especially, treat, a health condition yourself can always be dangerous. Yes, right now you may—rightly—be reluctant to actually go to the doctor or urgent care and add to any burden on the health system. But that doesn’t mean you should self-diagnose. If you have a genuine pressing concern about your health, you can still call your doctor. “Keep in mind that most doctors are offering virtual telemedicine services and many health insurance carriers are even waiving co-pays for these telehealth visits during the coronavirus pandemic,” Dr. Okeke-Igbokwe says. “So if you have a health concern, you should touch base with your doctor.”
PlusTV Video– Coronavirus Explainer (02/2020)
Watch now:
Reader’s Digest Interview 03/2020:
13 Everyday Habits That Could (and Should) Change Forever After Coronavirus
by: Elizabeth Yuko
“In this new era of the coronavirus and the practice of social distancing, there will undoubtedly be a cultural shift in the way we all greet one another,” Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MD, an internist and health expert, tells Reader’s Digest. “Shaking hands, high fives, hugs, and kisses are modes of greeting to be abandoned at this point. Social greetings may now entail a hand on the heart, a head nod, or pretty much any action that enables one to avoid direct touch or contact.”
ARISE TV–The Morning Show (02/2020):
I spent the morning with the amazing ladies of Arise TV #TheMorningShow discussing prevention strategies and also demystifying myths about COVID-19.
Morning glam & prep for the interview on Arise TV
Watch now:
SMOOTH 98.1 FM:
02/26/2020
Watch now:
I joined hosts @ayomairoese & @mazinoappeal for a great interview discussing myths and facts about Coronavirus.
PlusTV talk show #WAYS:
Watch now:
Truly had a blast on air and behind the scenes with the lovely ladies of the @plustvafrica #talkshow@waysshowafrica … 🙏🏽 thanks for a fantastic discussion!
Morning glam…
PLUS TVAfrica News On The Hour:
02/2020
Is Nigeria 🇳🇬 actually prepared for the CoronaVirus? I discussed this and more on #NewsOnTheHour
Watch now:
morning glam…
RadioOne:
Great #radio interview on #TheBreakfastShow … talking more about the #coronavirus, followed by some commercial voice overs with my #health tips for prevention!
Q: Is there treatment or a vaccination available now for the coronavirus?
Watch now:
ARISE Xchange NYC:
03/2020
As more cases continue to emerge globally, try not to panic and really focus on #prevention strategies… Maintain proper hygiene habits:
***Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (at least for 20 seconds)
***COVER YOUR COUGH
***Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes
****Avoid those who are sick
*** Don’t go to school/work if you are sick!!!
1 Comment
Thank you Dr. Nesochi. I remember seeing your “end of the world” post at the beginning of the month. So prescient. Now, with all the uncertainty, it is so reassuring to hear your advice and information on the novel COVID. God Bless you.