Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #46

[cass523]

RIDGEWOOD, New Jersey (WABC) -- Doctors at Valley Health System in New Jersey announced they have given the first dose of convalescent plasma therapy to a COVID-19 patient.

The therapy that has been used to fight major illnesses dating back 100 years, and now it's just a matter of time before doctors know if it is a step in the right direction during the coronavirus pandemic.

He says it works like this: A COVID-19 patient is infused with the plasma from an individual who has recovered from the infection. The hope is the antibodies boost the infected patient's immune system to help fight the virus.

"These antibodies are thought to be the major mediators against immunity of the the virus, we don't know all of the specifics, but that's the theory behind this," Gaffin said.

video

Coronavirus News: New Jersey hospital gives first dose of convalescent plasma to COVID-19 patient

 

[otto]

RIDGEWOOD, New Jersey (WABC) -- Doctors at Valley Health System in New Jersey announced they have given the first dose of convalescent plasma therapy to a COVID-19 patient.

The therapy that has been used to fight major illnesses dating back 100 years, and now it's just a matter of time before doctors know if it is a step in the right direction during the coronavirus pandemic.

He says it works like this: A COVID-19 patient is infused with the plasma from an individual who has recovered from the infection. The hope is the antibodies boost the infected patient's immune system to help fight the virus.

"These antibodies are thought to be the major mediators against immunity of the the virus, we don't know all of the specifics, but that's the theory behind this," Gaffin said.

video

Coronavirus News: New Jersey hospital gives first dose of convalescent plasma to COVID-19 patient

I've read that it is a promising method for people who are really struggling. Hopefully they have success with this option.

 

[jjenny]

Sounds like early dementia if he can't remember what he said a couple of months ago about the epidemic in China.

There is an alternative explanation that doesn't involve any dementia.

 

[Trino]

What should be done about people who do not comply with state requirements? Just a few examples:
1. Party where 6 were shot, 200 present, Bakersfield, CA
2. Life Tabernacle, 1,000 Easter attendance, Central, LA
3. Ammon Bundy "Defy Martial Law" Easter dinner, Emmett, ID

 

[otto]

What should be done about people who do not comply with state requirements? Just a few examples:
1. Party where 6 were shot, 200 present, Bakersfield, CA
2. Life Tabernacle, 1,000 Easter attendance, Central, LA
3. Ammon Bundy "Defy Martial Law" Easter dinner, Emmett, ID

They should be fined - large enough to hurt, bigger fine for second offence, even bigger for third offence.

 

[Tillicum]

I’m actually keeping my regular schedule, and so is my husband. We still have to let the chickens out when the sun rises anyway. But I know the path to depression for me, and it is paved with sweat pants, television, and lack of any kind of routine.

So I’ve replaced work with the mask project and will replace it with gardening here shortly as well. I did not do makeup the first few days, wore a jogging suit, and did not have a project - and I experienced a lot of anxiety. So now I do light makeup, dress as usual, at least put my hair back, and “go to work” on something.

I'm the same way here. I was sick for a couple weeks with fever and chills so I wore sweats then but before and after, it's the same routine as usual. My husband's still working and I'm doing my regular chores and keeping busy. We're eating the same meals as usual and the only real difference here is we're not running to the grocery once a week or going to church. If I didn't check the news or read here, I'd probably forget about COVID-19.

 

[otto]

I'm the same way here. I was sick for a couple weeks with fever and chills so I wore sweats then but before and after, it's the same routine as usual. My husband's still working and I'm doing my regular chores and keeping busy. We're eating the same meals as usual and the only real difference here is we're not running to the grocery once a week or going to church. If I didn't check the news or read here, I'd probably forget about COVID-19.

We have video conferencing work meetings so everyone has to look normal from the waist up. The boss admitted one day that she was wearing pyjama bottoms with a suit jacket.

 

[kpalma71580]

I would like to share a story of my husbands friend who went into severe respiratory distress in the hospital and almost died from covid. He was just recently released from the hospital and is still on oxygen.

After 2 days of a high fever, he started vomitting and direaha. Along with that he started having the shortness of breath and couldnt breathe. His wife called 911 and an ambulance refused treatment. The next day he somehow drove himself to the hospital and went to the ER. He was admitted to the hospital and put in a room with another covid patient. He said once he was in the room, his condition worsened. The patient next to him died 5 hours after he was there. No one came in the room for the patient that passed away for hours. When they finally came in and removed the patient, my husband friend was in and out of consciousness but heard the doctors saying that he will probably pass in a few hours. They then brought in a new patient. The new patient same thing, all the machines were beeping and somehow my husbands friend got out of bed and sat on a chair and held the patients hand till he passed away. He stayed there for hours with the dead patient cause he didnt have the energy to get back to his bed. During the duration of his hospital stay he witnessed numerous patients pass away. He miraculously survived, although the doctors didnt expect him to. On the final day, that he thought would be his last, he begged doctors for the hydrochlorine meds. The doctor told him it could kill him. He said he didnt care and wanted it. He said after 2 days of receiving the meds, his breathing started to become somewhat normal and he started to get more strength. After a few days, he was released back home. He is home now and still receiving oxygen.

This story basically scared the **** out of me! Everyone stay safe! Wear your masks at all times.

 

[Herat]

Where did you read that the BTNX test has a 35% failure rate? It has limitations in the sense that it is not for early testing, but it does detect antibodies. It is widely used in the USA, EU and UK, so it must work.

All these serologic test have up 35% false negative results. That found in the filings with the FDA for their Emergency Authorization Use. The FDA is giving all these tests a quick "once-over" and requiring certain kinds of disclaimers. The FDA simply doesn't have the time or personnel to do the intensive review they usually do for test approval. The company files for an EAU and the FDA then requires later validation and verification.

Just because a test is in use does not mean it's a good test.

And what does "detecting antibodies" really mean? All these serologic tests have some cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses. So it may not be specific for SARS-Cov-2. And we do not yet know whether these antibodies confer immunity. Those studies are going to take months more.

It's kind of a Wild West out there in terms of testing, right now.

 

[SuziQ]

I’m feeling quite uplifted after Andre Bocelli’s concert. Rewatching with hymn list. Thanks again @NuttMegg

I think I’m going to take the afternoon off from reading and talking about illness and death. Whatcha say? Sounds like a good plan.

I can dust the ceiling fans. Already organized my closet and freezer.

Oh!!! Guess what!! I fiiiiiinally got my home yoga space set up. Why I didn’t do this before I don’t know (had the same thought about “why didn’t I do this before” with some other things too I’ve noticed actually, wrt to grocery shopping and saving $, more on that later).

My fridge can use a good scrubbing.

Imagine if we all did all the things we’ve been wanting to get around to at home.

How can we GROW? Who will we be after this?

Yeah I’m done with sitting around. Just got up high and changed a ceiling bulb, skylights next. Seems it takes a pandemic to do some things around here, I’m embarrassed to say.

I am finally getting around to doing all the stuff I have put off doing for years. The list seems endless. I wish it would stop so I could read a book, watch a movie anything but deal with THAT list. I'm exhausted!.

 

[Curious Me]

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – The FDA is allowing some COVID-19 patients access to a new developmental drug, made out of San Diego, that could prevent them from needing ventilators. This comes as hospitals across the country report shortages of critical equipment—like ventilators, and reports indicate atleast half of COVID-19 patients on ventilators don’t make it.

The drug, CM4620-IE, will be given through an IV (intravenously) to patients who have severe COVID-19 pneumonia. It aims to keep them from ‘crashing’ even though their ability to breath on their own may be declining. The developmental drug is potent and acts fast to block the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from immune cells. These cytokines play a role in initiating the body’s inflammatory response and lead to respiratory distress in COVID-19 patients.

San Diego based company, CalciMedica is developing this drug and is dosing patients today at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN and plans to start dosing at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI within the next week.

FDA permits study of local company drug to prevent COVID-19 patients from needing ventilators -

CM4620-IE​

FDA permits study of local company drug to prevent COVID-19 patients from needing ventilators -

This is a big deal, IMO. I can't help but get my hopes up. If you can't do a ventilator, this may be a life saver. It might even have application beyond CV-19.​

Thank You for posting it, as I might have missed seeing it, even though it's my city's news.

For people who can't get a ventilator, either due to their already damaged lungs or even because there's a shortage of enough ventilators … if this works...this could be a big deal.

FDA permits study of local company drug to prevent COVID-19 patients from needing ventilators -
"The drug, CM4620-IE, will be given through an IV (intravenously) to patients who have severe COVID-19 pneumonia. It aims to keep them from ‘crashing’ even though their ability to breath on their own may be declining. The developmental drug is potent and acts fast to block the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines from immune cells. These cytokines play a role in initiating the body’s inflammatory response and lead to respiratory distress in COVID-19 patients."

 

[otto]

All these serologic test have up 35% false negative results. That found in the filings with the FDA for their Emergency Authorization Use. The FDA is giving all these tests a quick "once-over" and requiring certain kinds of disclaimers. The FDA simply doesn't have the time or personnel to do the intensive review they usually do for test approval. The company files for an EAU and the FDA then requires later validation and verification.

Just because a test is in use does not mean it's a good test.

And what does "detecting antibodies" really mean? All these serologic tests have some cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses. So it may not be specific for SARS-Cov-2. And we do not yet know whether these antibodies confer immunity. Those studies are going to take months more.

It's kind of a Wild West out there in terms of testing, right now.

I haven't read anything about this particular test having a 35% failure rate. It is not used in Canada due to advice from WHO.

The test detects covid-19 antibodies, but is not intended for early covid detection. It identifies the illness after the body has developed antibodies, 5-7 days after the person is infected. There is no evidence that it does not do this. In terms of early detection, I believe there is a high failure rate.

Did you read somewhere that antibody tests have a 35% failure rate? Maybe it only detects the antibodies when someone is sick, and is otherwise less reliable?

 

[Herat]

I haven't read anything about this particular test having a 35% failure rate. It is not used in Canada due to advice from WHO.

The test detects covid-19 antibodies, but is not intended for early covid detection. It identifies the illness after the body has developed antibodies, 5-7 days after the person is infected. There is no evidence that it does not do this. In terms of early detection, I believe there is a high failure rate.

Did you read somewhere that antibody tests have a 35% failure rate? Maybe it only detects the antibodies when someone is sick, and is otherwise less reliable?

All tests have false positives and false negatives.

Here is something from GoodRx that refers to what the FDA requires for "negative" results

How accurate are serological tests?

Serological test development is allowed under current FDA policy, but until recently, the FDA wasn’t authorizing them like they do molecular tests. Instead, companies developing serological tests were simply required to notify the FDA and include the following information on test results:

• This test has not been reviewed by the FDA.
• Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection (bbm) particularly in those who have been in contact with the virus. Follow-up testing with a molecular diagnostic should be considered to rule out infection in those individuals.
• Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to inform infection status.
• Positive results may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.

As of April 1, the FDA issued its first approval for a serological test by Cellex, whose test delivers results in about 15 minutes. Previously, Bodysphere announced the approval of a 2 minute serological test, but they later clarified as the test was not actually approved.

 

[otto]

All tests have false positives and false negatives.

Here is something from GoodRx that refers to what the FDA requires for "negative" results

How accurate are serological tests?

Serological test development is allowed under current FDA policy, but until recently, the FDA wasn’t authorizing them like they do molecular tests. Instead, companies developing serological tests were simply required to notify the FDA and include the following information on test results:

• This test has not been reviewed by the FDA.
• Negative results do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection (bbm) particularly in those who have been in contact with the virus. Follow-up testing with a molecular diagnostic should be considered to rule out infection in those individuals.
• Results from antibody testing should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose or exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection or to inform infection status.
• Positive results may be due to past or present infection with non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus strains, such as coronavirus HKU1, NL63, OC43, or 229E.

As of April 1, the FDA issued its first approval for a serological test by Cellex, whose test delivers results in about 15 minutes. Previously, Bodysphere announced the approval of a 2 minute serological test, but they later clarified as the test was not actually approved.

Interesting! Thank you. I suppose that's why the test is not approved in Canada.

When my son returned from Australia Mar 19/20, I was looking for antibody tests. The Canadian test that is now used in USA, EU and UK was available in Canada direct from manufacturer, an hour later all trace of it was banned by the Canadian government.

 

[Sundog]

I haven't been able to find a link, but something changed in Alberta in the 1980s, maybe 1986. Prior to that, health care was a standard deduction through work. People who were unemployed were eligible for a subsidy, but paid out of pocket.

I lived in Quebec until 1984, and perhaps Quebec did something similar to what you described about the 1980s in Alberta.

 

[Tillicum]

Police: Man claiming to have COVID-19 spits on COTA driver’s face

A 44-year-old Columbus man has been charged after allegedly spitting into a Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) bus driver’s face after claiming to be infected with COVID-19 coronavirus.

Walter Caldwell, of Bryden Road, Columbus, has been charged with assault and misconduct involving public transportation system.

 

[Betty P]

All these serologic test have up 35% false negative results. That found in the filings with the FDA for their Emergency Authorization Use. The FDA is giving all these tests a quick "once-over" and requiring certain kinds of disclaimers. The FDA simply doesn't have the time or personnel to do the intensive review they usually do for test approval. The company files for an EAU and the FDA then requires later validation and verification.

Just because a test is in use does not mean it's a good test.

And what does "detecting antibodies" really mean? All these serologic tests have some cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses. So it may not be specific for SARS-Cov-2. And we do not yet know whether these antibodies confer immunity. Those studies are going to take months more.

It's kind of a Wild West out there in terms of testing, right now.

There seems to be a rush by employers to use these tests to make people return to work. If there's a mistake and someone gets sick, I hope they sue the heck out of the greedy employer. Otherwise, why the big rush to get everyone to take these antibody tests?

 

[squareandrabbet]

I’m feeling quite uplifted after Andre Bocelli’s concert. Rewatching with hymn list. Thanks again @NuttMegg

I think I’m going to take the afternoon off from reading and talking about illness and death. Whatcha say? Sounds like a good plan.

I can dust the ceiling fans. Already organized my closet and freezer.

Oh!!! Guess what!! I fiiiiiinally got my home yoga space set up. Why I didn’t do this before I don’t know (had the same thought about “why didn’t I do this before” with some other things too I’ve noticed actually, wrt to grocery shopping and saving $, more on that later).

My fridge can use a good scrubbing.

Imagine if we all did all the things we’ve been wanting to get around to at home.

How can we GROW? Who will we be after this?

Yeah I’m done with sitting around. Just got up high and changed a ceiling bulb, skylights next. Seems it takes a pandemic to do some things around here, I’m embarrassed to say.

Ugh, I've been a slug for about the past 10 days... I did a number on my sciatica last weekend and it still hasn't healed up. I've barely been able to pick up after myself or cook, because it's radiating all the way down my leg and interfering with my ability to move it in any direction. I did about 2,000 steps to the post office when it was unavoidable; half of those hurt nearly nonstop. 90% of the things I do that involve moving my leg in any direction, my inner calf lets out a shriek of pain-protest. Been trying to keep my spirits up nonetheless... but it's hard!

 

[Teche]

We're not telling.

Heck, I’m living in yoga/leggings. It’s amazing how this pandemic makes you realize how little items you need. Going to start decluttering my closet. Might need to strictly follow Marie Condo method. My husband and I downsized and purged a little less than 2 yrs. ago.

 

[Cool Cats]

* COVID-19 Briefing Dashboard *
Best mapping of Covid-19 cases across USA

RNA

Interactive COVID-19 Map -