Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #47

[10ofRods]

Most milk used for cheese is pasteurized now though.

Yep, all cheese sold in regular stores in the US is made from pasteurized milk (the bacteria issue would be epic, if it were not).

 

[weepingangel]

MassMutual offers free life insurance to health care workers on COVID-19 frontline

The offer allows local health care workers to apply for policies of up to $25,000. The offer is good for active employees of licensed hospitals, urgent care centers or emergency medical services providers in Massachusetts and Connecticut whose jobs put them at risk of direct COVID-19 exposure.

Massachusetts/CT

 

[Anance]

People will be livid, but maybe the point will be gotten across? We weren't ready, we're not ready. We need to learn to manufacture those drugs needed here in the US, obviously.

I agree after you look at the nitty-gritty - opening the schools in NOT so easy, so many risks to consider. Which drugs are you thinking about? A vaccine?

 

[Anance]

....

But I do really understand why the president reacted as he did - but it may be (like mine) rather knee jerk and unfortunately, a hard decision to undo for him to undo. I guess we'll see new organizations formed and stepping up. Perhaps WHO has run its course and this critical failure in regard to CoVid will be its end.

I didn't like how the WHO pandered to China and supported some questionable Chinese assertions. But, I have own doubts about the president's motives re WHO.

 

[musicaljoke]

... Regarding WHO, why did they not declare CV19 a pandemic before 11 Mar ? That is what I cannot understand. It left China's borders in January or possibly even earlier. I was amazed when I looked at the WHO statistical reports to see how it spread so quickly from Wuhan, mainly by air travel.

My understanding of this is that a "pandemic" is declared when the outbreak actually meets the definition of a pandemic. It's a bit academic.

Prior to meeting the definition of a pandemic, on 30 January 2020, WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus declared that the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (1).

By Jan 20th, cases had been discovered in 4 countries - China (278 cases), Thailand (2 cases), Japan (1 case) and the Republic of Korea (1 case). (2.) With these small number of cases, the WHO could not define this outbreak as a pandemic, but they were already raising the alarms.

Even by Mar 11th, because of the alarming levels of spread and severity, and because of the alarming levels of inaction by affected nations, the WHO made the assessment that COVID-19 was a pandemic.

Some leaders are criticizing the WHO for not calling it a pandemic sooner. But, the WHO called it a pandemic when it was evident that government leaders were not taking action to stop the spread.

(1.) Impact of COVID-19 on Prequalification activities

(2). https://www.who.int/docs/default-so...0121-sitrep-1-2019-ncov.pdf?sfvrsn=20a99c10_4

Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) situation reports

 

[10ofRods]

Of course - apparently the IRS database doesn’t communicate with the SS database? I can understand issuing them for recently deceased - say 30? Days ? I haven’t read the article but if it is issuing checks to those deceased awhile ago - my experiment of making an online payment will fail... sigh

No - the two databases are separate, which I learned when my parents died. Perhaps they eventually find union - but I just noticed I got mail from the IRS regarding dad's taxes in January (he died several years ago - SSN figured that out right away, I didn't even have to mail them). Apparently the death certificate database in California transmits immediately to SS.

 

[Tillicum]

Sources believe coronavirus originated in Wuhan lab as part of China's efforts to compete with US

COVID-19 originated in a Wuhan laboratory not as a bioweapon, but as part of China's effort to demonstrate that its efforts to identify and combat viruses are equal to or greater than the capabilities of the United States, multiple sources who have been briefed on the details of early actions by China's government and seen relevant materials tell Fox News.

This may be the "costliest government coverup of all time," one of the sources said.

The sources believe the initial transmission of the virus was bat-to-human, and that "patient zero" worked at the laboratory, then went into the population in Wuhan.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

The new coronavirus kills by inflaming and clogging the tiny air sacs in the lungs, choking off the body’s oxygen supply until it shuts down the organs essential for life.

But clinicians around the world are seeing evidence that suggests the virus also may be causing heart inflammation, acute kidney disease, neurological malfunction, blood clots, intestinal damage and liver problems.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/heal...ZThmbPFGre9BgFtJnSunKPHLv9Bras7pkuOwCM63iihfY

Epidemiology and Clinical Features of COVID-19: A Review of Current Literature
Epidemiology and Clinical Features of COVID-19: A Review of Current Literature - ScienceDirect

The virus enters via binding of two proteins. The viral counterpart is the spike-protein (S-protein), a glycoprotein expressed as a homotrimer on the viral envelope.[10] Each S-protein consists of two subunits. S1 subunit includes a receptor-binding domain that targets receptors on host cells, and S2 regulates the membrane fusion. This viral S-protein binds with the human protein receptor ACE2.[11] ACE2 is abundant in lung, heart, kidney, and adipose tissue.[[12], [13]] Binding of S-protein with ACE2 allows for membrane fusion and introduction of COVID-19 RNA into the cell.

The mean incubation period is about 3-9 days,[[19], [20], [21], [22], [23]] with a range between 0-24 days (Fig. 1).[24] The mean serial interval is about 3-8 days, presenting sooner than the end of incubation.[21,23,25] This suggests that one becomes contagious before symptoms present (about 2.5 days earlier from the start of symptoms).[21] About 44% of transmission is estimated to occur before symptoms arise.[25]

7. Complications
7.1. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Alveolar cells in the lung contain abundant amounts of ACE2, allowing COVID-19 to harbor within the alveoli.[12] About 41.8% of patients develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).[72] Diabetes mellitus is a factor associated with the development of ARDS.[72] Other associated comorbidities include hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.[[72], [73]] Laboratory findings associated with the development of ARDS include neutrophilia, lymphopenia, elevated C-reactive protein (high-sensitivity and normal), elevated blood urea nitrogen, elevated d-dimer, prolonged PT, and elevated LDH.

7.2. Myocardial Injury
The most common causes of COVID-19-related death are associated with the lungs and heart.[45] There are two theories explaining the mechanism of myocardial injury occurring with COVID-19. The first theory pertains to the heart having similar ACE2 levels as the lungs,[12] allowing viral entry into the myocardial cells.[52] The secondary theory involves a cytokine storm causing myocardial injury.[52] Myocardial injury includes acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, myocarditis, hypotension or shock, and sepsis.[[74], [75]]

7.3. Acute Kidney Injury
Acute kidney injury presents with elevated urea and cystatin-C levels in severe COVID-19 infection.[[72], [73],[81], [82]] There are two hypotheses concerning the cause of acute kidney injury. One is from kidneys harboring more ACE2 levels than the lung or heart, especially in the proximal convoluted tubules. However, COVID-19 RNA is not encountered in the urine.[17] The other theory pertains to injury via a cytokine storm.[82]

 

[pocketaccent]

IRS's coronavirus stimulus check tracking tool is not working for some people

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with comment from the IRS.
...
... many are receiving messages that their payment status is not available.
...
In most cases, this happened because the system was overloaded, Luis Garcia, an IRS spokesperson, told CNBC Make It.

“What happened is instead of having an error message or a message saying the system is very busy, it just says your information isn’t in here, that was the default,” says Garcia. But that should be fixed now.
...
If you are eligible for a payment, but receive feedback that the IRS “needs more information,” then the agency does not have your direct deposit information on file, the agency’s FAQ says.

In that case, you will need to provide your bank account information, once you have verified your identity, to receive the check fastest, or wait for it to be mailed to you. You can use Get My Payment to update your direct deposit information if you did not use direct deposit on your last tax return to receive a refund, the IRS says. If your payment is pending or has been processed, you can no longer change your bank account information.
...

 

[Bravo]

IMO when watching the early WHO Pressers it was a delicate dance with China. Anything casting China in a negative manner and they would have shut the WHO completely out.

 

[Trino]

I agree after you look at the nitty-gritty - opening the schools in NOT so easy, so many risks to consider. Which drugs about? A vaccine?

With the peaks not realized in many states, plus many states closing public schools for the remainder of May or the school year, I cannot imagine opening schools. Even next fall can you even think of sending your daughter/son to live in a university dorm? This virus will still be around into 2021. Seems akin to a nursing home virus fiasco. And what about lecture rooms where seats are closer than most movie theaters?

 

[Deleted member 39678]

IMO when watching the early WHO Pressers it was a delicate dance with China. Anything casting China in a negative manner and they would have shut the WHO completely out.

If China had shut the WHO out wouldn't that cause great attention and condemnation from the rest of the world?

I think the best idea for China in this situation would be to manipulate the WHO to make it look like China is the greatest nation in the fight against the Corona virus. JMO

 

[anneg]

When the ventilator comes off, the delirium comes out for many coronavirus survivors - CNN

Very interesting story about "ICU delirium" ... a few excerpts below:

"When health care workers finally removed the ventilator tube from Jesse Vanderhoof's throat, he managed to eke out two weak words: "Call Emily."

Vanderhoof, a 40-year-old nurse with coronavirus, was emotional and full of relief on the ensuing call with his wife after more than a week on a ventilator in an Idaho hospital's intensive care unit.

But over the next couple days, it became clear that while Jesse's body was on the mend, his mind wasn't right."

.... "His experience is just one example of "ICU delirium," an acute brain condition characterized by confusion, inattention and an inability to understand the world around you. This is particularly common in patients who are sedated and on a ventilator for extended periods of time."

... "Delirium is fairly common among ICU patients even in normal times. But the coronavirus pandemic is like a "delirium factory," said Dr. Wes Ely, a professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center who specializes in ICU delirium."

... "Delirium can be caused by infection or inflammation, and it is especially common among ICU patients who are sedated and on a mechanical ventilator for long periods of time. Patients with delirium often experience hallucinations or vivid dreams that can sometimes lead them to act in irrational ways." ...

- - - - - - - - -
I posted upthread about my husband's 3 1/2 weeks on a ventilator, but didn't mention the delirium he experienced. Early in his recovery, he talked about various things that he believed really happened. I would try to tell him that he had been in the hospital and sedated and they weren't real events, they were like dreams. And he would argue with me. Eventually he accepted that they were dreams related to the drugs he was being given.

He did various odd things in the week or two after he was taken off the vent. He had forgotten how a clock worked and kept telling me the clock on the wall wasn't working properly. He asked me how was he going to pay the nurses because he didn't have any money. He was confused about where he was in the hospital and talked about things going on at night that I'm pretty sure didn't happen, or were a misperception. Fortunately, he never became combative or violent like some people with delirium.

 

[Gardener1850]

Does anyone know of a good alternative to dish soap? I am almost out, and will try to get some on my desk online grocery order, but not even sure they will have it. I will look online for some possible substitutes, but wonder if anyone has some ideas.

Liquid laundry detergent? Shampoo?

Try baking soda in sink filled with hot water.

Maybe white vinegar?

FYI for future reference. I always keep a large bottle of Dr Bronner's pure castile liquid soap on hand for emergencies. It's super concentrated and can be used for a multitude of things!

Try lathering up your dishrag or sponge with bar soap. I make bar dish soap. I'm sure the composition will be different but it won't hurt to try.

Instructions

1. Heat water to boiling.
2. Combine borax and grated bar soap in a medium bowl. Pour hot water over the mixture. ...
3. Allow mixture to cool on the countertop for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. Dish soap will gel upon standing.
4. Transfer to a squirt bottle, and add essential oils (if using). Shake well to combine.

Homemade Dish Soap: This Natural DIY Dish Soap Is Simple and Effective
I have borax on hand - can't remember why I bought it.

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions for replacing dish soap. I now realize there are a lot of options, and I never thought of shampoo. I have those small shampoo bottles saved from hotels when traveling, and I can use those. I hadn't thought of shampoo. Also the suggestion to fill the sink with baking soda and hot water, and also to use those small bottles of gift hand soap - I got a few for Christmas, and will use those. Other suggestions also appreciated.

I did find a you tube video with a simple recipe to shred a bar of soap and stir into 1 gallon of hot water (microwaved) and let it set for 8 hours. I have several bars of soap so I can try that, also. You can add essential oils and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to this recipe, but I don't have essential oils and I am trying to ration use of my one box of baking soda, so I will just use the bar of soap and gallon of water. I will save what commercial dish soap that I have left to use for when I really need to cut the grease after cooking in slow cooker, etc. Also appreciated the suggestion that I water down the dish soap that I have. I hadn't thought of diluting it to make it last longer.

My grandma always used this, for everything.
Kirk's Natural Castile Soap Original - 4 oz Each, 3 ct https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D4YDKU/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_O.0LEbGAQSZ6S
Moo

For the record, this is true for a goodly number of items.

Maybe not for things that will eventually be used in the process of consumption <g>; but a good friend who is a cosmetologist, once told me one of the first things they learn in cosmetology school, is "don't get roped into believing the hype that "this bottle is only for this; this bottle is only for that." When you're at the gym and find you are out of product; you can rest assured that the free hand soap doesn't know it "shouldn't" be used on your hair. Soap is soap."

Those bottles last for YEARS...and make for interesting reading if the internet goes down

Some brilliant suggestions above. I started a new thread for posting soap recipes and discussing strategies for coping with shortages: Making Our Own Soaps, Sanitizers, Detergents and Other Household Products

 

[10ofRods]

I agree after you look at the nitty-gritty - opening the schools in NOT so easy, so many risks to consider. Which drugs about? A vaccine?

If not a vaccine, at least the drugs that seem to be working (or plasma). There's a news story from my neck of the woods about a cruise passenger who got the malaria drug, 4 other drugs he doesn't remember, plus the prone positioning. He is overweight to mildly obese and in his 70's. Doctors credit the malaria drug. Meanwhile, another SoCal hospital is using one of the antivirals.

Both are now in short supply. I seriously wasn't joking several threads ago when debating whether to get CV now rather than later. As a teacher, I don't want to go back to school and be a guinea pig if there are no medicines when I inevitably get CV.

We don't manufacture most of the drugs ourselves (India, China, Puerto Rico, Mexico). I want a real supply - real stockpile of PPE and medicines. I don't want to go into the classroom and act like everyone is okay (and my students are all ages, with a few pregnant women in each class, and a lot of people with medical issues of various kinds). The entire topic will be at the center of any course about genes and biology. Until I have answers to their questions, I have to make (separate) arrangements for each student to bow out of class.

Great.

 

[anneg]

I'm so sorry to hear this. We have to hope our 401k's will get back up there.

And I believe they will, eventually. It may take a year or two, no one knows.

If you are still working and contributing to your 401K or IRA, and some of your money goes to purchase shares of stock or stock mutual funds or etfs every month, you are buying more shares at lower prices during this time. So that's good.

My hubby and I are retired so no more contributions for us.

 

[rogue ant]

I don't regret it; especially considering that this was the doofus (#sorrynotsorry) telling us not to wear masks.

I've said from the beginning, telling laypeople on the street not to wear masks has nothing to do with whether or not they would benefit from the masks; it has to do with the WHO not wanting the medical professionals to run out of masks.

Which is fine and dandy, until the state/country/principality in question decides they're going to make the wearing of masks by every layperson on the street mandatory, and people can no longer find masks, or worse, have already sickened; specifically because they believed this guidance.

Right?! Same in Canada. It went like this:
"Masks don't work." Pause. "Now give us all your masks."

 

[Bailey38]

An update on Captain Tom’s fundraising for the NHS - over £5.5 million and still rising!

Made me cry, very uplifting and proud of him and all who gave.

 

[musicaljoke]

That lousy advice surely cost lives and cannot be defended

I agree that it was lousy advice, but I think that, given the speed at which this all happened, it can be defended. I'm not sure that the net result was that more lives were lost by allowing the medical people to get their hands on all the masks first, than if the masses had hoarded the supplies and left even more critical shortages in the hospitals.

One good thing about being out w/o masks for a while, is that we learned to keep physical distance between us. I've noticed that mask wearers are more apt to take distancing risks, thinking that their mask will keep them safe. We are more vulnerable when we are bare-faced.

Ideally, we would all have proper, virus filtering masks, not just ones made out of socks, but while we wait for supplies, lets put our socks on!

 

[10ofRods]

When the ventilator comes off, the delirium comes out for many coronavirus survivors - CNN

Very interesting story about "ICU delirium" ... a few excerpts below:

"When health care workers finally removed the ventilator tube from Jesse Vanderhoof's throat, he managed to eke out two weak words: "Call Emily."

Vanderhoof, a 40-year-old nurse with coronavirus, was emotional and full of relief on the ensuing call with his wife after more than a week on a ventilator in an Idaho hospital's intensive care unit.

But over the next couple days, it became clear that while Jesse's body was on the mend, his mind wasn't right."

.... "His experience is just one example of "ICU delirium," an acute brain condition characterized by confusion, inattention and an inability to understand the world around you. This is particularly common in patients who are sedated and on a ventilator for extended periods of time."

... "Delirium is fairly common among ICU patients even in normal times. But the coronavirus pandemic is like a "delirium factory," said Dr. Wes Ely, a professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center who specializes in ICU delirium."

... "Delirium can be caused by infection or inflammation, and it is especially common among ICU patients who are sedated and on a mechanical ventilator for long periods of time. Patients with delirium often experience hallucinations or vivid dreams that can sometimes lead them to act in irrational ways." ...

- - - - - - - - -
I posted upthread about my husband's 3 1/2 weeks on a ventilator, but didn't mention the delirium he experienced. Early in his recovery, he talked about various things that he believed really happened. I would try to tell him that he had been in the hospital and sedated and they weren't real events, they were like dreams. And he would argue with me. Eventually he accepted that they were dreams related to the drugs he was being given.

He did various odd things in the week or two after he was taken off the vent. He had forgotten how a clock worked and kept telling me the clock on the wall wasn't working properly. He asked me how was he going to pay the nurses because he didn't have any money. He was confused about where he was in the hospital and talked about things going on at night that I'm pretty sure didn't happen, or were a misperception. Fortunately, he never became combative or violent like some people with delirium.

I forgot about this element. I didn't really get it until it happened to my dad.

My dad was 99 and had to have surgery and during the surgery they had to put him on a ventilator - not for several days, just about 12 hours or so. But, to put anyone on a ventilator (all the people you're reading about) they have to be under anesthesia. So dad's experience was brief.

This man was frail but **sharp** before this event. He sometimes confused people's names, all the things we older people do, but he could tell you exactly which pass the Germans hid out in, when they came across from Austria into Italy, and which birds disappeared from our Valley back in 1967, and how there were suddenly more rattlesnakes.

After his surgery, he seemed to have profound dementia. He never got back to "real" reality, and the doctor said, "Oh, yes, this is the most common outcome of this surgery." Because of his age? She said "Well, can be any age, but over 70, it's pronounced." Why didn't she tell me? "I told you there were many risks and asked what you thought your dad wanted." I had asked dad - he wanted the surgery.

It was the worst part of his dying process. We should NEVER have let him have surgery/get on a ventilator/receive anesthesia. He died a bit later, but he would have been SO much happier dying in the hospital, as he wished to do.