Q & A and information center regarding Covid-19 infection

[moghul]

***** THIS THREAD IS NOT TO BE USED FOR MEDICAL ADVICE - PLEASE SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS RELATED TO CORONAVIRUS ******


This is the "world war" against the Covid 19, as no country, religion or individual is 100% immune to this infection.

Until recently I was enjoying this forum only as a keen follower of cricket and never had to mention my profession as it has no importance here.

But now, as we all are fighting this battle against covid 19, education and awareness is the key and I felt being a an ICU doctor in a university hospital in USA I can do a small service by spreading my knowledge and experience.

I am glad, there are many doctors and other healthcare professional in PP who have been posting some very important information here, but on too many different threads.

How about making a forum to share our knowledge and to further educate our PP friends and in return they could educate others and by doing so, we can further spread the knowledge and help prevent spread of this disease.

Every one with any simple or complicated question regarding covid 19, please post here and I encourage my other PP friends, doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to take the questions according to their knowledge.

No one is perfect, I have my own limitations as far as knowledge about Covid 19 is concerned but I will do my best. I'm also getting busier and busier but I know there are smarter and more knowledgeable PPers here and they will keep this forum going.

 

[Gharib Aadmi]

Thank you for taking the time to answer questions regarding this.

My question is the Coronavirus really that dangerous? I have heard of the statistics that the mortality rate is around 4%. which is much higher than the flu which is 01.%. However there are not enough tests, many people who might have had the virus would not even know they had it. So isn't it possible than the real mortality rate of the virus is significantly lower? So are we really sure that this virus is a big deal?

 

[sweep_shot]

1) Should you go for testing if you are having symptoms or should you just isolate yourself and get rest? Is it risky to go for testing?

2) You mentioned in one thread about orange juice. Should we buy lots of orange juices? Does it help the immune system fight off the virus?

3) Should we avoid Tylenol and Advil if fever happens? I read in one article that one girl got really sick (she had Coronavirus) after taking Ibuprofen.

 

[Bewal Express]

Can clothes carry it, and if so, for how long?

 

[BreadPakoda]

Thanks for starting the thread, doc. You are our heroes.

Does a person who has recovered from the virus become immune to it?

 

[moghul]

Thank you for taking the time to answer questions regarding this.

My question is the Coronavirus really that dangerous? I have heard of the statistics that the mortality rate is around 4%. which is much higher than the flu which is 01.%. However there are not enough tests, many people who might have had the virus would not even know they had it. So isn't it possible than the real mortality rate of the virus is significantly lower? So are we really sure that this virus is a big deal?

Complete answer is a long one, the short answer is yes covid 19 infection is not just big deal, its a huge deal. Mainly because we don't know much about it and neither we have any vaccine , treatment or immunity against it. It is probably more contagious than the Flu and death rate is higher mainly due to lack of herd immunity against covid 19. But if someone otherwise is in good health, there is very little risk of him/er dying from it but can easily kill others, if not careful or being selfish.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

 

[moghul]

Can clothes carry it, and if so, for how long?

Depends upon you exposure, I work in hospital and laundry my hospital clothes everyday, virus can last more than 24 hours on clothes.

 

[moghul]

Thanks for starting the thread, doc. You are our heroes.

Does a person who has recovered from the virus become immune to it?

Again we don't know. We had this discussion other day, general feeling is that post infection immunity form this infection will last at least one season and probably not beyond that.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Again we don't know. We had this discussion other day, general feeling is that post infection immunity form this infection will last at least one season and probably not beyond that.

Oh damn. That makes it more important to find a cure/vaccine.

Thanks for answering..

 

[moghul]

1) Should you go for testing if you are having symptoms or should you just isolate yourself and get rest? Is it risky to go for testing?

2) You mentioned in one thread about orange juice. Should we buy lots of orange juices? Does it help the immune system fight off the virus?

3) Should we avoid Tylenol and Advil if fever happens? I read in one article that one girl got really sick (she had Coronavirus) after taking Ibuprofen.

Avoid Advil, iboprofen or any NSAIDs, take tylenol ( Paracetamol , acetaminophan ) if needed.

If having symptoms, but no shortness of breath and no significant pre-existing condition, don't go for testing, isolate yourself and "tough it out" and don;t go for testing. If test is easily available ( I'm dreaming ) and you cannot isolate yourself, get yourself tested.

Vitamin C has strong anti-oxidant capability and and helpful in protecting against this virus and some other viruses .

 

[sjahmed23]

Thank you for your service sir, as I sit home and worry you are on the front lines saving humanity. I wish there was something I can do right now as I see panic and despair everywhere but I'm doing my part by staying home and keeping my family safe.

 

[moghul]

Thank you for your service sir, as I sit home and worry you are on the front lines saving humanity. I wish there was something I can do right now as I see panic and despair everywhere but I'm doing my part by staying home and keeping my family safe.

You can do more than that, please educate everyone whoever you can reach out to , particularly young ones .Tell them to follow basic protective measures which everyone should know by now, social distancing and washing your hands. You have no idea how many lives you can save.

 

[sweep_shot]

Avoid Advil, iboprofen or any NSAIDs, take tylenol ( Paracetamol , acetaminophan ) if needed.

If having symptoms, but no shortness of breath and no significant pre-existing condition, don't go for testing, isolate yourself and "tough it out" and don;t go for testing. If test is easily available ( I'm dreaming ) and you cannot isolate yourself, get yourself tested.

Vitamin C has strong anti-oxidant capability and and helpful in protecting against this virus and some other viruses .

Many thanks.

All the best to you since you are at the front line.

 

[last_knight]

Protect you Mucus Membranes.

Eyes
Nose
Mouth

Instinctively We use dominant hands to touch mouth eyes and nose.

So use non-dominant hand to touch objects like door knobs, car doors, currency notes, shopping bags etc. This will decrease contamination of dominant hand and thus mucus membranes.

 

[last_knight]

If you ask me

THE MOST IMPORTANT INTERVENTION TO SAVE LIVES

Isolate old fellas.

Don't meet and greet and don't hug your grandparents. They are the most vulnerable. Even if they aren't going out, their kids and grandkids can pass it on to them.

Discuss with them. Explain to them. And isolate them in their rooms.

 

[Ryw]

Avoid Advil, iboprofen or any NSAIDs, take tylenol ( Paracetamol , acetaminophan ) if needed.

If having symptoms, but no shortness of breath and no significant pre-existing condition, don't go for testing, isolate yourself and "tough it out" and don;t go for testing. If test is easily available ( I'm dreaming ) and you cannot isolate yourself, get yourself tested.

Vitamin C has strong anti-oxidant capability and and helpful in protecting against this virus and some other viruses .

This

Studying medicine and working in medical field i know little bits and following these rutines.

Thankyou Doctor for starting such a wonderful and knowledgeable thread, may Allah protect everyone Stay safe where ever you guys are

 

[sjahmed23]

You can do more than that, please educate everyone whoever you can reach out to , particularly young ones .Tell them to follow basic protective measures which everyone should know by now, social distancing and washing your hands. You have no idea how many lives you can save.

Thanks doc, I think everyone can spread awareness about social distancing. I encourage everyone to share this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5viyHrQES6c

 

[Sirris]

Fever is not a bad thing. It's the body's natural reaction to get the immune system activated and fight off the intruders. So don't immediately try to look for a medicine to lower the fever. Just rest and let your body do the fighting.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Avoid Advil, iboprofen or any NSAIDs, take tylenol ( Paracetamol , acetaminophan ) if needed.

If having symptoms, but no shortness of breath and no significant pre-existing condition, don't go for testing, isolate yourself and "tough it out" and don;t go for testing. If test is easily available ( I'm dreaming ) and you cannot isolate yourself, get yourself tested.

Vitamin C has strong anti-oxidant capability and and helpful in protecting against this virus and some other viruses .

Vitamin C tablets do not contain iboprofen?

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Together with taking Vit C, and Acetaminophen, there is an old grandma remedy that obviously will not kill the virus but over the years, it has greatly benefited me during recovery from regular flu and influenza.

Mix equal amounts of pure honey and and fresh lemon juice and take a table spoon twice a day. Boosts immune system and speeds up the recovery.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Together with taking Vit C, and Acetaminophen, there is an old grandma remedy that obviously will not kill the virus but over the years, it has greatly benefited me during recovery from regular flu and influenza.

Mix equal amounts of pure honey and and fresh lemon juice and take a table spoon twice a day. Boosts immune system and speeds up the recovery.

I dont take any type of tablets, never have and never needed to.

I eat 6/7 types of fruit a day, excercise with running, weights and boxing. I drink 4/5 litres of water, 1 pint of milk and 3/4 cups of green tea. But the most important part of my diet is Sidr Yemen Honey, this is amazing. It has been medicallly proven to cure many aligements. I only get colds/flu once every 2 years or so.

Excercise can boost your immune system by 50%, this along with fruit, water and natural high quality honey has worked for me since I was a child.

 

[IndianHero]

My question: Few articles on internet say COVID 19 virus droplets can't survive in hot weather & all then why cases are rising in places like karachi & internal sindh where temperatures are definitely not cold ?

Its kind of scary even to us . My worry is even in india millions of ppl are banking on this hot weather ? Can any one clarify this doubt (which many ppl have) ? Thanks

 

[moghul]

I dont take any type of tablets, never have and never needed to.

I eat 6/7 types of fruit a day, excercise with running, weights and boxing. I drink 4/5 litres of water, 1 pint of milk and 3/4 cups of green tea. But the most important part of my diet is Sidr Yemen Honey, this is amazing. It has been medicallly proven to cure many aligements. I only get colds/flu once every 2 years or so.

Excercise can boost your immune system by 50%, this along with fruit, water and natural high quality honey has worked for me since I was a child.

Perfect, you're a role model for others. For me and everyone else, good night sleep is the most important thing, along with exercise and healthy diet.

 

[pillionrider]

Thank you for this.

I have a question. What should the aged do in regard to their regular medication, should they start showing symptoms. Diabetics, BP patients, the elderly who are asthmatic and reliant on inhalers.

Thanks.

 

[moghul]

Thank you for this.

I have a question. What should the aged do in regard to their regular medication, should they start showing symptoms. Diabetics, BP patients, the elderly who are asthmatic and reliant on inhalers.

Thanks.

They are the one who need to be tested sooner, if they develop symptoms, like fever SOB ( shortness of breath ) and cough. They should continue their inhalers including the ones which contain steroids. If you have someone in your family with this condition, you should have a plan in case situation arises, should discuss with your doctor

 

[pillionrider]

They are the one who need to be tested sooner, if they develop symptoms, like fever SOB ( shortness of breath ) and cough. They should continue their inhalers including the ones which contain steroids. If you have someone in your family with this condition, you should have a plan in case situation arises, should discuss with your doctor

Dad is asthmatic.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[ahmedzee]

Is dry throat a symptom??? Both me and wife have dry throat only but feel fine and I even worked out at home quite a bit. What do any drs here have to say about it ?

 

[m.shah]

I am feeling a little weakness no body ache like that more like when you gave fever from yesterday and sometimes dry cough. I travelled from Delhi to Srinagar few days ago. As I Went to doctor this morning he prescribed some medicines like monocef and Dolo. Should I be worried? Should I self isolate myself or itz not needed?

 

[Syed1]

Is dry throat a symptom??? Both me and wife have dry throat only but feel fine and I even worked out at home quite a bit. What do any drs here have to say about it ?

Even I'm feeling a dry/sore throat and wife and I have been holed up at home for the whole week with just a quick grocery run a couple of days ago which was followed by vigorous hand washing and sanitization as soon as we returned.

I was a little tensed about the throat but all the info online points towards high fever as a preliminary symptom which then leads to dry cough and difficulty breathing....... so sore throat might not be massive cause for concern.

We are right around that time of the year where half the pop is sneezing and sniffling so the common flu is going to be common as well. I sure hope corona madam does not mate with flu to produce an even worse virus.

 

[BreadPakoda]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I need your help to share this handbook quickly to hospitals, doctors, nurses and anyone who needs to know around the world. It is available here: <a href="https://t.co/WfQEbdmgym">https://t.co/WfQEbdmgym</a>. We are in this together! (2/2)</p>— Jack Ma (@JackMa) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackMa/status/1240105195318554625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[last_knight]

[MENTION=141839]moghul[/MENTION] can you tell me few things :

1= Coagulation Profile and INR status in cases of Mild to Moderate severity Covid-19 ?

2= was there any association between Intubation and Level of Troponins/CK-MB ?

3= Will plasmapharesis be of any help ? Your impression.

4= Has anyone tried Anti-Snake-Venom ?

 

[MenInG]

This is the "world war" against the Covid 19, as no country, religion or individual is 100% immune to this infection.

Until recently I was enjoying this forum only as a keen follower of cricket and never had to mention my profession as it has no importance here.

But now, as we all are fighting this battle against covid 19, education and awareness is the key and I felt being a an ICU doctor in a university hospital in USA I can do a small service by spreading my knowledge and experience.

I am glad, there are many doctors and other healthcare professional in PP who have been posting some very important information here, but on too many different threads.

How about making a forum to share our knowledge and to further educate our PP friends and in return they could educate others and by doing so, we can further spread the knowledge and help prevent spread of this disease.

Every one with any simple or complicated question regarding covid 19, please post here and I encourage my other PP friends, doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to take the questions according to their knowledge.

No one is perfect, I have my own limitations as far as knowledge about Covid 19 is concerned but I will do my best. I'm also getting busier and busier but I know there are smarter and more knowledgeable PPers here and they will keep this forum going.

ALL

You cannot take anything written here as 'medical advice'

If you have symptoms - go to your doctor and get it checked.
[MENTION=141839]moghul[/MENTION]

Please be responsible when discussing such topics

 

[pakistani pride]

Every expert or so called expert getting his 2 minutes of fame.

Dont get me wrong people have died due to this virus but the numbers and story behind it lacks critical data.

Even here in the netherlands these experts all have their own theory.

Just stay safe every one and try to follow the advice given be the government where ever you are.

 

[IMMY69]

Even I'm feeling a dry/sore throat and wife and I have been holed up at home for the whole week with just a quick grocery run a couple of days ago which was followed by vigorous hand washing and sanitization as soon as we returned.

I was a little tensed about the throat but all the info online points towards high fever as a preliminary symptom which then leads to dry cough and difficulty breathing....... so sore throat might not be massive cause for concern.

We are right around that time of the year where half the pop is sneezing and sniffling so the common flu is going to be common as well. I sure hope corona madam does not mate with flu to produce an even worse virus.

Hay fever season here in the UK &#55357;&#56883;

 

[Itachi]

What's the protocol you guys are using?

To my understanding, oseltamivir and atazanavir along with chloroquine and corticosteroids are being used. Is it the same there too?

 

[IMMY69]

What's the protocol you guys are using?

To my understanding, oseltamivir and atazanavir along with chloroquine and corticosteroids are being used. Is it the same there too?

I think if something is working and it’s easily purchasable, I very much doubt the government will announced it just yet and that would be the sensible thing to do... if people are going crazy over toilet rolls and shopping like it will be their last shop on this earth then imagine how quickly those meds are going to sell out.....

I’m just following government advice and any updated I get from my doctor (I have an underlying condition that requires immune suppressants)..

 

[Itachi]

I think if something is working and it’s easily purchasable, I very much doubt the government will announced it just yet and that would be the sensible thing to do... if people are going crazy over toilet rolls and shopping like it will be their last shop on this earth then imagine how quickly those meds are going to sell out.....

I’m just following government advice and any updated I get from my doctor (I have an underlying condition that requires immune suppressants)..

That's not how a protocol works.

You are given only if you are covid positive. If you are negative, the usual protocol for cough, cold will be followed.

Even if you are covid positive, the drugs will differ depending upon the symptoms.

 

[kaayal]

What's the protocol you guys are using?

To my understanding, oseltamivir and atazanavir along with chloroquine and corticosteroids are being used. Is it the same there too?

For Covid 19 + cases, We are using hydroxychloroquine mostly. Not combining with Azithromycin because of the risk of QT prolongation in high risk individuals. In some Lopinavir/ ritonavir are given on cases to case basis. All this along with antipyretics, antibiotics, oxygen supplementation to maintain SpO2>94% are been followed. Corticosteroids are generally avoided but some professors recommend it.

 

[last_knight]

For Covid 19 + cases, We are using hydroxychloroquine mostly. Not combining with Azithromycin because of the risk of QT prolongation in high risk individuals. In some Lopinavir/ ritonavir are given on cases to case basis. All this along with antipyretics, antibiotics, oxygen supplementation to maintain SpO2>94% are been followed. Corticosteroids are generally avoided but some professors recommend it.

I am interested in knowing the results if anyone has tried Anti-Venoms ?

 

[kaayal]

I am interested in knowing the results if anyone has tried Anti-Venoms ?

No, we don’t use it. But I want to know your reasoning behind it’s usage in this case?

 

[moghul]

[MENTION=141839]moghul[/MENTION] can you tell me few things :

1= Coagulation Profile and INR status in cases of Mild to Moderate severity Covid-19 ?

2= was there any association between Intubation and Level of Troponins/CK-MB ?

3= Will plasmapharesis be of any help ? Your impression.

4= Has anyone tried Anti-Snake-Venom ?

Very good questions but these kind of question i enjoy discussing in the rounds with residents and the fellows.

I'm member of three advisory committees related to "corona " , local, nation and one relate to Pakistan. While we all are trying to educate the public and each other , we avoid talking about any non-approved, experimental or controversial treatment on a public forum , some might interpret it wrongly.

So, no I have no experience of using plasmapharesis or anti-snake venom in this situation, neither I know anyone who have. We're getting all kind of study results from China and South Korea but we have been very cautious in using those trials/studies in our clinical practice.

Even in this desperate time, in USA we don;t have luxury of trying everything unproven , we're answerable to every treatment we order.

Regarding your first question, yes we do see abnormal Coagulation profile , more like DIC in sever cases but only mild thrombocytopenia. I have two patient died both have high level of Di-Dimer level. Also, lymphocytopenia was significant. And patients who recovered , improvement in lymphocyte count appeared first, even before improvement in Ox sat, X-ray findings and clinical improvement.

Again, our experience with covid 19 patients so far is very limited .

 

[moghul]

Get yourself 'match fit' to face corona.

Suppose there are two young men , both 28 year old, both have no past medical history, on no medication and they don;t smoke . Both have MBI 24. one ( A ) does regular aerobic exercise, other ( B) deesn't .

If both of them become sick with Corona virus, A, with better cardio-vascular fitness will do far better than B.

When someone gets sick with corona virus and develops significant lung infection , 4-6 days are very critical , when his/her immunity tries to fight out the infection out but heart and lungs are under great stress. If someone passes this "heart-lung" stress test, outcome will be good, otherwise, he/she will struggle.

So, unless there is any specific contraindication to exercise, please do, you need it now, more than ever. Be in best shape of your life, be "match fit ". With gym closed, be creative. Deconditioning sets up in 2-3 days.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

[MENTION=141839]moghul[/MENTION] Bhai,

Did you see this memo yet?

Plaquenil and Azithro seem to have yielded some hopeful results. Trials are starting in NY tomorrow. Lets have a good hope for all.

 

[moghul]

[MENTION=141839]moghul[/MENTION] Bhai,

Did you see this memo yet?

Plaquenil and Azithro seem to have yielded some hopeful results. Trials are starting in NY tomorrow. Lets have a good hope for all.

We are using these drugs for two weeks, showing some promise and some people recovered but its hard to prove the weather medications doing the trick or patient's own immunity. There have been multiple trails on these meds, almost all are positive but they are very very small ones, lack power, including one you mentioned.

Now the WHO is running a big trail, will be a landmark trial called SOLIDARITY trial , its a big one and being run simultaneously all over the world and testing all major medications being used now. This trial will give us the real answer.

European version if this trial DISCOVERY , also has been started, will merge with Solidarity trail .

Theses trails along with approval and soon to be available rapid testing of the covid 19 giving us doctors a big hope. Now I'm really optimistic , we will be able to flattened the curve soon. But, for the time being situation is getting worse, we are managing increased number of cases , in NY and NJ at least and next 2-3 weeks will be really bad.

 

[WiiiCKET]

Can we get infected through food. If someone who prepared the food had corona virus?

 

[moghul]

Can we get infected through food. If someone who prepared the food had corona virus?

If food is prepared, heated, boiled, virus is unlikely to survive. If a person who is known to be positive for covid 19 prepared the food, I would discard it, and obviously he/she should not be preparing food anyway. But , we should not be suspecting food we're going to order might be prepared by an infected person, absolutely no reason.

Unlike foodborne gastrointestinal (GI) viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A that often make people ill through contaminated food, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, is a virus that causes respiratory illness. Foodborne exposure to this virus is not known to be a route of transmission, not reported yet.

 

[in_cutter]

I have three children with learning disabilities (my eldest more severe/weak immune system/wheelchair bound).

According to UK Govt guidance, people with special needs must be shielded. Does this mean I should not be going into the office for work? My brother has bern sent home from work for 12wks because he lives with our mother who is on dialysis. I am very anxious. My son is very vulnerable & prone to colds & infections.

 

[IMMY69]

I have three children with learning disabilities (my eldest more severe/weak immune system/wheelchair bound).

According to UK Govt guidance, people with special needs must be shielded. Does this mean I should not be going into the office for work? My brother has bern sent home from work for 12wks because he lives with our mother who is on dialysis. I am very anxious. My son is very vulnerable & prone to colds & infections.

Uk is supposed to be in lockdown.
You are not expected to go to work.
Furthermore, I would say it would be expected for you not to go to work as you have vulnerable dependants.

 

[Syed1]

I have three children with learning disabilities (my eldest more severe/weak immune system/wheelchair bound).

According to UK Govt guidance, people with special needs must be shielded. Does this mean I should not be going into the office for work? My brother has bern sent home from work for 12wks because he lives with our mother who is on dialysis. I am very anxious. My son is very vulnerable & prone to colds & infections.

STAY THE EFF HOME!!!


But first get away from your kids and get tested ASAP before interacting with them.

 

[in_cutter]

Uk is supposed to be in lockdown.
You are not expected to go to work.
Furthermore, I would say it would be expected for you not to go to work as you have vulnerable dependants.

Every company is doing it’s own thing. We have been given ten day parental leave to use..but not all at once.

 

[in_cutter]

STAY THE EFF HOME!!!


But first get away from your kids and get tested ASAP before interacting with them.

I can’t stay away from my kids. My son needs 24hr care..I am he’s main carer at home. My autistic daughter needs eyes on her at all times for her own safety.

 

[IMMY69]

Every company is doing it’s own thing. We have been given ten day parental leave to use..but not all at once.

Last night was a game changer so unless you’re a front line worker then you should be working from home.

Google it and speak again to your employer

 

[moghul]

I have three children with learning disabilities (my eldest more severe/weak immune system/wheelchair bound).

According to UK Govt guidance, people with special needs must be shielded. Does this mean I should not be going into the office for work? My brother has bern sent home from work for 12wks because he lives with our mother who is on dialysis. I am very anxious. My son is very vulnerable & prone to colds & infections.

I understand you particular situation. Other posters are right, stay home , if you can. But, if you cannot, for whatever reason, do what I have been doing until 3 days ago, when my family was with me , now they have gone to a " safe location".

Working in hospital, I consider myself infected. After coming home, I was taking off my scrub in garage, going straight to shower and only after taking shower and fully sanitizing myself would interact with my family. My cloths/scrub worn in hospital was thrown in laundry on daily basis.

So please consider yourself infected, take all the precaution, get a face mask , if you can and put it on when in close contact to your children, as much as you can. You cannot shield your children at home, shield yourself,

Do your best and leave rest to Almighty, will get over it.

 

[moghul]

I have three children with learning disabilities (my eldest more severe/weak immune system/wheelchair bound).

According to UK Govt guidance, people with special needs must be shielded. Does this mean I should not be going into the office for work? My brother has bern sent home from work for 12wks because he lives with our mother who is on dialysis. I am very anxious. My son is very vulnerable & prone to colds & infections.

Your mom is on dialysis, I'm a kidney doctor ( an Critical care specialist ) and hypertension specialist also, will be glad to help you or anyone else with any question . At this time of high anxiety and stress, this is the least I can do.

 

[in_cutter]

Your mom is on dialysis, I'm a kidney doctor ( an Critical care specialist ) and hypertension specialist also, will be glad to help you or anyone else with any question . At this time of high anxiety and stress, this is the least I can do.

I also take medication for hypertension

 

[IAJ]

I read a post on FB where a doctor said that Virus is not alive. So if a virus is not alive how come other doctors talking about it's survival time etc?

 

[moghul]

I also take medication for hypertension

Hope you're doing fine, hypertension is my main area of research and expertise, feel free to ask any question.

 

[IMMY69]

Every company is doing it’s own thing. We have been given ten day parental leave to use..but not all at once.

GOV.UK CORONAVIRUS ALERT New rules in force now: you must stay at home. More info & Exemptions at gov.uk/coronavirus Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.

 

[MenInG]

An Arizona man has died and his wife is in a critical condition after both ingested a form of chloroquine in an apparent effort to guard against Covid-19.

The drug has been touted by President Donald Trump as a possible treatment for the virus.

It is also an additive commonly used to clean fish tanks.

Shortly after ingestion, the couple fell ill, said Arizona-based hospital system Banner Health.

The couple were both in their 60s.

The woman told NBC News she had seen a televised briefing in which Mr Trump discussed the potential benefits of chloroquine as a treatment Covid-19.

The drug has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis but is unproven for use against the novel coronavirus.

"We saw his press conference. It was on a lot, actually," she said. "Trump kept saying it was basically pretty much a cure."

"We were afraid of getting sick," she told NBC.

There are at least 46,548 confirmed cases of the virus throughout the US, with at least 592 deaths.

The couple had used chloroquine previously as a treatment for their koi fish and still had some remaining in their home. This additive is formulated differently than the drug used to treat malaria.

They mixed a small amount of the substance with liquid to drink. Within 20 minutes, both fell ill.

"I started vomiting," she said. "My husband started developing respiratory problems."

Her husband could not be revived in hospital and she remains in critical care.

"Banner Health experts emphasise that chloroquine, a malaria medication, should not be ingested to treat or prevent [Covid-19]," the health group said in a statement.

Given the uncertainty around Covid-19, we understand that people are trying to find new ways to prevent or treat this virus, but self-medicating is not the way to do so."

Last week, Mr Trump trumpeted the drug as a potential treatment, writing on Twitter that it had "a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine," when taken with the antibiotic azithromycin.

"We're going to be able to make that drug available almost immediately," he said last week at a White House coronavirus press briefing.

"And that's where the FDA has been so great. They've gone through the approval process - it's been approved."

The FDA soon clarified that chloroquine had not been approved, saying there are currently no therapeutics or drugs approved by the body to "treat, cure or prevent Covid-19".

On Sunday, Dr Anthony Fauci - the nation's top infectious disease expert - said on CBS News that the president had heard about the two drugs from anecdotal reports.

"I… have said I'm not disagreeing with the fact anecdotally they might work, but my job is to prove definitively from a scientific standpoint that they do work," he said.

Mr Fauci, who serves on the White House coronavirus task force, is widely seen as the face of the US response.

Last week, Nigerian health officials also issued a warning regarding the drug's misuse after hospitals in Lagos, the nation's capital, began reporting patients suspected of chloroquine poisoning.

Six things the US can learn from Asia
At least three people are believed to be hospitalised and reports have spread of high demand of chloroquine leading to pharmacy shortages, partially fuelled by Mr Trump's comments.

The World Health Organisation "has NOT approved the use of chloroquine for #Covid19 management," the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control said in a statement on Friday.

"Please DO NOT engage in self-medication. This will cause harm and can lead to death."

https://www.bbc.com/news/52012242

 

[last_knight]

Very good questions but these kind of question i enjoy discussing in the rounds with residents and the fellows.

I'm member of three advisory committees related to "corona " , local, nation and one relate to Pakistan. While we all are trying to educate the public and each other , we avoid talking about any non-approved, experimental or controversial treatment on a public forum , some might interpret it wrongly.

So, no I have no experience of using plasmapharesis or anti-snake venom in this situation, neither I know anyone who have. We're getting all kind of study results from China and South Korea but we have been very cautious in using those trials/studies in our clinical practice.

Even in this desperate time, in USA we don;t have luxury of trying everything unproven , we're answerable to every treatment we order.

Regarding your first question, yes we do see abnormal Coagulation profile , more like DIC in sever cases but only mild thrombocytopenia. I have two patient died both have high level of Di-Dimer level. Also, lymphocytopenia was significant. And patients who recovered , improvement in lymphocyte count appeared first, even before improvement in Ox sat, X-ray findings and clinical improvement.

Again, our experience with covid 19 patients so far is very limited .

Plasma is now being used widely.
But no trials with Anti-Venom I guess.

 

[moghul]

Plasma is now being used widely.
But no trials with Anti-Venom I guess.

No, not really.