I am Dr Tampiwa Chebani, in this article I would like to share with you very briefly what is known about COVID-19; what is it? What does it do to the infected? How do we stop the spread of COVID-19? Thereafter, I would like us to start a discussion in which we can share our thoughts, knowledge, and experiences. Through such a discussion, we will help each other in coping and hopefully allay some of our fears and face this crisis with reasonable and rational minds coupled with a sense of hope.
Throughout recorded history, the world has, at unfortunate periods of time experienced global crises. Of course, some of these crises were man-made, a result of greed, gluttony or even pure malevolence among humans; world war 1, world war 2 and several other atrocities that were based on gender, race, color, and creed.
Alas, here we are as earth inhabitants, facing yet another crisis. Firstly, the overarching question is whether our race will survive and secondly, if we are to survive, what actions do we have to take as a collective? Lastly, what will the post-COVID-19 human race be like? Coronavirus has no concept of gender, race, color or creed, as such, the first step is for humanity to unite. We, therefore, must unite by way of sharing knowledge, sharing our experiences, sharing our fears and by way of offering assistance to those in need.
Related: Coronavirus Pandemic: Why Knowing Your HIV Status Could save Your Life
As of writing, a lot of people around the world have been affected by this pandemic. The number of cases currently stands at 383,894 and 16,585 deaths, a bleak picture indeed. My heartfelt condolences go to everyone who has lost loved ones. To those who are sick, or caring for the sick, our minds and hearts are with you.
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). This naming is used to distinguish the current outbreak from the 2003 SARS outbreak. Note that although this is a SARS virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has tended to use the term “COVID-19 virus” or “the virus that causes COVID-19” in an effort to avoid inciting anxiety associated with the 2003 SARS outbreak.
How do People Get Infected?
Coronavirus is transmitted via aerosol droplets left in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Bodily fluids such as Saliva and mucus can be infectious. The virus can survive on surfaces for up to 8 hours depending on the surface. Recent evidence also suggests the virus can be in the air for up to 8 hours.
When Do Symptoms Start?
The incubation period, which is the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms, varies. The current official estimated range is 2-14 days. However, there are extreme cases that show symptoms with a few hours and others that may become symptomatic as late as 27 days.
What Happens to the Infected?
Symptoms of infection include but are not limited to sore throat, Fever, runny nose, cough, Shortness of breath and lethargy. Symptoms can be mild or severe depending on the individual. There is evidence that people with pre-existing conditions like; cancer, heart disease, lung disease, hypertension, and diabetes are more likely to experience severe illness. These groups of people along with the elderly constitute a significant proportion of mortality.
Severe illness requires intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Most patients die from respiratory failure, sometimes associated with other organ system failures.
What are the Best Protective and Preventive Practices known?
As of writing, there is no known cure or vaccine against COVID-19. The most you can do is to guard against being infected. You can prevent infection through the same measures you would use to protect yourself against the common cold.
These may at first glance look simple, but they are effective. These include:
- Washing your Hands Frequently
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This practice kills viruses that may be on your hands.
- Maintaining Social Distancing
- Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) from anyone who shows symptoms of coughing or sneezing. This is because when one coughs or sneezes, they may release viral particles. Being too close puts you at risk of breathing them in.
- Avoid Touching your Eyes, Nose, and Mouth
- Viral particles from surfaces can easily be transferred to the eyes, nose, and mouth in this way, thus giving the virus entry into the body.
- Practice Respiratory Hygiene
- Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow when you sneeze or cough. You can also use a tissue then dispose of it.
- Stay Informed and Follow Expert Advice
– What to do if you Recently Visited (past 14 days) Areas Where COVID-19 Is Spreading.
Follow the guidance outlined above. Stay at home, even with mild symptoms such as sore throat and slight runny nose, until you recover. This stops the spread of the COVID-19 virus and also decongests health care facilities.
Read Also: Anti-HIV Drugs Found Ineffective Against Coronavirus
If symptoms become severe; cough and difficulty breathing, call in advance and tell your health care provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers.
In conclusion, I would like to offer a word of encouragement to you; we will overcome this perilous situation. To do so will require us to unite and take all necessary precautions by following expert advice and seeking advice when in doubt.
I am available to answer any questions you may have regarding COVID-19. Please share your experiences, fears and hopes on this global crisis.
Use the comments area bellow to ask me any question about the current pandemic!
FEEDBACK:
Can covid19 attach itself to air pollutants and be carried through the air like that of ozone and other volatile organic compounds once it becomes aerosol from a cough or sneeze. Especially as temperatures climb and air quality numbers go up. From this perspective wouldnt masks be an appropriate preventative measure against the virus.
Hello David, thank you for your question. I will do my best to answer you.
There are no comprehensive empirical research studies specific to the COVID-19 virus and pollution. But the point you make is a valid one for several reasons;
1. Air pollutants are aerosols!
2. Aerosols are known to combine in the air to form lager and complex compounds.
3. Potentially, COVID-19 viral aerosols can combine with pollutant aerosols, possibly making the virus to linger for a longer time in the air.
Because of this, it is quite possible that air pollution may have an effect on the transmissibility of the virus. We certainly know that lungs that are compromised by pollution can be more prone to the effects of the virus, just as we know that smokers are at increased risk also.
Masks do help and can be used as a preventive measure. The WHO only recommends masks when taking care of an infected person. WHO also recommends it when one has symptoms of cough or sneezing.
It does not hurt to wear a mask even when you do not have symptoms, especially when going out to places where there are lots of people, like the grocery store. However, you have to know how to use the mask; it’s not as easy as it looks;
1. Wash hands with soap and water (or use alcohol-based sanitizer) before putting on the mask
2. Make sure it covers the nose and mouth without leaving gaps.
3. Avoid touching the mask while using it!! (Not easy to do) if you do, clean your hands as outlined in point 1.
4. Do not re-use single-use masks!! (I have seen people re-use). Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp.
5. Removing the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front) then discard in a closed bin
6. Clean hands as outlined in point 1.
In short, YES, masks can be used for preventive reasons, IF properly done since there is evidence that the virus can linger in the air for up to 8hrs. Wrongly used, masks can potentially increase the spread of infection!
Sorry Doctor, but the information you are spreading is incorrect:
1. An aerosol is not required to spread this virus: it will spread through the air. It is an airborne contagion. There was a woman in Hong Kong who contracted the disease through air pollution from incorrectly installed venting in her bathroom. She lived on the 3 floor and a person on the 13 floor above her got the virus. It was determined she contracted the virus through air that escaped from the improperly installed vents in the sewage system. The despicable thing is the worthless 3rd-World WHO did not recognize this anecdotal evidence earlier and warn people sooner. Here are some articles:
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3049921/tsing-yi-residents-evacuated-hong-kong-health
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3051209/coronavirus-changes-pipeline-sewage-systems-hong-kong
2. Wearing a mask alone is of limited value to protect the wearer from this virus. The mucus membranes in the eyes are particularly vulnerable to this virus. People working in hospitals and high virus concentration areas should wear goggles in addition to masks. The virus can also enter through the ears and particularly hazardous areas ear protection is also warranted.
3. This virus can survive for far far longer than 8 hours on a surface. That is just irresponsible inaccurate advice. What the H are you doing telling people the wrong information? There was a study on the inactivation time for SARS published in 2007 which said found that similar viruses can survive for up to 28 days at 4 degrees Celsius (4o degrees Fahrenheit) (Google). Actual tests on the Diamond Princess found that the virus was still active 17 days after the ship was evacuated. Reference:
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/23/cdc-coronavirus-survived-in-princess-cruise-cabins-up-to-17-days-after-passengers-left.html
4. Answering the question asked, as temperature gets warmer, communal transmission of the virus will drop. In low concentrations the virus does not spread as rapidly in warmer climates. By July the communal spread of this virus in the northern hemisphere will be over, but will spread more rapidly in the southern hemisphere. South to North travel restrictions will need to remain in place. This can be seen from the failure of Thailand to become a hot-spot despite having the highest number of cases outside China until mid-February while the Diamond Princess and Korea both became hot-spots.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7riL6IXi5o
David Dr. Chebani’s answer had a number of inaccuracies. This is the article I referred to regarding the inactivation of the virus in warmer temperatures:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2863430/
The obvious question is what happened in Australia compared with Thailand. Why does it appear that heat killed the virus in Thailand but not in Australia.
The first answer is that nobody but the Chinese really understand this virus and the Chinese are not sharing their knowledge with the global community. Part of understanding the virus is knowing who patient number zero is and that person is likely Huang YanLing, an employee at the Wuhan Bio-Safety Level 4 Lab.
The second answer is it is possible that more infected people from China flew to Thailand instead of Australia. It seems that once this virus reaches a critical mass it spreads more easily. Again, nobody has had time to do any medical studies on this virus aside from the Chinese.
Third, there is probably more air conditioning in Australia than in Thailand. If people are blasting air conditioning all the time then the virus will take longer to inactivate and will live on surfaces longer, making it easier to spread.
Finally, there is bad advice coming from governments and from incompetent doctors like Dr. Chebani who are telling people the virus will inactivate in 8 hours even though this has been proven false with the Diamond Princess cruise ship. In Shanghai even though there have been no new infections in 1.5 months restaurants and buildings are still taking temperatures of everybody entering every building. The USA FDA gave stupid advice stating that people don’t need to wipe down packages that they receive from Amazon.; The fact of the matter is this:
If an infected person touches a item you buy in a store or touches an item that is packed at Amazon or touches a box while your package is being delivered the virus can live on your package for at least 17 days. There is already a story of a woman in the USA who contracted the virus even though she took extreme measures to avoid getting the virus.
https://www.the-sun.com/news/676036/coronavirus-charlotte-north-carolina-terrified-stayed-home-pandemic/
Order a bottle of rubbing alcohol, pour it into an empty spray container and spray down packages you buy before you open them. Statistically it is unlikely that you will get infected, but again nobody knows anything about this virus including the long-term effects of this virus. It is not worth the risk.
Hello Dr. Pagliarulo,
I am not a virologist nor am I a researcher on COVID-19. You must also understand that the entire world is learning about this pandemic all at the same time and new information is coming in all the time.
Being in the Health fraternity, I am sure that you do understand the implications of calling another doctor “incompetent”. I am sure you probably know more about the topic than I do, but with my little background in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, what we are trying to achieve here is to educate the public the best way we can and bring them solace.
For whatever it’s worth, find below my response to your points.
1. If you read my answer to David carefully, I did not say aerosols are required for transmission. I said pollution may potentially have an effect on transmission, a supposition (hypothesis) in reference to his question, meant to carry on an objective conversation. I hope David understood. We know that air transmission is primarily via droplets.
2. On masks, if you read carefully my answer to David, I said, Masks do help and can be used as a preventive measure. The WHO only recommends masks when taking care of an infected person. WHO also recommends it when one has symptoms of cough or sneezing. Nowhere did I imply that masks are the all-and-all in protection. I was responding to David’s main question, “From this perspective wouldn’t masks be an appropriate preventative measure against the virus”. I was not giving a spill on everything to do with protection. Sure, the eyes and ears can be portals of entry, that is why it is especially important for health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients to use all PPE’s.
Are you saying the general public should use goggles and gloves when going out for groceries? Well, I’m not against it.
3. You said “This virus can survive for far far longer than 8 hours on a surface. That is just irresponsible inaccurate advice. What the H are you doing telling people the wrong information”
I said, the virus can LINGER IN THE AIR for up to 8 hours. Some reports actually say 3 hours in the air (Google). Please I did not talk about survival on surfaces; if at all I said survive on a surface please show me where I said that and I will retract my statement. We know viral survival on surfaces will vary greatly depending on ambient temperature and type of material.
4. I appreciate your answer above pointing to the weather. Continue to participate in our Q and A and let us all do the best we can during these difficult times.
Thanks
How can a person tell if they are suffering from a cold or coronavirus? My point is when should a person start to worry and go to the hospital?
Hello Anne,
When going by just signs and symptoms, it is impossible to tell if one is having a cold or coronavirus infection, which is why testing is important if necessary. In fact, the majority of COVID-19 cases are mild and some people may even recover without ever knowing they had the infection hence the risk of infecting others.
Currently, it is recommended by the WHO that if you experience mild symptoms such as sore throat and slight runny nose, stay home ( and minimize going into public areas) until you recover. This stops the spread of the COVID-19 virus, if indeed one has the infection. However, if symptoms worsen; cough and difficulty breathing call your local toll free numbers or health care provider in advance and tell them of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Most places around the world now have local response protocols, they will advise you on what to do.
I am an asthmatic and have to take on a daily basis Flovent for inflammation. Is it true that anti inflammatory drugs can make coronavirus infection worst?
Hello,
There have been rumors of anti-inflammatories worsening the infection, but it’s just that, rumors.
There is currently no strong enough evidence what-so-ever. Also note that the culprit drug was rumored to be ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Flovent, on the other hand, is a different anti-inflammatory altogether and works by different mechanisms.
Follow the standard precautionary measures against COVID-19 and protect yourself the best you can. It is also important that you continue with your prescribed medication and follow the advice of your physician. Thanks.
Can someone get the virus and never feel sick?
Hi Leo,
The short answer is yes, although this is a difficult fact to establish with the current coronavirus. For this to be done, we would need to test a whole lot of people and follow them up over a long period to see whether they develop symptoms or not.
But with most infections, there are people who are just colonized by the bug, sometimes we call them carriers and they can infect others.
This is why reducing visits to public areas is so important at the moment. Thanks.
Can they treat coronavirus with blood from those who previously had it and got well? Also does the chloroquine really work?
Hello Linda,
Note that there are currently no approved treatments against COVID-19.
Prior to mass production and use of vaccines, outbreaks like measles, influenza and mumps were treated with blood transfusions from recovered cases. Theoretically, this is a possibility. Another possibility is the isolation of antibodies from the blood of recovered victims and use them to immunize critically ill patients.
In China, reports of marked improvement have been seen in patients who received blood transfusions from recovered coronavirus cases. However, in U.S, FDA approval must be obtained after sufficient evidence of its efficacy from clinical trials.
On chloroquine, various medications including antivirals (Lopinavir; Ritonavir) are being studied. Most of these studies are in vitro (in the lab) without evidence in real patients.
So there is limited clinical data suggesting potential benefit. There are also reports of doctors prescribing it to critical patients. Note however that chloroquine is not approved as treatment and self-medication (without physician supervision) is not advised because of potential risks from chloroquine; cardiac arrhythmias, Risk of retinal damage, Caution in patients with G6PD deficiency, Caution in diabetics. Thanks.
The warm weather is coming soon will that stop the virus?
Hi Nick,
It’s difficult to know exactly. The direct contribution of the weather is not clear.
For instance, In Southern Africa, it is currently summertime, but there have been cases of coronavirus. It’s true that the numbers and severity of cases have been much less.
My opinion (not backed by evidence) is that in cold weather, people are more likely to be indoors and in air-conditioned spaces, even in public transport, thus not exposed to fresh air. Some of this air conditioning recirculates air, and likely to spread infection. Thanks.
I had the flu in January can I still catch coronavirus?
Hi Simon,
Unfortunately, the answer is YES, you can still get infected with COVID-19 virus. This is because the flu is caused by a different virus, Influenza.
So I would advise you to take all the recommended precautions to protect yourself. Thanks.
I have elderly parents and am really worried about them getting sick. they need my help everyday with home shores. What can you recommend to do to keep them from getting sick.
Good day Laura,
Your concerns are valid. The elderly are more likely to experience severe illness if they get infected.
There are no precautionary measures specific to the elderly but actions must be taken to reduce exposure to the virus.
The best way to keep them safe is to start by keeping yourself safe. If you follow the necessary precautions as listed below, you will reduce the chances of getting the infection.
– Remember that the virus does not move, we move it! Reduce all unnecessary trips to public spaces; grocery stores, bank, etc. When you do go out, get enough to last a few days. You can, if you want, use a mask.
– Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially when visiting your parents.
– Also, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you leaving the grocery store or bank.
For your parents;
– It’s also important that they stay at home as much as possible, and use a mask if they go out in public.
– They should also follow recommended measure such as regular hand washing using soap and water or use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
– Limit the number of people who visit your parents; this helps reduce the chances of exposure to the virus.
HOW TO USE A FACE MASK CORRECTLY
1. Wash hands with soap and water (or use alcohol-based sanitizer) before putting on the mask
2. Make sure it covers the nose and mouth without leaving gaps.
3. Avoid touching the mask while using it!! (Not easy to do) if you do, clean your hands as outlined in point 1.
4. Do not re-use single-use masks!! (I have seen people re-use). Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp.
5. Removing the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front) then discard in a closed bin
6. Clean hands as outlined in point 1.
I hope this helps. Thanks.
What should diabetics do to stay safe?
Hello Dave,
Diabetics and certain other groups of patients are known to be likely to develop severe illness in the event that they get infected. It is therefore very important to keep safe.
There are no special precautions for diabetics as of yet. It is important however that the patient continue with their usual medication as prescribed by their physician. This is important to keep glucose levels under control.
Additionally, it is important to take the recommended precautions; reduce all unnecessary trips to public areas where you are likely to get exposed to the virus. Although the WHO does not recommend masks in some situations, I am of the opinion that they can be used especially in crowded public spaces. They must, however, be used correctly.
Lastly, hand washing with soap and water must not be underestimated. It is one of the best preventive measures out there. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if water and soap can’t be used.
Thank you and stay safe.
Is it true that there are different strains of coronavirus and that some are more fatal?
Hello,
YES, some are more “infectious”
Current coronavirus belongs to a large family of viruses called coronaviridae, genus betacoronavirus.
In short, there are many coronaviruses; the ones that are known to cause disease in humans are SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome; the 2003 outbreak) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and now the COVID-19 virus. So these are different strains of coronavirus, with different ‘infectiousness’ if you will.
In fact, the official name for the COVID-19 virus is SARS-CoV-2, the 2 distinguishes it from the 2003 SARS-CoV!
There are a lot of blogs and videos talking about how the virus is easy to kill as it can not tolerate heat. So some are recommending raising the heat in the lungs and nose by inhaling steam with cloves. there is even a Mexican doctor claiming that you could use a hair dryer to blow hot air up your nose to increase the heat and thus kill the virus. Can you please tell us if there is any truth to this?
There is also another crazy rumor going around that eating your boogers especially if you believe you have been around the virus could give you immunity.
Mucus in the respiratory tract acts to trap dust and other particles so that they do not reach the specialized lung tissue. It won’t help. It’s also unhygienic.
Hello Ahmad,
Usually, when something sounds preposterous, it probably is.
The fact is, body temperature, even lung temperature is tightly regulated.
It is true that steam sometimes helps to decongest the nostrils if used carefully. It is also true that heat can destroy the viral particle, however, it is not true that inhaled steam can kill the virus.
The heat required to destroy the virus will also kill human cells. This simply means it will hurt you. Another factor is time, for the virus to be destroyed you may need temperatures of 65-85°C (149-185°F)or more for 30-60minutes depending on the temperature; the effect on the virus is time-dependent. Such temperatures are enough to cause 2nd or 3rd degree burns to the skin in only 1-2 seconds! Imagine what they will do to the delicate tissue in your lungs and respiratory tract!
In short, there is no truth to these practices and please do not attempt them because you may seriously injure yourself. Handwashing with water and soap is the best you can do or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Thanks.
My blood type is A+ should I take more precautions? And why are people with blood type at more risk.
Hi Amy,
A study entitled “Relationship between the ABO Blood Group and COVID-19 Susceptibility” was published by researchers in Wuhan. From 2,173 patients with CoV-2-SARS (COVID-19 virus), it was calculated that people with blood type A had a mortality rate of 20% higher than people with other blood types even with age and gender accounted for.
This is not a new finding; it’s only new in the context of the current outbreak. It has been known since the 2003 SARS outbreak that blood group A people have increased mortality if infected.
It’s important to note that the study does not say blood group A is susceptible to infection. It only says they are more likely than other blood groups to have a poor outcome.
The reason has to do with the presence of anti-A antibodies (absent in group A and AB patients). These antibodies are present in other blood groups (B and O) and interfere with the virus binding to cell receptors on human cells.
The researchers recommended that “Blood type A patients infected with CoV-2-SARS should be monitored with extra vigilance”.
I would advise that you take the recommended precautions and protect yourself just like everyone should. What is known of preventive measures applies to anyone even people with blood type A+. Thanks.
Could it be possible that this virus has been circulating for a while and it just triggered the WHO sensors recently? Also there are rumors that in china far more people have died than they are saying. The info coming out is contradictory. They kept telling us the virus is no big deal now they are shutting down everything.
Hello,
True, coronaviruses have been around with us for a while but the current one is different.
WHO keeps surveillance data on infections and we get worried when suddenly there is a sharp rise in the number of people suffering from the same condition. If it were only a few isolated cases, we probably would have never known about the virus. The challenge is that we are getting a large number of cases all over the world.
It can be a bit tricky to rely on data from China because the procedures that we take for granted are politicized to some extent. But if we look at data from the U.S, Spain and Italy, we can now better appreciate the scale of the problem. In the U.S, the number of cases and deaths is on the increase and our hope is that it peaks soon so that we can start to see fewer and fewer new cases.
The crucial thing to do now is to protect yourself and your family to the best of your ability by following all precautionary measures. Thanks and Stay Safe.
If a person gets this virus and recovers will they end up with scarred lungs? Is this more likely for smokers?
Hi Paco,
“If a person gets this virus and recovers will they end up with scarred lungs?”
Possibly, though the majority of people who get infected only experience mild symptoms. These patients recover completely with normal lung function.
Pneumonia is the disease process in those who develop severe illness. Although the evidence is not sufficient, fibrosis was discovered in some deceased patients during autopsy. This means that a person who had developed severe illness due to COVID-19 virus may have permanent damage. Also remember that the virus will damage different sections of the lung, leaving other parts intact. However, it is difficult to tell whether such damage would be functionally noticeable.
“Is this more likely for smokers?”
Yes. Smokers are at increased risk of infection and are more likely to develop severe illness because of the already reduced lung function. Also, some smokers have underlying lung problems such as bronchitis or emphysema, so lung capacity is already compromised.
WHO advises that smokers take measures to quit and I would recommend the same. Thanks
By the way thank you Gilmore health for allowing us to ask a doctor about this pandemic diseases.
Is the loss of smell caused by coronavirus permanent? How long before you get your smell back? Generally if you have a cold you can’t smell either why is this different?
Hi Dave,
My apologies for the delayed response.
There are indications to suggest that the loss of smell associated with COVID-19 is only temporary, lasting for about 2 weeks on average. It seems to be due to the inflammation of the nasal passages and associated nerve endings caused by the virus. This is in some way similar to what happens when one has the flu.
Thanks.
Can you please explain how this TB vaccine the BCG works against the coronavirus. Where can we get vaccinated here in the US? this article is from gilmore Heath https://www.gilmorehealth.com/tuberculosis-vaccine-bcg-could-help-the-immune-system-fight-the-coronavirus/
Hello Khaled,
My answer is quite long but I hope this makes sense.
The BCG vaccine is used only in some parts of the world where tuberculosis (TB) is common. It is usually given routinely to babies at birth; France, many African countries, India, etc. It is not used for routine vaccination in the U.S.
The vaccine works by “strengthening” the immune system. Without getting into detail; the vaccine is made up of live attenuated bacteria. So the TB bacteria are actually alive but weakened! When injected intradermally (in the skin), the immune system mounts a response against the bacteria (the immune system doesn’t “know” that it’s weakened, harmless bacteria). This response is like training, in case of exposure to the real bacteria. When exposed to the real TB bacteria, the immune system response is swift and robust because of memory cells.
This “training” makes the immune system to be resilient against most other pathogens because there is a very similar pattern of response to almost all pathogens.
You would not readily get it in the U.S. I would not recommend getting vaccinated for the purposes of COVID-19 prevention because the vaccine is still being studied for this application.
Thanks.
I am suffering from lupus and have been using chloroquine for 3 years it did wonders for me. I am from Dakar senegal and it seems that the medicine is no longer available because people are buying it to treat coronavirus. Will not getting this medication as a lupus sufferer increase my risks for coronavirus also? an what about my lupus how long can I not get the medication before the lupus gets bad?
Hi Ahmadu,
Sorry to hear about your condition.
Will not getting this medication as a lupus sufferer increase my risks for coronavirus?
Everyone is at risk of COVID-19. However, it is likely that you may be at increased risk of severe illness if you do get infected. Note that there is limited actual evidence on this. Protect yourself by following the recommended measures.
how long can I not get the medication before lupus gets bad?
Note that Lupus is a complex condition and different patients experience differing severity of symptoms. How long it takes also depends on what other medications you are taking for lupus; corticosteroids, immunosuppressives or cytotoxic drugs. If for one reason or another you are only using chloroquine, then if you stop treatment, unfortunately, lupus may flare-up within a matter of days.
I would advise you to talk to your physician for alternative antimalarial drugs.
I hope this helped, thanks.
I am 59 I have 2 kids 16 and 21 are they at risk?
Hi,
Unfortunately, everyone is at risk of infection at this point. I encourage you to take all necessary precautions and recommended protective measures in your area until the outbreak passes. Stay Safe, Thanks.
Dr Tampiwa thank you for taking the time to manage this website you guys are doing a great job. I have a question about is this corona virus really worth all this reaction. shutting down the world! last time I heard hunger is way worst. not being able to work to feed ones family. we get the flu every year thousands of people die why is this any different?
Hello,
Thanks, we are glad to help and let you know you are not alone.
I do agree, at first it may seem like we are overreacting towards COVID-19. However, If you look at the number of cases and deaths in different parts of the world, you will realize that there is a real problem. Granted, this pandemic probably does not make it into the top 10 of the world’s worst pandemics but if left unchecked, it has the potential to do damage over and above what has already happened. The alternative to shutting down and restricting movement looks to be high risk; if we do nothing, we may really regret it later.
Your point on hunger is valid. There are hundreds of other things that kill people every day; in fact, by the time I finish writing this answer, thousands of people around the world would have died in circumstances unrelated to coronavirus, but we always try to help the best we can. Our best efforts may never be enough, but it beats just folding our arms.
COVID-19 is different from the flu in many ways; it’s killing thousands in a short period of time over the entire world! Thousands of people are currently dying every day. Theoretically, this has the potential to wipe-out the world. That is why we seem to be overeating. There is a real urgency.
I keep reading that eventually most people will get this virus no matter what. Why then are governments destroying the world economy. And is it true that only vaccines can end this?
Hi Larry,
Yes, it is predicted that 20-60% of adults may eventually get infected with the COVID-19 virus.
The reason for stringent measures is to slow down the rate of infection. If we allow nature to have its way, we are going to have millions of people getting sick at the same time. Imagine 20% of the U.S population getting sick all within a month! That would be a disaster. The health care system is already overwhelmed as it is.
So, the lockdowns, quarantines, isolations and curfews are meant to slow down the infection.
Vaccines will certainly be a huge relief and it would save a lot of lives.
If we assume that immunity is long-lived after someone recovers from COVID-19, yes, even without a vaccine, the pandemic may still wane-out but a lot of people would have died by the time that happens.
Thanks.
Hello Dr Tampiwa, My wife is taking Methotrexate for her rheumatoid arthritis it is working for her but she still has some pain. We are worried especially during this corona pandemic that she is more at risk for complications since Methotrexate is an immuno-suppessant. Shoud she stop taking it and just take pain killers until the pandemic is over or are there other better options? rheumatoid arthritis is painful but still is not as fatal as coronavirus in a person with a weakened immune system.
Hello Hassan,
I am sorry to hear about your wife’s condition. I know that rheumatoid arthritis is a very difficult condition to deal with for patients.
I do not recommend stopping medication as a preventive measure against COVID-19.
I do understand that methotrexate affects the immune system; however, it’s also important to realize that methotrexate is a disease-modifying drug that helps to control inflammation and to reduce the risk of permanent joint damage and disability.
Proper follow up with your physician is important; to do blood tests (white blood cells e.t.c), this is what will guide treatment. If the white cells fall too low then her physician may recommend other treatments.
I advise that your wife take all necessary precautions and recommendations to prevent infection with the COVID-19 virus. Thank you.
according to this article https://www.gilmorehealth.com/mechanical-ventilation-in-covid-19-patients-associated-with-high-fatality-rate/ Ventilators may be doing more harm than good. what are your thoughts on this?
Hi Samar,
Indeed there is evidence that COVID-19 patients on ventilators have a high mortality compared to other groups of patients. Usually, mortality for patients on ventilators is around 50% or so, but for COVID-19, it’s in the 70’s and 80%.
My thoughts; we must understand that mechanical ventilation is not a totally harmless procedure and it requires very delicate fine-tuning for it to work for patients. I believe there is much more we are yet to learn about the pathology (disease process) of COVID-19 and as such even the ventilation protocol is not perfect yet.
So, in conclusion, I think the problem is not necessarily with the ventilator but with how and when the ventilator is used. Thanks.
I am 80 years old and still active. In 1994, I had a total laryngectomy (now a neck breather). I wear a foam stoma protector at all times and normally have clothing over that.Would I be considered more or less at risk than a normal breather . What other precautions can I take. Thanks
Hello Karl,
Please my apologies for the delayed response.
It is commendable that you are in your 80’s and still active, I am glad to hear that. I can’t ascertain empirically that you are at increased risk because of the stoma. It well may be the case given that when you breathe in, the air is not filtered via the nasal passages. So you lose that physical defense barrier.
I will advise that you follow the normal stoma care routine and over and above that, to strictly follow the recommended preventive measures, yes including using a mask when going out. Thanks.
Is there a greater risk for me to get a stronger form with complications of CoVid 19. I am a hypertonia patient and I was taking ACE-blocker but and had to stop ACE-blocker medication because of side effects (very similar to Covid 19 Symptomes)? Now I am taking another anti-hypertonia drug. Are there any reports in literature about this issue? Do I have less ACE2 receptors in the lung, could it be the reason for side effects like prolonged periods of coughing, bronchospasms and even pneumonia under ACE-blocker therapy?
Are there signs that Covid-19 could be a sexually transmissible disease? The ACE2 and ACE2-receptor System is very important in the reproductive tract? ACE2 is in high concentrations in ejaculate, it is reported as an important factor of fertility
Good Morning Dr. in my family we are having persons that suffer from the Kennedy Disease. And today we received this information:
Dear friends hello to everyone, I turn you around for knowledge an interesting post published on the website fb of Kennedy disease UK. It is a hypothesis for now but it is still interesting:
“Hello everyone. I had my annual appointment with Dr. Carlos Rinaldi last Friday, albeit on the phone rather than in person at the Neuromuscular Center KD Clinic. He told me some interesting facts about the Corona virus and the effects on patients with KD. At the moment it’s just a theory, but since we already have a faulty gene, and as far as the androgen receptor is concerned, it seems that the virus would find it difficult to fully adhere to our cells. If we adhere to and contract the Corona virus, our symptoms may not be as severe. He said that if the theory is correct, then we may have less to worry about than people who easily get the virus in full swing. He asked me to pass it on to all of you and asked all patients with KD who had Corona virus to get in touch with him for study purposes. . If you want to participate in this study, let us know. This is only for those with KD and confirmed to have had Corona Virus. This also applies to carriers if they have had a positive Corona test result. Best wishes to all of you.
To my knowledge it sound a bit weird that a deficiency in the Genes could make one less sicck from the covid19 -infection.
Do you have any insights into this matter, please?