03/19/2020
In light of the widespread ongoing conversations regarding the virus, also known as the , I would like to give this audience a background on it, give you my take on it, how to prevent worsening symptoms if you do suspect you or someone you know may have contracted it.
➕ Coronaviruses: The family of viruses gets their name due to the shape of the virus itself. They have a round structure with a distinct “halo” around it from the glycoproteins that surround the single-stranded spherical ball of genetic RNA or DNA string. It ironically resembles a very recognizable object; Sea mines from World War II with its round shape and surrounding spikes.
Viruses are non-bacterial pathogens which need a host to replicate. Once they infect the host, the viruses take over the individuals cells by manipulating its replication mechanism. The virus can then make multiple versions of itself. There are around 5000 species which have been identified, some more virulent than others. In most cases, the affected individual begins to develop antibodies against the virus, and eventually is able to eliminate the virus. The tougher viruses that cause flu-like symptoms are better combatted with vaccines in which the recipient of the vaccine can artificially develop immunity without risking the development of life-threatening symptoms before successfully developing antibodies against the virus.
➕ How Viruses Spread: can survive for a short time outside of the host, however, and this is how it is spread. In nature, viruses can be transferred from vehicles such as pollen, sap, f***l matter, saliva, skin scales, and hair. The more densely populated a community, the greater chance a large population of individuals may pick up the virus and become susceptible to infection. Here are some facts to remember with their respective solutions:
Coronaviruses are spread through TOUCH: In the human population, Coronaviruses tend to spread by touching food, tables, chairs, utensils, door k***s, money etc. Solution: Wear gloves. You can use cleaning products, but in the end, if you are in public, the best way to avoid contact with a contaminated surface is wearing gloves. They do not have to be medical gloves with a waterproof barrier. If they are fabric, they do however, have to have a weave which is tight enough not to see the fingers through the weave, or thick enough so that the fabric is not see-through. You can't clean every surface you touch, but you can limit your exposure to it.
Wearing a Mask is only necessary if YOU test positive or suspect you may have the Coronavirus: The dissemination of the coronaviruses by coughing and sputum droplets is limited. Therefore, face masks do not protect you from getting infected. You still need to make sure you wash your hands after touching public property. However, when used by the patient who does have the Coronavirus, it DOES limit the spread because it limits any saliva droplets which may exit the mouth when coughing. Wearing a mask even if you do not have symptoms serves more as a form of reassurance to those around you that they do not have to question your health status.
➕ Complications from the Coronavirus: We are finding the disease is often fatal when the viral infection is complicated by secondary BACTERIAL INFECTION. The bacterial infection generates high levels of cytokines, including TNF- alpha, which cause blood vessels and cell membranes to leak fluid into the lungs, thus flooding the lungs with . This is an ideal environment for bacteria to proliferate, and the Patient often develops pneumonia.
It is more difficult for elderly people, patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes, renal disease or internal malignancy, who are prone to elevated levels of TNF-alpha. These patients tend to experience more serious outcomes when infected by Covid-19, particularly when secondarily infected by bacteria. Knowing how be reactive when they develop symptoms is especially important in their case.
➕ How to Prevent Worsening Symptoms: Until we develop a vaccine for this particularly contagious strain of Coronavirus, Covid-19, I highly suggest taking measures to not only prevent the spread of the virus, but recognizing when symptoms are worsening, and knowing what to do immediately if your symptoms begin to worsen. This advice applies to any flu-like symptoms you may develop in your lifetime, not just the Coronavirus. People worldwide have succumb to the , especially the elderly. The most difficult symptom to overcome with viral infection is respiratory illness.
Taking cough suppressant or anti-mucus medications may be especially helpful, as it prevents that “productive” cough that results in thinning of the mucus to help it flow better, therefore somewhat discouraging . Medications such as guaifenesin (Mucinex), an expectorant, can be found over the counter. Another type of common medication is decongestive nasal sprays. Make sure you read the labels carefully to make sure you are not taking any medications which may be contraindicative. You may ask your doctor if you are unsure. There are also a host of holistic options, many of which have not been definitely proven as effective, but they have been used for decades: Salt water gargles, v***r rubs, eucalyptus oil, and ingestion of spicy foods with .
If you find your chest is feeling heavy, and you have difficulty breathing, and your Sputum (mucus from the throat and nose) has a funny taste or appears yellow or green, you are most likely developing bacterial infection. If parts of the body begin to swell, and become painful, you have a high temperature and chills, I highly suggest you do not allow these symptoms to go on for more than TWO OR THREE DAYS. In the interest of preventing respiratory infection, I believe it is necessary in this case to see your doctor for a course of *. There are many types, and some are better at treating respiratory infections. Do not use antibiotics unless you know you are not allergic to them. Once your doctor approves the use, this is a very EFFECTIVE way of controlling the secondary bacterial infection which tends to be more dangerous than the virus itself.
*Antibiotics: Many doctors are hesitant to prescribe them, and many people are hesitant to take them or allow their children to take them. In my personal opinion, if the Patient is worsening to the point where you feel more aggressive measures need to be employed, I strongly feel the Covid-19 outbreak should be one of those times in which the advantages of taking antibiotics clearly outweighs the disadvantages.
Please share this article with anyone who needs to know how to be proactive during this Coronavirus outbreak.
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In light of the widespread ongoing conversations regarding the virus, also known as the , I would like to give this audience a background on it, give you my take on it, how to prevent worsening symptoms if you do suspect you or someone you know may have contracted it. Coronavir
