I also heard yesterday they have tests to tell you now ... if you have contracted this virus ... I believe their being sent out as I speak ... that is also great ... 5 to 13 min you will no... and not sure how the pills are going to work but some say they felt better ... then the injections might come sooner ... thats a ? of how long ... but the test awesome !\



what I heard the other day where unexplained ...

some of these patients in hospitals ...where showing good signs of getting better... then all of a sudden ...they just passed away ...

I believe the Doc and Nurses where surprised at that also ...

Humm the test takes 10 days once tested to see if you have the Virus.. My daughter works at a Clinic...

They have had these test just did not have enough of them to check everyone.. Even tho they have some now not all get tested.. For they still don't have a full supply of the test.

The meds they are using that is helping others are meds that was taken for other medical issues... One of the pills was actually taken for Malaria that seems to be helping a lot of people.

The injections they are talking about is more like a flu shot to help keep you from getting it as bad but nothing totally prevents one from getting it..

Testing for covid ...

The standard test currently is a respiratory viral swab which is sent to the lab and results can be available within 24 hrs of processing . There have been issues with false negatives where individuals have tested negative on initial testing only to retest positive on subsequent tests but on the whole the test has helped to diagnose millions of covid infections . One of the main issues is not the test itself but the criteria countries are using to decide who is tested . In my country the criteria for testing was a recent travel history with covid symptoms or contact with a person known to be infected with covid . .. leaving the majority of those with or without symptoms untested . How can community spread be determined and controlled with such a poor indication of prevalence !!

Yesterday the criteria was changed (In nz) and now anyone with symptoms can be tested .

The new rapid tests ..., As Kristi said , use a blood specimen to test for exposure to the virus . There are already concerns about the reliability of this test and in what circumstances use of the testing kit would be appropriate .

https://thespinoff.co.nz/science/31-03-2020/covid-19-what-difference-can-the-new-fast-turnaround-blood-tests-make/?amp

As for The pills ?? And the vaccines
Are you Able to post links mystical ???

If you are talking about hydroxychloroquine (antimalarial ) . Using it as an antiviral treatment is deemed an off licence use .. meaning it has not been clinically tested or approved for such use . We do not know the effects , complications or toxicity associated with using it at the higher doses required for covid treatment or the effects when combined with the myriad of other drugs also being used Clinical trials are currently underway around the globe to try and determine the efficacy and safety .

What we do know... is that this medication can cause the heart to beat erratically which can lead to sudden cardiac death .

It is approved /Regulated for use as an antimalarial or to treat rheumatoid arthritis . Any other use is “experimental “ and carries risk .

There are already growing concerns that those reliant on the medication will not have access it .. due to global covid demands .

As for a vaccine .. there are no vaccines available for covid . There is some hope that using the blood (antibodies) of an infected person who has recovered will help provide immunity . Again .. experimental .. no testing available . Clinical trials are there for a reason .. safety and to understand the short /long term effects . To unleash something without adequate testing will do more harm than good .

Thanks for the extra info Blondey111... what many don't realize is just cause these meds have been working that work for other illness they don't think about the added problems they could lead too..

Without the full knowledge of this Virus it will take a a while in order to find out what will work..and create a shot or meds for it..

As far as the test coming back within 24 hours that may be true but due to the back log it is taking from 3-4 days up to 10 days to get the results back here.. I personally know a little 3 year old that just spent 5 days in the hospital due to she just had open heart surgery a couple months ago and came down sick and they thought it was the Coronavirus.. They got out of the hospital yesterday and just go their test results as negative to the Coronavirus today~~~

I would not be surprised that someone seemed to be getting better and then suddenly passed away . I have seen it many times in patients with sepsis , infection and multi organ failure . I have also seen it in seemingly healthy individuals . There is no one reason why sudden death happens but I can think of a few scenarios ..,

-Using experimental treatments could be a contributing factor . This is happening in an attempt to treat a virus for which there is currently no cure .

-Fluctuating Viral load /virulence . .

-Pre-existing comorbidities

-Secondary bacterial infections

-Acid/base disturbance leading to electrolyte imbalance and cardiac arrhythmia .

-Often cardiac causes are implicated in Sudden death . There is clinical understanding that covid affects the ace2 enzyme and receptor sites which regulate cardiac and renal function .

Without knowing the therapies implemented , clinical course and health history .. it is challenging to determine what contributed . There are very few absolutes in the early stages of dealing with the unknown .

the demand for testing will worsen .... As you say .. the laboratories are overwhelmed too.

I am glad you understand the concerns surrounding medications and experimental drugs /vaccines . Drug toxicity is a major concern ., compromising clinical safety trials will cause more harm than good

As for the wee girl .. such a huge ordeal for her and her family . Hope she is safe and recovering well .

Yea I just know even when my Dr gives me any kind of meds I google to see what the side effects could be ect.. I don't take anything without checking so I know what to look for just in case..

As far as for Lola~~she is home and a ball of spit fire she is the cutest thing.. The riding group I'm in had just went to her house a couple months ago. We all pitched in material or money to fix her Tree-house, before all this stuff came up we all went to repair her Tree House for her since she pretty much has to stay away from people due to her Heart conditions and her surgeries...

For now we are all following her progress through facebook... They said first thing this morning she was begging to go play in her Tree house I assure you her tree-house I would sleep in hahaha We still have more work that needs done to finish it, but for now her papa is working on it to finish it.....

On deaths

From what I've read it seems (here at least) the deaths are 'related to' or 'triggered' by coronavirus, not directly from the virus itself.

Deaths reported seem to be from patients with compromised health already.
The virus triggered failure of a body already compromised.
It explains why there are so many deaths among the elderly populations.

I read the virus feels like you are drowning, elderly often have respiratory issues. Anyone who has ever had severe sinus drainage know that long duration constant coughing really taxes your vitality. Look at Nyquil and Dayquil sales.

Right now, MS has drive-thru testing where they take a nose swab while you remain in your car. When I went to the VA last week, the testing at the gate was merely a few pointed questions and I was passed thru. Not tests were made.
My dr never asked about the virus or if I had any symptoms.

This is a worldwide affliction.
I can't understand, with our current technology and communication network, why all medical facilities are not in alignment on this?

a ray of light in the face of adversity . That is adorable kristi ., the joy and courage of children is contagious thanks so much for sharing . Lovely to hear she is doing well well done for your efforts and contributions to the playhouse such a loving gesture .

I blame governments for the lack of cohesion tom . There seems to be inconsistent directives regarding testing eligibility that can account for some of that incongruemce . That was certainly what happened in. Italy . Trump s leadership is no doubt behind many of the inconsistencies in your country . He seems to be in denial about the gravity of the situation . His rationale about how govt has Victoriously lowered the anticipated death rate is arrogant and selfeffacing . He sees it as a victory that only 200, 000 will die . What planet is he from.

In these United States the government is supposed to be the will of the people.
It never was supposed to be Trump's USA. Or Obama's or any other president.

For a first world country like mine, our government is bloated and mismanaged but the thing is, the people who tolerate it and are ultimately affected by it are the actual cause.

Communication is worldwide.
The people affected are worldwide.
The world medical population is composed of people but regulated by government.
In the free world countries, money for support to medical systems must first be released by the government.
The release is also controlled by people, people who compose the government.
These government people also have access to worldwide communication.

With the wealth of a nation, if a need arises that affects the mortality of the population and measures are known that can slow, stop or cure it, it is the responsibility of every person affected to do everything possible to make it so.

Power and greed are preventing the medical communities from doing what needs to be done and the people affected are doing little to rectify that situation.
So, this minor outbreak is turning into a major problem.

If there is a test that works, why isn't it global knowledge?
If there is a shot that works why is it not in mass production and distribution?
If there is no fix available why is it not being researched by every soul available?
Worldwide there are some VERY smart medical minds. Why are they not pooling together globally? Is it because those smart minds want their discoveries to be credited to them for fame?

Human beings make absolutely no sense to me.
During WW2 we brought our nation together to mass produce weapons of war but when a virus threatens to decimate our loved ones we bicker and stall.

The new test for the corona virus was unveiled yesterday by one of the major testing manufacturers. It is a small portable piece of equipment that can conduct the test in under 15 minutes. Manufacturing is in progress and they expect to provide the new test equipment next week. You are right that the limit on the current testing methods are the limits in the labs.

The malaria drugs being considered are being administered in New York in the medical facilities for very ill people. While it is not the standard evaluation because there is not a control group receiving a placebo. It will be evaluated in the field to see if it helps in some way. Eventually further evaluation may be required.

The 100-200k deaths from the virus is from projections by the health professionals. Those numbers are based on best outcomes with the existing guidelines. The numbers from not following the guidelines where over 2 million deaths. Most of that reduction is based on the public's reaction to the guidelines. We must remember these are computer generated results with a number of assumptions. They will have a better understanding when the new cases reach the peak of the curve.

There seems to be a number of problems with getting this under control.
A failure of some people and groups to abide by the social distancing guidelines. Some areas are now arresting people for violating the guidelines.

Another problem is people just not understanding what is going on and how to limit their exposure. Things like washing your hands with soap & water, maintaining separation between people, and limiting travel.

Another problem is those who are in a hot spot and migrate to other much lesser infected areas. Some will bring the virus with them. Some states are now enforcing quarantine protocols on people coming into their states. If should be noted the virus has a rather short life expectancy when not in an infected person.

it is not a minor outbreak tom ., perhaps that kind of perception is the true basis of the problem.

We do have a test that has successfully diagnosed hundreds of thousands of infections There is global demand and competition for that test But as we have seen with most things in health ., the product availability is only half the problem . Testing facilities and staff is the other.

There is a great deal of shared scientific and medical collaboration happening throughout the world ., not just in attempts to understand the virus but to treat and reduce its impact . I have access to multiple such databases and that collaborative effort is definitely happening .

If the power truly lies with the people they need to make their voices heard .
.

hi old kid ... very good summary :-)

As I am sure you know ... the epidemiology modelling was a form of risk assessment .., based on initial spread and replication of the virus . Early figures showed cases were doubling every three days and tracing showed the number of Actual spread from one case . I have seen how they reached the anticipated figures in the modelling report and it is mind boggling lol. The figures released may never eventuate but any risk planning has to include a worst case scenario. The modelling report certainly served as a catalyst for government action. The level of action however has been variable .

Then we have public perception ...from the onset the virus was downplayed both interns of infectiveness and impact . The world pretty much stood by and observed what was happening in China ., feeling somewhat safe in their own global bubble . There were considerable misconceptions and the media certainly played its part in that process . The early medical information targeted the elderly .. young adults and infants/children did not appear to have the same risk . That has changed .. we know they can be infected ., the virus does not discriminate . They do however seem genetically better able to respond . Nonetheless , there have been serious hospital admissions across all demographics . I can Certainly relate to why covid19 was not given the respect or attention early on that it deserved.

Reports are still saying uk and USA are two weeks behind Italy. I hope the modelling reports never manifest into reality . We should not rely on statistics to be our main incentive .. what is happening in terms of health .. economics and endeavours needed to contain covid19 is visible and real .

I spent a few hours grocery shopping today.
Figuring I would do my shopping before the 1st of the month rush.
The store had the normal number of people but more distance between.
The checkouts were sparse (no lines).
Of all the people I saw today only one 20-something Asian girl was wearing gloves and facemask.

The store shelves were barren, picked clean for the most part.
Absolutely no toilet paper at all. Napkins and paper towels okay.
Quantity limits were in place for bread products. No eggs, lunch meat or bacon.
Only family packs of meat were available, plenty of chicken barely any beef.
Freezers and coolers were picked clean.

Every kart I saw was full (including mine). I spent $340 but I bought a lot of meat and canned goods. I usually spend around $200. I still have stuff I need to get on my list so I'm not done yet. Plus, my landlord was closed so couldn't pay rent.

Aside from separation of karts nobody, including the store staff seemed concerned. I noticed people grabbing karts from the parking lot.

If I didn't know better I would think its just another day.

Tom, that's different than here in NW Arkansas. Went to Walmart Thursday and they had associates sanitizing carts. Not much yet for social distancing. I do understand they are making changes to their check out lanes. They also are providing PPE for check outs who want them; also considering making some of the aisles one-way. Locally here, the local grocery has had disinfectant wipes for carts for months. They have removed some of the entry displays to make more space. Today I noticed they had removed one of the checkout lanes and closed another to make more distance. Signs all over the store reminding people about the 6 foot social distancing. All the churches are closed as well as bars and restaurants. The public seems to be taking it serious here.

Meanwhile in nz lol

Supermarkets have a cordoned off entry lane ... shoppers are advised to maintain Social distancing while waiting in line . Only one shopper per family (no groups .. no couples .. no children etc ). There is a policy of one in /one out .. so limited number can be in store at any one time . Process is overseen by staff .

Sanitation station in foyer for hands and to wipe down trolleys .

Reminders about items with restricted purchasing limits and asking people not to panic buy , shop normally and be kind .

In store social distancing.

Checkouts have new Perspex screens installed to protect operator (some stores are still waiting for this to be rolled out). Operators disinfect conveyor belts etc and have hand gel at their station .

Shoppers need to pack their own shopping and are encouraged to maintain hand hygiene / wipe down products and only to handle products they intend to purchase .

Use of payWave encouraged . No cash payments .

Reduced hours to allow stores to restock .

We also have a govt initiated price-watch were consumers can send receipts or queries if concerns over pricing . During the first week of lockdown there were concerns supermarkets had increased pricing on many items and were not passing on usual discounts /specials .

Supermarkets also offer online shopping ...prioritised for senior citizens .

Announced this week that supermarkets would be closed on Good Friday but Could trade on Easter Sunday .. again to assist restocking .

Shoppers are reminded it is an essential services To limit visits and maintain lockdown isolation .

Supermarket staff were acknowledged and thanked for their important frontline role . 10% Pay increase . Additional staff employed . .

So far so good

Just got an email from my electric company
Mississippi Power

*We are temporarily suspending convenience fees for customers who are paying online using a debit or credit card during the COVID-19 outbreak. If you incur a fee via your payment method, you will receive a $2.25 credit on your account.

I prefer to pay my bills by check in person.
Now I have to transfer that money to my card account.
I have a check only account, a card only account and a savings account.

USAA prefers electronic pay but I print the bill and mail my payment.

If this continues I might need to just kill my check account, that pisses me awf.

One of the things that has most disgusted me
during this, is the blatant lack of testing.

For example, in the state of Texas, per capita,
only 124 people out of every 100,000, have been
tested.

Per capita rates differ for each state.

There are local/regional reports, that testing
has even been denied, to some with early symptoms.