COVID-19 Myth Busters

Unfortunately Chuck Norris’ tears cannot cure cancer or coronavirus -- because he never cries. 

The World Health Organization and Johns Hopkins are among reputable sources for accurate medical information refuting unproven treatment myths. CDC guidance appears to be evolving.

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are typically used to treat malaria and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Small clinical trials suggest these medicines may be helpful in treating hospitalized patients with COVID-19 though more study is needed to verify. To date there is no scientific evidence these medications might be effective for prevention of coronavirus.

Since President Trump began touting these medicines during white house press conferences, demand has increased, outpacing current supply. People who rely on these medications to manage pre-existing health conditions are now having difficulty getting the treatment they need, prompting the president to pressure India to allow exports.

Although Trump family members and associates reportedly have a small financial interest in Sanofi pharma, most sources downplay the possibility of a financial motive for the president’s support of anti-malarial meds. It is more likely Trump heard about early drug trials and is optimistically hoping for a magic pill miracle cure.

The Cure is an awesome band. However, there is currently no cure for coronavirus.

The side effects of anti-malarial medicines can be serious, including irregular heart rhythms, which has led cautious doctors to stop administering controversial meds to coronavirus patients. 

Sadly, more than half of critical care coronavirus patients placed on ventilators have died. These ICU patients appear to have succumbed from severe inflammation of their lungs brought on by an overreaction of their immune system. To keep the inflammation in check, a doctor is developing an experimental protocol of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids in combination with high dose ascorbic acid vitamin C. It's experimental so not sure if/when this therapy might be proven or disproven. 

#NowYouKnow #TheMoreYouKnow

In the spirit of spreading happy, positive, and/or silly vibes:  

• John Krasinski surprised young fan with OG Hamilton cast reunion. 
• Serena Williams reacts to encounter with alligator. 
• Boy wears shark costume, sneaks out to see friends. 

Daily pandemic update:  

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom defended the agency's handling of the pandemic after US President Donald Trump threatened to cut funding and accused the WHO of being "China-centric". The US continues to be the world focal point with infections surging past 400,000. 

Half of all confirmed cases worldwide are in Europe. Spain's number of daily coronavirus deaths slowed after two days of increase as 683 people succumbed in 24 hours, taking the country's total to 15,238. The UK recorded its highest daily death toll at 938, bringing the number of total coronavirus-linked fatalities to 7,097.

Malaysia reported 109 new coronavirus infections, raising its cumulative total to 4,228 cases as Southeast Asia's third-largest economy grapples with the highest number of infections in the region. Wuhan began allowing people to leave for the first time since the central Chinese city was sealed off 76 days ago to contain the coronavirus that first emerged there late last year.   Aljazeera.com timeline  

9 Apr 2020	Cases		Deaths		Recovered
11:07 GMT*	Yesterday	Today	Yesterday	Today	Yesterday	Today
World	1,446,981	1,529,640	83,090	89,418	308,653	337,164
US	400,549	435,160	12,857	14,797	21,711	22,891
NY	142,384	151,079	5,489	6,269	15,592	15,927
CT	7,781	8,781	277	335	0	0
NC	3,348	3,577	58	68	190	210

*Documenting time of day because real time data updates continuously.

Tracking specific states:  NY is US epicenter, son Reid lives in CT, and I live in NC. 

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/     https://www.coronainusa.com/  

A moment of silence for those we’ve lost to coronavirus, including the first 100 in the US.

In the news:

• US death rates are lower than originally projected due to successful mitigation compliance. Most people are staying at home and physical distancing is working. However, coronavirus kills an American every 45 seconds as country records highest daily death toll yet. 
• US intelligence may have been warned in November that coronavirus spreading in China could be 'cataclysmic event'; NCMI director denied this claim. 
• Nurse’s video shows people can still spread germs while wearing gloves. 
• Novant Health becoming clinical trial site for COVID-19 patients in NC Triad.
• Lily Insulin Value Program offers $35 co-pay.
• Bernie Sanders ended his campaign, clearing path for Joe Biden.
• OH Senator Sherrod Brown praised OH republican governor’s actions, criticized Trump administration.
• NYC virus deaths exceed toll of 9/11 terror attacks. Delays and unheeded warnings hindered NY response. Drone video showed NY Hart Island mass burials.
• TX doctor who prescribed hydroxychloroquine for 27 nursing home patients is a member of the RNC and on the advisory board for Black Voices for Trump.
• Rebellion in Idaho threatens to undermine coronavirus mitigation efforts.
• UK PM Boris Johnson responding to treatment in ICU, upgraded to stable condition.
• Paris bans daytime outdoor exercises.
• India lifts export ban on hydroxychloroquine after Trump warns of 'retaliation'.
• World Health Org cautioned against politicizing the virus.

Following Kenny Beck’s lead to share a few signs of hope:

• Native American healing dance offers comfort during outbreak.
• Winston Salem woman joins national movement to provide temporary housing to COVID-19 medical professionals.
• Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard launched a virtual camp for kids.
• Couple loaned RV to nurse with immunocompromised family.
• Virtually volunteer to help others from home.  

In my personal life… 

Wednesday marked the final day of Greg’s 6 day staycation which was not at all a vacation because he was on call the entire time so he couldn't go anywhere or do anything fun. He went back to work Thursday, will be off Good Friday and Easter weekend, then back to work Monday. I’ve enjoyed him being home with me and have been pleasantly surprised we didn't get on each others nerves much during the past week. 

Reid and I chatted on the phone for about an hour. He is adjusting to life with Lauren’s family and is happy being with them. He said he does not yet feel excitement about graduation because he is too busy with school work and writing papers. I’m hopeful he will feel less stressed and more joyful next month.