Three Thoughts Plus One Did You Know?
- Two weeks of social distancing and closing some businesses will slow the progression, however, will not stop the transmission of COVID-19. It does create additional time for hospitals to prepare for those most ill to have access to care and to delivery of services. I would not be surprised if home quarantines were mandated especially in areas of high penetrance of the virus. Prepare accordingly with food items that are non-perishable and can be utilized or donated if not used.
- The Task Force eluded to the early data from Italy that this is not just a disease for the elderly to require hospitalization or critical care services, however, the median age for mortality is still 80 in their initial epidemiology. However, I would expect this number to decrease with time as the elderly adhere to messaging and younger age groups reflect an evolving response to their risks. Chronic illness considered in the epidemiology from China included cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, hypertension , and cancer.[1] Utilize tele-health services as much as possible with management of each of these conditions.
- A recent study[2] looked at the viability of the virus on surfaces and found and in light of this would wipe down mail or deliveries with appropriate disinfectants:
- Air droplets can remain viable for up to 3 hours
- Copper for up to 4 hours
- Cardboard for up to 24 hours
- Plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours
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Did you know that research into laughter reveals that it improves
the immune response and burns 50 calories in 10 to 15 minutes?
We Fail Forward. We Fight On. We Finish Well.
[1]Yang X, et al Clinical course and outcomes of critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in Wuhan, China: a single-centered, retrospective, observational study. Lancet Respir Med. 2020;
[2]Dorelman, N. et al; “Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1”; The New England Journal of Medicine March 17, 2020