Coronavirus and Your Health, an Attempt to Separate Fact from Fiction - Part 1

This is the first episode of a two-episode series where we discuss Covid-19, aka the coronavirus, a very sensitive political issue in society today. Political and religious issues can result in some very strong and contrasting opinions. My intent in this episode is not to be confrontational, but to provide facts and consensus opinions regarding this terrible disease to help you better understand it and to better protect yourself and your families. We will start with the fundamentals or the basics about this virus. 

Covid-19 is a virus that originated in bats and is spread through respiratory droplets. The virus originated in China where bats infected other animals that were sold in live animal markets ultimately infecting people. This virus rapidly spread around the globe and has now infected over 5 million Americans. 

Diseases are spread many ways and as mentioned Covid-19 is spread through respiratory droplets. These droplets can spread through the air from a cough, sneeze, or simply talking. It can also spread when an infected person’s respiratory droplets land on surfaces and someone comes by later and touches the unclean surface and then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose without washing their hands in-between.

There are two types of tests for Covid-19. The first and most common type of test is antigen or diagnostic tests that are recommended to detect current infection. Test samples are collected from the respiratory system using nasal swabs. The 2nd type of test can detect if a person has been infected in the past and looks for their response to the virus, or antibodies that have been produced which can take 1 to 3 weeks. A blood sample is used to test for Covid-19 antibodies.

The antigen tests are most important as they detect current infection, but they are not perfect. These tests detect actual Covid-19 genetic material so if you test positive then you almost assuredly infected. Up to 3% of tests from certain manufacturers can come back positive in a person who does not actually have coronavirus. This is called a false positive. A false negative test can occur when a person tests negative for coronavirus, but actually has the infection. This is caused by samples collected too early or too late in the infection, or from improperly collected samples.

A symptom-based strategy is used to determine when a person with confirmed infection can end their isolation and return to usual activities. 3 criterial must be met to achieve clearance: 1. At least 10 days must have passed since symptoms first appeared, 2. At least 24 hours must have passed since the last fever without the use of fever reducing medications, and 3. Symptoms must have improved. The symptom-based criteria for severe, critically ill, or immunocompromised patients are the same with the exception that at least 20 days must have passed since symptoms first appeared.

Steps must be taken to protect yourself and family from Covid-19. First of all if you have symptoms consistent with infection self-isolate and seek medical assistance if your symptoms worsen. Protective measures include social distancing, not sharing personal items that could come into contact with saliva, wearing a cloth covering or mask that covers your mouth and nose in public places, regular hand and surface washing, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

The professionally beautiful give us insight to the commitment we need to make in our own health. We’ll identify a celebrity who fits the bill.

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