For this update, I’m going to bypass the long answers and try to explain things in a simple way. What’s the deal with testing? Are rapid tests not accurate? There are several rapid tests that test for antigen and antibody to Covid-19. They can be helpful when they are positive so people can know when to isolate/quarantine. The rapid tests are less accurate than the PCR tests. **It’s like a pregnancy test. If a pregnancy test is negative, you still…
There is much abuzz about the influenza (flu) vaccine this year because of the possibility of getting Covid-19 and the flu together. Yes, it is possible to have both at once. There are some places like CVS already offering the flu shots. However, it is too early for the flu shot right now. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), “Getting vaccinated in July or August is too early, especially for older people, because of the likelihood of reduced…
For this update, I’d like to discuss the pending vaccination for COVID-19. Since January, when the genome for SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronoavirus 2–the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19) was released, there has been work by researchers to develop a vaccination that produces an immune response in humans that allows our bodies to fight the virus. Phases of making a Vaccine: Preclinical Testing: Researchers give the vaccine to animals to see if it produces an immune response. Phase…
It’s been awhile since my last update. It seems there is quite a bit of conflicting information circulating now. However, there is a need to keep you informed and there are some tidbits of advice that I’d like to offer in the ever-shifting landscape we are having to navigate.
I hope you are doing well during our continued social distancing. The good news is that North Carolina has done an excellent job of flattening the curve so that our hospital systems and healthcare infrastructure won’t be overwhelmed with treating COVID-19 patients. We’ve actually flattened the curve to the point where we probably won’t see a “peak” in cases.
It is time for another update. This past week has brought some new information, but there are still quite a few questions and unknowns. This update will have less of the science aspect and more of the public health aspect addressed as I want to give you a sense of what it looks like our new normal will be going forward.
I wanted to give you an update as we head into the holiday weekend. First, some data: There are now ~1,701,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. The total number of deceased people is ~102,800. In the U.S., our total confirmed positive cases have soared to 502,049. New York is still bearing the brunt of this outbreak with 172,358 cases and a death rate of 7,844. We know the death rate is higher as there are many who are dying…
I hope you are all hanging in there doing social isolation at home. For this weekend update, I want to emphasize one message: Stay home, stay home, for the love of all things good and merciful, STAY HOME, please. There have been a lot of changes this week and it’s been a bit of a whirlwind. I’ll try to clarify some points for you.
I feel like it’s time for another update. I’m sad to report that I’m a bit overwhelmed with the information that is coming out so I’m not sure where to start. Some data: There are currently over half a million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the world. (These are just the confirmed #s-some places like us have shortages of tests, equipment, etc.) 190/195 countries are now reporting cases.
I hope each of you made it through the week okay and are settling into the new routine of social isolation. I’m going to give you a couple of updates in this email based on some patient’s questions I’ve received and also attach a very helpful, thorough lists of activities to do to help with the isolation.