Notes from call 04-02-2020. Our next call will be 4-9-2020, 9am
Notes and Audio from 3-26-2020: Click here
Local update:
MSRMC is well prepared to accept all patients, including those that may be infected with Coronavirus. There are no patients admitted with Covid-19, as of Wed April 1, 2020.
Local testing:
Capstone (Wasilla) – drive through
Mat-Su Urgent care (AIC/Wasilla) – drive through, I believe
Reserve ER for Emergency visits
Testing:
The reason for shortage of testing supplies is that this is a global pandemic
Current testing is based on CDC Guidelines
Questions about testing asymptomatic testing: issues that I see are that with current testing, which is based on a viral load (amount of virus particles). If no symptoms, there may not be enough virus particles present and then we get a “false negative”. Turn around time anywhere from 3-11 days.
Strengthen your fortress:
Eat well, lots of variety in fruits and vegetables, fermented foods, avoid sugar
Move: get outside if you can each day, gentle stretching, yoga
Sleep: 7-9 hours of sleep at night
Stress: Meditation, Prayer, Reading
Stay well hydrated
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Zinc
Masks/PPE:
*Global shortage
Coronavirus particles – approximately 0.125 microns (125 nm). (Particles range in size 0.06 microns- 0.14 microns). Micron- one millionth of a meter (1mm = 1000microns)
N95 masks filter down to .3 microns,
“It should be noted that the surgical masks are primarily designed to protect the environment from the wearer, whereas the respirators are supposed to protect the wearer from the environment.”
Can Masks Capture Coronavirus Particles? https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/coronavirus-pollution-masks-n95-surgical-mask/
Do N95 respirators provide 95% protection level against airborne viruses, and how adequate are surgical masks? Bałazy A1, Toivola M, Adhikari A, Sivasubramani SK, Reponen T, Grinshpun SA. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16490606These Coronavirus Exposures Might Be the Most Dangerous https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/opinion/coronavirus-viral-dose.html?referringSource=articleShare
Zoom Call Questions 4-2-2020
Have you been hearing anything more about antibody tests to confirm who has already had CoVid19?
The first antibody tests are anticipated to be released this coming week. There is an FDA approved test as of today. No indication as to how many are available and how reliable these tests are.
I’ve heard from friends that even going to Capstone they are being refused a test. They said it’s a 3 page qualifier and many are being sent away due to limited test supplies. Just wondering if Alaska really has a stock of tests? Theoretically our numbers could be low simply because we aren’t testing very much right?
We are still dealing with a lack of overall tests and reagents. I don’t think any state in the USA has a “stock of tests” available. It is likely that numbers worldwide are low due to lack of testing.
And just curious on your take on the PCR test for the virus? I’m seeing some posts that the PCR tests being used have limitations in terms of understanding viral load and also differentiating between different types of Coronavirus?
I think that there are some tests that perform better than others. When it comes to differentiating between viral types and concern for mutation: the mutations tend to be small and if we are targeting the “right sequence” it is unlikely that this will change significantly.
When we were stationed in Europe we were required to wash fresh fruit and vegetables in a bleach solution then rinse I started doing this not that we are getting a lot of fresh anything.
This sounds like a very reasonable approach, thank you.
Do you know what resources are there for shut in people to get food, and basic necessities? There are a lot of them out there?
For those over 60 in the Mat-Su Valley, I would suggest contacting your Senior Center. For those under 60 needing assistance, call ADRC 373-3632 or 414-9917. If you have Medicaid, contact your care coordinator. There is a statewide 211 number for general information.
Can you talk about any additional extra protections you should be taking if you have a compromised immune system or live with someone that does?
I would focus on physical distancing from others. Continue handwashing, good nutrition, sleep, limit stress, daily exercise (outside), get fresh air in your house, stay hydrated.
This was shared on a call w/ Dr. Anne Zink a few days ago addressing aerosol vs. droplet transmission:
Freezing a virus: I heard that some (other) viruses can survive being frozen for 2 years. Any news of how this responds to freezing temperatures?
The virus does not seem to be susceptible to temperature. I am not sure that we have anyway at this point to say how long it could live being frozen.
Disinfecting our masks that we have at home?
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/decontamination-reuse-respirators.html
homemade masks with DYI suppose to wash on hot water good for 10 uses or so. not scientific advice but practical.
*Link to antiviral masks with copper technology from Israel. They ship direct from Israel and are $50.00. They can be washed up to 15 times. The research is that they are more effective than N95’s. Just to share. [product unavailable]
Redington High School website: This is a wealth of information and resources!
https://www.matsuk12.us/domain/7289
Covid Number Trackers:
https://covid19.healthdata.org/?fbclid=IwAR3A4h3aPwrjKMx-rNLsSXtaZR3erJZhcGefT4tAXNPDJbU74WHFeceCssM
