COVID-19: Update April 10th, 2020

From VIDEO by Suzanne Vernon, Ph.D., Virologist, Research Director, Bateman Horne Center   

COVID-19 Screening:  

• Apps have been developed for self-screening. Search for Free Covid-19 Tracker, Screening Tool or Symptom Tracker.   (1)

Treatment:

• Several trials are underway to test the efficacy of Hydroxy-Chloroquine, a medication long used for treating Malaria, Lupus and other auto-immune illnesses.  Efficacy results should be available within a few weeks.  (2)

• The first blood antibody testing has been approved by FDA.  Test results take 20 minutes to process.  (3)

• There are 78 vaccine tests being conducted world-wide at this time.  

• The virus has been found in fecal matter.  As a precaution, close the toilet lid before flushing after a bowel movement.  

Actions Items:

• Wear a mask in public.  There are many DIY mask designs/instructions on the internet. They are reusable by washing w/soap & water, or just wetting, then putting into the microwave for a few seconds for sterilizing.  Or use steaming or UV light to clean.  DO NOT PUT MASKS WITH METAL NOSE CLIPS IN MICROWAVE.

• Rinse with a strong alcohol-based mouthwash to kill COVID-19 germs in your mouth.

• Keep your nasal passages clean by rinsing with a warm saline solution.  A Neti Pot is designed for this and is helpful.  (4). 

• Wear glasses in public; the closer they fit to your face, the better, to keep virus from your eyes.  (5)

• Using a humidifier to keep air moist is a good idea.  COVID-19 attaches to heavier, moist air and will fall to the floor faster.  (6)

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NOTE:  The foot notations are my remarks, not Dr. Vernon’s.

(1) You can call 800 456-7707 with your concerns about COVID-19 symptoms and testing OR, call the office of your primary care provider. Participate in building a local data base about COVID-19 by going to TestUtah.com and doing the survey.

(2) Dr. OZ, TV personality, is one of several vocal proponents. This 70-year-old medication has been used successfully in some severe COVID-19 cases in US and elsewhere.  Lupus patents are invited to go on to OZ website or twitter acct and offer information.  https://video.foxnews.com/v/6148027230001#sp=show-clips

(3) Vanderbilt University, is one of the notable groups working on this in the US.

(4) Neti Pot is not necessary.  Find instructions on You Tube to clean nasal passages

(5) COVID-19 can enter your body through the fluids surrounding your eyeball.  

(6) Normally the virus can hang in the air for some hours after it has been released by cough, sneeze or talking.