Coronavirus: What questions do you have?

Steve Shannon · Mar 16, 2020

Stefan2k4 said:
What do you think about the talk about the possible use of chloroquine to treat covid-19? Does this sound promising or is it just internet hype?

Chloroquine Side Effects
Anxiety.
attempts at killing oneself.
back, leg, or stomach pains.
black, tarry stools.
bleeding gums.
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin.
blood in the urine or stools.
blurred or decreased vision.

And it’s for malaria, not a corona virus.

Nytrunner · Mar 16, 2020

Steve Shannon said:
Chloroquine Side Effects
Anxiety.
attempts at killing oneself.
back, leg, or stomach pains.
black, tarry stools.
bleeding gums.
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin.
blood in the urine or stools.
blurred or decreased vision.

And it’s for malaria, not a corona virus.

No thanks

cwbullet · Mar 16, 2020

ThirstyBarbarian said:
I’m not worried because I have hundreds of sheets of alternative paper ranging from 60 grit up to 600.

Ouch!

cwbullet · Mar 16, 2020

Stefan2k4 said:
What do you think about the talk about the possible use of chloroquine to treat covid-19? Does this sound promising or is it just internet hype?

This, believe it or not, is not internet hype. There are a number of drugs being tested right now that are antimalarials and antivirals for things like HIV that are being tested.

Steve is right. The side effects of chloroquine are harsh......if you take them for weeks to prevent or treat malaria. The treatments with the above drugs are much shorter so theoretically there would be fewer side effects. I took chloroquine and I had zero side effects. That being said, I will wait till it is well tested before I partake.

NateB · Mar 16, 2020

Steve Shannon said:
Chloroquine Side Effects
Anxiety.
attempts at killing oneself.
back, leg, or stomach pains.
black, tarry stools.
bleeding gums.
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin.
blood in the urine or stools.
blurred or decreased vision.

And it’s for malaria, not a corona virus.

I'd take my chances with this Coronavirus, even a more serious case than those side effects. I even asked for some other testing when I had a positive TB skin test before I would consent to the 9 month round of ABX.

cwbullet · Mar 16, 2020

NateB said:
I'd take my chances with this Coronavirus, even a more serious case than those side effects. I even asked for some other testing when I had a positive TB skin test before I would consent to the 9 month round of ABX.

I think death from TB is worse than the antibiotics.

NateB · Mar 16, 2020

cwbullet said:
I think death from TB is worse than the antibiotics.

I didn't have TB, latent or active, but someone read a test wrong and made my life miserable for a few weeks while I got everything straightened out. It followed me with testing for years too and they were making me get annual chest x-rays. Fortunately my employer now just does a blood test for antibodies which continue to come back negative.

Edit: TB is common among a group of refugees here and my county actually has a government run TB clinic. They were the ones that sorted everything out for me after the occupational health clinic went overboard.

cwbullet · Mar 16, 2020

NateB said:
I didn't have TB, latent or active, but someone read a test wrong and made my life miserable for a few weeks while I got everything straightened out. It followed me with testing for years too and they were making me get annual chest x-rays. Fortunately my employer now just does a blood test for antibodies which continue to come back negative.

Edit: TB is common among a group of refugees here and my county actually has a government run TB clinic. They were the ones that sorted everything out for me after the occupational health clinic went overboard.

What test? You have to order the confirmatory test after the skin test. You never treat based on the skin test.

Chloroquine: it is a protected 2-5 day course that will prevent death and the passing of the virus. If true, I would take it, I am just not going to be the first. Maybe an animal trial first?

NateB · Mar 16, 2020

cwbullet said:
What test? You have to order the confirmatory test after the skin test. You never treat based on the skin test.

After the read the skin test as "positive for a healthcare provider", they immediately sent me for a CXR. That was negative, but made me go to an appointment at the TB clinic and set up the ABX treatments. After I talked with that doc, she talked about the treatment options and heard my concerns with how the test was handled, she had her staff perform another skin test.

She wasn't concerned that I was a latent carrier so she let me be after that. The occupational health folks then insisted on chest xray every year instead of the PPD. The hospital I work for now treats most of the TB cases and just does blood work on us with our annual physical. Those are always negative too.

cwbullet · Mar 16, 2020

NateB said:
After the read the skin test as "positive for a healthcare provider", they immediately sent me for a CXR. That was negative, but made me go to an appointment at the TB clinic and set up the ABX treatments. After I talked with that doc, she talked about the treatment options and heard my concerns with how the test was handled, she had her staff perform another skin test.

She wasn't concerned that I was a latent carrier so she let me be after that. The occupational health folks then insisted on chest xray every year instead of the PPD. The hospital I work for now treats most of the TB cases and just does blood work on us with our annual physical. Those are always negative too.

I am not sure of the decade of the testing. The skin testing is a screening test but no longer diagnostic. It has some false positives. I trained to use the "Gold" test to confirm TB.

NateB · Mar 16, 2020

This happened in 2008 and almost cost me admission to paramedic school. My primary care doc told me there are a lot of false positives in our area and among providers. In any case, I didn't want a ton of antibiotics if they weren't needed. I would have taken them if they knew I was a latent carrier.

cwbullet · Mar 16, 2020

NateB said:
This happened in 2008 and almost cost me admission to paramedic school. My primary care doc told me there are a lot of false positives in our area and among providers. In a y case, I didn't want a ton of antibiotics if they weren't needed. I would have taken them if they knew I was a latent carrier.

That is too bad. The Gold test was approved in 2001. Either the provider did not know about the test or it was nto covered by your insurance. It was $100-200 a test which in my book is cheaper than torturing a patient with the antibiotic cocktail.

PatD · Mar 16, 2020

So, a question with background. First case in the county confirmed yesterday. 6 Cases in the state all non-community spread. I'm late 60s no major health problems. I have a periodontist appt on Wed and wonder if I should cancel. I was thinking about calling and seeing what their caseload is that morning (I suppose many will cancel) and what sanitization procedures they are using before making a decision. I understand asymptomatic people are around now but I would think at this point the chance of infection would be very low. I think I know the answer, but what is your recommendation.
Thanks for providing your time for this. I really appreciate it. Hooah!

cwbullet · Mar 16, 2020

PatD said:
So, a question with background. First case in the county confirmed yesterday. 6 Cases in the state all non-community spread. I'm late 60s no major health problems. I have a periodontist appt on Wed and wonder if I should cancel. I was thinking about calling and seeing what their caseload is that morning (I suppose many will cancel) and what sanitization procedures they are using before making a decision. I understand asymptomatic people are around now but I would think at this point the chance of infection would be very low. I think I know the answer, but what is your recommendation.
Thanks for providing your time for this. I really appreciate it. Hooah!

My wife had a similar problem. She has an appointment for follow up and refills. She called and they refilled the scripts and elected to reschedule.

Call them.

Marc_G · Mar 16, 2020

PatD said:
So, a question with background. First case in the county confirmed yesterday. 6 Cases in the state all non-community spread. I'm late 60s no major health problems. I have a periodontist appt on Wed and wonder if I should cancel. I was thinking about calling and seeing what their caseload is that morning (I suppose many will cancel) and what sanitization procedures they are using before making a decision. I understand asymptomatic people are around now but I would think at this point the chance of infection would be very low. I think I know the answer, but what is your recommendation.
Thanks for providing your time for this. I really appreciate it. Hooah!

My view FWIW. Take the appointment.

We are getting to more and deeper lockdowns. Take care of your gums while you can.

Risk to you in this situation is low. As time goes on more people will be infectious, raising risk when you do go out to a rescheduled visit.

Unless you can put it off for 4-6 months without consequences, git-r-done now while you can.

boatgeek · Mar 16, 2020

Steve Shannon said:
Chloroquine Side Effects
Anxiety.
attempts at killing oneself.
back, leg, or stomach pains.
black, tarry stools.
bleeding gums.
blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin.
blood in the urine or stools.
blurred or decreased vision.

And it’s for malaria, not a corona virus.

I took chloroquine for about 4 months a year for 5 years. The only one of those I got was bleeding gums--you get wicked cankersores unless you take extra folic acid. Mefloquine/Lariam (a more recent antimalarial) had really messy psychological side effects ranging from weird dreams (minimum that most people got) to psychosis (maybe 1% based on the population we knew). The other downside is that they are the absolute foulest-tasting drugs that I have ever had the misfortune to take. You got really good at putting the pill behind your taste buds and swallowing quickly.

cwbullet · Mar 16, 2020

boatgeek said:
I took chloroquine for about 4 months a year for 5 years. The only one of those I got was bleeding gums--you get wicked cankersores unless you take extra folic acid. Mefloquine/Lariam (a more recent antimalarial) had really messy psychological side effects ranging from weird dreams (minimum that most people got) to psychosis (maybe 1% based on the population we knew). The other downside is that they are the absolute foulest-tasting drugs that I have ever had the misfortune to take. You got really good at putting the pill behind your taste buds and swallowing quickly.

That is a higher dose and longer treatment. Yes, side effects are rare but happen are better than dying from malaria.

rharshberger · Mar 16, 2020

NateB said:
I'd take my chances with this Coronavirus, even a more serious case than those side effects. I even asked for some other testing when I had a positive TB skin test before I would consent to the 9 month round of ABX.

When I went through my treatment for a postive TB test it was INH and Pyridoxine (B6?) it was a lovely 3 months don't you dare miss a single day type treatment offered by my friendly Ft.Belvoir TMC (troop medical clinic). The worst part of that treatment I remember was no drinking alcohol for the entire time, it was torture for a E-4....

Hopefully Covid-19 vaccines are found soon rather than later, the news announced today that human trials are starting in Seattle this week or next.

NateB · Mar 16, 2020

I was told 9 months, but even for 3 I still would have wanted a solid confirmation that I needed them.

I read about the vaccine trial starting today too. Hopefully something works sooner than later. A report from a woman that went to my church when I was in high school who is in France now is pretty scary.

We just turned down a flight where we were the 5th RW ambulance to stand it down due to Covid-19 precautions. Hopefully the patient is a to get where they need with everyone safe. It still feels odd to say "no".

ThirstyBarbarian · Mar 17, 2020

Stefan2k4 said:
What do you think about the talk about the possible use of chloroquine to treat covid-19? Does this sound promising or is it just internet hype?

I don’t know anything about chloroquine, but I am taking regular doses of gin and tonic ”with quinine” as a prophylactic. So far, it’s working!

cwbullet · Mar 17, 2020

ThirstyBarbarian said:
I don’t know anything about chloroquine, but I am taking regular doses of gin and tonic ”with quinine” as a prophylactic. So far, it’s working!

Not sure that will work for Coronavirus, but sure helps me deal with evil spirits or wait...maybe it causes them.

Blast it Tom! · Mar 17, 2020

@ThirstyBarbarian : Ow.

Ez2cDave · Mar 17, 2020

cwbullet said:
Home Isolation Prep List

Do not hoard: Let me stress this, this is not the zombie apocalypse. You need at home ready for one to 2 weeks and not 2-6 months. It should be the same as what you would but for a weather disaster.

Medications: Maintain a 30-day supply of life-sustaining medications. OTC meds for 2 weeks.

First aid kit: A basic one with bandaids, ointments, bandages, tapes, tweezers, scissors, and a thermometer will work.

Dry or canned goods: These types of supplies will last a long time in your pantry. They should be easy to throw into a pot and cook. I suggest boxes of cereal, cans of beans, rice, nuts, and pasta.

Fresh and frozen food: One weeks worth. Remember, power goes out and this spoils. Pick smart and only those that will last a while. I have a small freezer I can put on a generator.

Water: Enough for 2 weeks. For me, that is about 24-40 bottles. No need to go crazy.

Soap and sanitizer: Just enough to last 2 weeks.

Baby wipes: I have them for rocket launches so no need to buy more. 1 bag is enough.

Toilet paper: Common folks 8-12 rolls should be enough for 4-6 weeks. If you use more than a roll per person per week, you need to see someone about that.

Find someway to stay entertained - reading is fundamental.

Here is a highly-detailed "Bug-In" list ( PDF ) . . . Pick & choose, to suit your individual needs !

Dave F.

Speaknoevil · Mar 17, 2020

Chuck, more than one article I have read talk about the severe/critical stage in COVID-19 where there is an "out of control" immune response that shuts down body organs, leads to sepsis, etc. Could there strangely be some advantage to being on immunosuppressants?

boatgeek · Mar 17, 2020

cwbullet said:
That is a higher dose and longer treatment. Yes, side effects are rare but happen are better than dying from malaria.

Definitely. Even the maintenance dose was worth it.

ThirstyBarbarian said:
I don’t know anything about chloroquine, but I am taking regular doses of gin and tonic ”with quinine” as a prophylactic. So far, it’s working!

You probably know this already, but tonic water was the original antimalarial. The Brits added the gin to make it palatable. Though those of us who don't like gin might argue that last point.

Peartree · Mar 17, 2020

boatgeek said:
Definitely. Even the maintenance dose was worth it.

You probably know this already, but tonic water was the original antimalarial. The Brits added the gin to make it palatable. Though those of us who don't like gin might argue that last point.

Which is precisely why some genius later invented the "Vodka Tonic."

75Grandville · Mar 17, 2020

<Off-color joke with scatological references removed>

ThirstyBarbarian · Mar 17, 2020

boatgeek said:
You probably know this already, but tonic water was the original antimalarial. The Brits added the gin to make it palatable. Though those of us who don't like gin might argue that last point.

Yep. Don’t tell too many people or we might have a run on tonic water.

Greg Furtman · Mar 17, 2020

Chuck, did they ever track down what animal this came from? I remember when this all started in Wuhan that there was a street market that was closed down and that they were selling wild animals in that market.

An interesting article about zoonotic diseases.
https://www.treehugger.com/animals/where-did-new-coronavirus-COVID-19-come.html

Speaknoevil · Mar 17, 2020

ThirstyBarbarian said:
Yep. Don’t tell too many people or we might have a run on tonic water.

Hope diet tonic works as I'm still eating low-carb in isolation.

Have lost 35 lbs. Come to think of it, if they run out of food, that would really accelerate my weight loss.

Coronavirus: What questions do you have?

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