Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ARMa-ZiUGMk   When a pregnant women catches CoVid she is 60% more likely to land in the ICU and almost twice as likely to require a ventilator for a prolonged period of time. An international team reviewed 77 available studies covering more than 11,400 women with data collection starting in late 2019.   Their results also warned that CoVid-infected pregnant women were 60% less likely than non-pregnant women to present with the common CoVid symptoms of fever and muscle aches.  Their babies were more likely to suffer pre-term birth and to land in the neonatal intensive care unit.   Pregnant women with CoVid are sicker than they seem and require close monitoring.   https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m3391   #covid #pregnancy #ventilator #icu #preterm  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/esSmr5c9N-I   Neurobiologists and dermatologists at the University of Miami and Harvard warn that scratching to relieve an itch may be overkill.  They base that recommendation on their analyses of mice with skin itching triggered by injection of chemicals including capsaicin and chloroquine.   The data demonstrate that rubbing and stroking initially increase activity of nerves cells that tell you you’re itchy but nerve activity decreases significantly after you stop the rubbing.  Scratching produces similar neuronal responses but also leads to tissue damage, release of inflammatory mediators, and secondary itchiness.   The lesson to be learned: go gently and rub rather than scratch the itchy site.  More is less.  For instant medicinal relief, rub on over-the-counter Sarna.   https://www.jneurosci.org/content/early/2020/09/03/JNEUROSCI.0091-20.2020   #itch #rub #scratch  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/2cAaR6gfQwQ   Runny, stuffy noses may become more welcome since cold viruses have the unexpected benefit of preventing the flu.  Yale laboratory medicine researchers tabulated 3 years of clinical data from some 13,000 patients.   Their data show that rhinovirus-infected cells present closed doors to the influenza viruses for about 5 days.  When cold viruses enter human cells they trigger production of the anti-viral agents called interferons.    Though they have no evidence as yet, the researchers speculate that cold viruses could offer some protection against CoVid19 as well.  I wouldn’t purposely go out looking for a cold but maybe don’t dread one either as it may be the best of 3 evils.   https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanmic/article/PIIS2666-5247(20)30114-2/fulltext   #influenza #colds #covid #rhinovirus  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/zi9djE6xxAo Virus-containing droplets can travel further in colder, more humid conditions but the more deadly, lighter, viral aerosol clouds form more readily in hot, dry conditions.  These the results of  a Stanford-UC-Santa Barbara study released on the online pre-print server medrixiv.org.   Aerosols form when virus-contaminated droplets dry into a fine fog that travels further than the so-called 6 foot safe distance, remain aloft longer, and travel deeper into an unsuspecting person’s lungs increasing their chances of a CoVid infection.    To be safe, wear a mask with an N95, KN95, or a HEPA H12 filter and avoid remaining closer than 30 feet from others talking, screaming, or singing.   The take home point : if you’re in a warm dry climate such as the Southwestern states or in any overheated room, a multi-layered cloth mask and the usual distancing may not protect you.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.05.24.20111963v2.full.pdf   #covid #aerosol #droplet #n95 #kn

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/vDoF8xLuoVU   The FDA and the KIND Healthy Snacks have recalled KIND Oats & Honey Granola with Toasted Coconut pouches.  A number of these contain undisclosed sesame seeds.  If you have these pouches at home, do not consume them.  Instead, return them to the store for a full refund.  For additional information, contact KIND Snacks by calling 1-203-803-3653.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/allergy-alert-kind-issues-voluntary-recall-due-undeclared-sesame-seeds-oats-honey   #recall #granola #sesameseeds  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/WsPFNyEXK08   The FDA and Flagstone Foods have recalled Wegman’s Pecan Blend Trail Mix.  This product contains undisclosed almonds and walnuts that could trigger significant allergic reactions.  If you have this this trail mix, don’t consume it but rather return it to the place of purchase for a refund.  For additional information, call Flagstone at 1- 612-222-3857.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/flagstone-foods-llc-issues-voluntary-recall-wegmans-pecan-blend-due-undeclared-almonds-and-walnuts   #recall #trailmix #walnuts #almonds #wegmans  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/O-eRmJ8dp_4   The FDA and Happy Colon Foods are recalling Happy Colon Yum Shortbread Cookies and Mmmmm Chocolate Chip Cookies.  Both cookie types contain undeclared milk.  If you have these products, return them to the point of purchase.  For more information, contact Happy Colon Foods by calling 1-855-423-6637.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/happy-colon-foods-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-happy-colon-yum-shortbread-cookie-and   #recall #cookies #shortbread #chocolatechip #milk  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/6jJvA-fJJKo   The FDA and Hostess are announcing the recall of Hostess Raspberry Zingers.  These pastries may contain mold.  if you have any of these in your junk food  cabinet, do not consume them.  Return the pastry to the point of purchase for a refund.  For more information, call Hostess at 1-800-483-7253.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hostess-brands-llc-issues-voluntary-recall-certain-hostessr-raspberry-zingersr-due-potential-mold   #recall #raspberryzingers #hostess #mold  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/U0J3sQJr3fM   The FDA and Whole Foods have recalled several lines of pastry and its Spinach-Artichoke Dip due to undeclared allergens.  Their Kouign-amann pastry has undeclared eggs.  Their Chantilly Key Lime Tartlets have undeclared almonds.  The Spinach-Artichoke Dip contains undeclared egg.  If you have any of these products, do not consume them but return them to Whole Foods for full refunds.  For more information, call 1-844-936-8255.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-kouign-amann-pastries-issued-select-whole-foods-market-stores-seven   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/allergy-alert-undeclared-tree-nut-almond-chantilly-key-lime-tartlets-issued-whole-foods-market   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/allergy-alert-issued-winter-gardens-quality-foods-inc-undeclared-egg-spinach-artichoke-dip   #recall #wholefoods #pastries  

    Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/oAgFsSJdl0c   The FDA Wellements LLC, and Upspring  announce the recall of  Wellements Iron Drops and Upspring Baby Iron + Immunity dietary supplements.  These supplements may contain undisclosed milk allergens.  If you have these products, return them to the place of purchase.  Alternatively, contact Wellements by calling 1-800-255-2690 or contact Upspring by calling 1-512-828-7988 and request full refunds.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wellements-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-allergen-two-lots-iron-drops-and-iron-drops   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/upspring-llc-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-upspring-baby-iron-immunity   #recall #ironsupplement #milk  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/lZmEgXaqgJM   The FDA and multiple companies have announced the recall of hand sanitizers due to their contamination with poisonous methanol.  These include All Clean, Blumen, Optimus, Born Basic, Scent Theory, Resource Recover & Trading, Assured, Modena, and Herbacil.  If you have any of these, do not use them.  Return them to the place of purchase for a refund.    https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts   #recalls #handsanitizer #methanol  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/yGooUN-yn58   The CPSC sand Manhattan Toy have recalled the Manhattan Ball Activity Toys sold exclusively through Target.  The toy’s plastic tubes may detach releasing small silicone tethers that pose a choking hazard to young children.  Do not permit your baby to play with this toy.   Return it to the nearest Target store for a complete refund.  For more information, call Manhattan Toy at 1-800-541-1345.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Manhattan-Toy-Recalls-Manhattan-Ball-Activity-Toys-Due-to-Choking-Hazard-Sold-Exclusively-at-Target   #recall #manhattanball #choking  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/tssOJboTCCM   The CPSC and Rocky Mountain have recalled the Non-Electric Instinct, Instinct BC, and Pipeline Bicycles.  These units’ front frame triangle can crack and cause separation of the head tube from the frame leading to falls and other injuries.  If you have one of these bikes, discontinue using and call Rocky Mountain at 1-877-744-1515 for more information and to arrange a repair.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Rocky-Mountain-Bicycles-Recalls-Non-Electric-Instinct-Instinct-BC-and-Pipeline-Bicycles-with-Alloy-Frames-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazards   #recall #bicycles #rockymountain #frame  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/H9yYXXn73Yc   The CPSC and the Cookware Company announce recall of the Greenpan Simmerlite Dutch Ovens.  The lid on this pan may explode while it is inside your oven leading to injuries and burns.  If you have one of these, stop using it and contact the Cookware company at 1-877-926-6526 to arrange for a replacement glass lid or a refund.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Cookware-Company-Recalls-Greenpan-SimmerLite-Dutch-Ovens-Due-to-Burn-and-Injury-Hazards   #recall #dutchoven  #explosion  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/iK7KsrMO_RE   The CPSC and DaVinci announce the recall of the DaVinci Bassinet.  The mattress may become accidentally disengaged that could lead to an infant fall or entrapment.  If you have one of these bassinets, stop using it immediately and call DaVinci for a free repair kit.  You may reach the company by calling 1-833-932-0208.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/DaVinci-Recalls-Bassinets-Due-to-Fall-and-Entrapment-Hazards-Recall-Alert   #recall #bassinet #davinci #fall #entrapment #parenting  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/1Ewgh7960eA   The CPSC and Lidl US have recalled the Silvercrest Bread Maker.  The appliance lid may become energized leading to an electric shock. If you have this device, unplug it.  You may return the device at a Lidl US store in VA, NC, SC, MD, GA, DE, PA, NJ, or NY.  For more information, call the company at 1-844-747-5435.   https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Lidl-US-Recalls-Silvercrest-Bread-Makers-Due-to-Electric-Shock-Hazard   #recall #breadmaker #lidl #shock  

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/wF60DbdWpDE   CoVid virus is primarily spread by virus riding in mist aerosols rather than in droplets.  Harvard epidemiologists draw this conclusion from their study of transmission onboard a Diamond Princess Cruise ship.   The researchers analyzed 132 individual episodes of viral spread and found that large respiratory droplets were responsible about 40% of the time while aerosols transmitted the virus in nearly 60%.  Overall, 70% of transmission occurred through the air while only 30% of spread occurs via surfaces.   Bottom line: mask up to block droplets and aerosols.  Use or make masks with 3 layers of high thread count cotton or, better yet, N95, KN95, FFP2, or HEPA H13-14 filters.  Also distance and wash.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.13.20153049v1.full.pdf   #covid #aerosol #droplets #fomites #cruises  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/BUzAQyrnQ2c   A group of trained Australian dogs can sniff out CoVid-infected persons with excellent and sometimes 100% accuracy.  These highly-trained canines are part of an international program coordinated by France’s National Veterinary School.   The animals are conditioned to detect characteristic odors emanating from the respiratory tracts of CoVid-infected persons using the same protocols used for explosive-detection training.  This work seems perfectly safe for dogs as they are resistant to CoVd-19 infection.   Cohorts of such trained animals will be deployed in airports, mass transit stations, and even in schools to permit instantaneous detection of CoVid-infected persons.  CoVid infection will be confirmed by standard viral testing.   https://www.newswise.com/coronavirus/covid-19-dogs-could-be-sniffing-out-cases-in-months/?article_id=735562   #covid #dogs #screening  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ldB3GMmDeP4   Children younger than 5 years with an active COVID infection have from 10 to 100 times more virus in their noses and throats compared with older children and adults.  This the conclusion of studies at Northwestern and Chicago’s Lurie Children’s Hospital of 145 CoVid-infected individuals of various ages.   The investigators indicate that young children could very well be important sources of CoVid spread within their own families and in the general population.  Older children appear to be no more infectious virus than do adults.   Children in day care and pre-school should be carefully monitored for COVID infection, and those adults and kids in most vulnerable categories must stay away from them.   https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2768952   #covid #toddlers #children #superspreaders  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/H2aYiqRdCC0   If you make a mask, put at least 2 layers and ideally 3 in that mask.  Australian researchers make that recommendation after high speed photographic studies of aerosols emanating from a subject through masks of various constructions.   The investigators used cotton fabric with a thread count of 170 to create one and two layered masks to compare with a 3 layered surgical mask.  The visual recording system captured still and video images while the healthy subject was speaking, coughing, and sneezing.   The single layered mask reduced aerosol spread with speaking and coughing but not with sneezing.  The 2 layered mask was better but not as good as the 3 layer surgical mask.   https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2020/07/24/thoraxjnl-2020-215748   #covid #mask #cotton #surgicalmask