Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

How CoVid19 Kills You Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/lupZ4t-mayo   Since the novel coronavirus first emerged in mid-December, thousands of studies are beginning to define the insidiously deadly nature of this virus.  An excellent review article in the magazine Science provides an alarming blueprint.   The virus enters your body through mucus-producing nasal cells, lung cells, and gut cells.  It proliferates wildly and initiates fatal damage in about 5% of those infected.     In almost all CoVid patients, viral inflammation occurs in the lung’s tiny air sacs.  This blocks oxygen transfer and thickens tissues preventing breathing.   The virus creates heart damage in almost 20%.  It triggers body-wide blood clotting that, in turn, sends clots to the lung to further block oxygen flow.     Twenty-seven percent of us develop kidney failure but nearly 60% have signs of kidney damage.  CoVid19 can trigger brain ands nerve damage including encephalitis, strokes, the paralyzing Guillain-Barre syndrome, and frequent loss of

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/KMQTJr01C5Y   The new coronavirus can trigger an atypical pneumonia that creeps up on you before it kills you.   ICU docs in Germany, Baltimore, Seattle, and New York City observe that many patients, eventually diagnosed with CoVid19, barely notice respiratory symptoms as their lungs slowly deliver less and less oxygen to their vital organs.   Even patients coming in for fractures, trauma, and falls have surprisingly low oxygen levels without complaining about shortness of breath.  Their chest x-rays show advanced pneumonia but they breathe easily without chest tightness.     The reasons: CoVid halts the natural surfactant production that keeps the lung’s tiny sponge-like air chambers open.  Then too, the virus seems to drive lung micro-clotting that halts oxygen transfer into the bloodstream.   Many of such patients get better without high pressure mechanical ventilation using high flow oxygen and prone positioning.  Unnecessary incubation and ventilation can damage the voicebox

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/IIuwg-vCQ7M   How do kids present with CoVid.?  Chinese researchers have just pre-published one of the largest case series to date covering 2143 young patients.   The median age of infected kids was 7 years, and 57% were boys.  Four percent had no symptoms, 51% had mild symptoms, and 39% had moderate symptoms.  Severe or critical cases occurred in 6%, one-third of the incidence in adults.  Only 0.6% of children developed life-threatening respiratory and multi-system failure with the largest proportion under age 5.  There was only one death.   This data confirms early reports that CoVid disease is milder in children.  Even so, some children do end up in ICUs on vents fighting for their lives.   https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/early/2020/03/16/peds.2020-0702.full.pdf   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.13.20064352v1.full.pdf   #covid19 #coronavirus #children #parenting  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/dTP7zejb2ok   British engineers assess which available materials create masks that filter out coronaviruses while permitting breathing.   The best single layer micro-particle filter is HEPA vacuum cleaner cloth and paper bag material.  Next best in terms of filtration are thickly felted wool, quilting cotton, cotton flannel, and nonwoven fusible interfacing material such as HTC.    Multilayers work best.   Two socks or a doubled neck gaiter with a layer of HEPA vacuum cleaner bag within would be very efficient.  Studies show that a mask of quilting cotton, cotton batting, and two layers of HTC will protect better than an N95 mask if tight fitting on your face.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.14.20065375v1.full.pdf   #covid19 #coronavirus #mask #hepafilter  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/maIzGMfnYxM   New studies reveal that the new coronavirus can remain aloft and infective within aerosol clouds for 16 hours or more.  Researchers at Tulane’s School of Medicine collaborated with colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Texas, and the NIH.   CoVid19 was more efficiently aerosolized than either the older SARS or MERS coronaviruses.  The most dramatic and frightening studies looked at the viral stability in air for 10 -30 minutes and at 2, 4, and 16 hours.     Infectious CoVid19 with intact structures by electron microscopy was detected in aerosols up to 16 hours or more. This data says you’d better have a well-fitting, protective mask when you’re out in public.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.13.20063784v1.full.pdf   #covid19 #coronavirus #aerosol   

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/JU9KiUK3hZU   Homestead Creamery Inc of Wirtz, VA is recalling its unsalted butter.  The product is likely contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.  This may cause a serious gastroenteritis and sometime a fatal infection in the very young, older persons, or those with immune compromise.  If you have the product, return it to the point of purchase.  For more information, call the company at 1-540-721-2045.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/homestead-creamery-recall-unsalted-butter-because-possible-health-risk   #recall #homesteadcreamery #butter

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/ocBFaBL4nyA   The Evershing International Trading Company is recalling its Coconut Tree Brand Frozen Shredded Coconut.  There may be contamination with salmonella.  This creates a severe gastroenteritis with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.  It drives sepsis with cardiac and arterial infections.  The product was distributed in MA, WA, CA, and OK with secondary distribution to LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, OR, FL, and TX.  If you have the product, return it to the point of purchase for a refund.  You may contact the company for more information by calling 1-408-975-9660.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/evershing-international-trading-company-recalls-frozen-shredded-coconut-because-possible-health-risk   #recall #coconut #evershing #salmonella  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Bl-kpiaQqiU   Condies Foods Inc. Of Kearns, UT is recalling its Condies Foods Fresh Fruit cup.  The product may contain undeclared milk and egg allergens and was mislabeled.  The product contained is a veggie cup with broccoli, celery, carrot, and ranch dip.  Those allergic to these agents may develop serious or life-threatening reactions.  The product was distributed in AZ, CO, ID, NV, NE, UT, and WY.  Return the product to the point of purchase.  If you need more information, call Condies Foods at 1-801-969-1448.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/condies-foods-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-milk-and-egg-allergen-veggie-cup-item-40781   #recall #fuitcup #condies #milk #egg

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/5anM0FzsrXw   Hong Lee Trading Inc. is recalling its Chao Cafe Vietnamese Instant Coffee Mixed 3 in 1.  There are undeclared milk allergens in the product.  The product was sold in NY, NJ, and CT in plastic packages.  Return the product to the point of purchase for a full refund.  Questions to the company at 1-718-386-2100.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/hong-lee-trading-inc-issues-allergen-alert-undeclared-milk-allergens-chao-cafe-vietnamese-instant   #recall #instantcoffee #chaocafe #milk    

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/pZ71EwssDtI   Wells Collection of Brooklyn NY is recalled its Rely Brand Dried Longya Lily. The product contains undeclared sulfites.  Those who are sulfite allergic could experience life-threatening allergic reactions.  This product was sold in NY and TX.  If you have the product, return it to the store for a refund.  Contact the company at 1-718-381-2388.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wells-collection-inc-issues-alert-undeclared-sulfites-rely-brand-dried-longya-lily   #recall #longyalily #sulfite  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/4XDxgra6tdE   The Fieldbrook Foods Corporation of Dunkirk NY is voluntarily recalling its Top Brand and Purple Cow Brand Orange Cream Bars.  The products are likely contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes.  Listeria causes a particularly nasty gastroenteritis and systemic infection with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and headache.  Pregnant women may miscarry or suffer stillbirths.  The Tops bars were sold in Tops retail stores in NY, PA, MA, and VT.  The Purple Cow Bars were fold in Meijer stores in MI, OH, ID, IL, KY, and WI.  If you have these products, return them to the store for a full refund.  More information from Fieldbrook at 1-800-333-0805 x2270.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fieldbrook-foods-corporation-announces-voluntary-recall-orange-cream-bars-possible-health-risk   #recall #orangecreambar #tops #purplecow #listeria  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/PCBM32gPZcc   Palmer Candy Company is recalling its Sea Salt Caramel Hearts that were sold at Bomgaars Supply Inc.  This product has a possible peanut allergy contamination.  Reaction to the peanut component could product a life-threatening reaction.  This product was sold at Bomgaars stores in IA, SD, NE, MN, WY, and CO.  If you have these products, throw them out or return them to the point of purchase.  Questions may be directed to the Palmer Candy Company at 1-712-258-5543.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/palmer-candy-company-announces-voluntary-recall-sea-salt-caramel-hearts   #recall #seasaltcaramelhearts #palmer #peanut  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/yORBKb5LxWA   The Rico company is recalling its Tofu Breakfast Burrito.  It contains undeclared soy.  Those with a soy allergy may have a severe or life-threatening reaction to ingesting the product. This product has only been sold in Utah.  If you have this product, return it to the place of purchase.  Direct your questions to Rico at 1-801-433-0615.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rico-brand-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-soy-tofu-breakfast-burrito   #recall #burrito #rico #soy  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/zovNdjPYI2w   The FDA and Amneal Pharmaceuticals announce the recall of its Gemini Laboratories Nizatidine oral solution, 15 mg/ml.  This product has potentially toxic levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).  This agent is a probable human carcinogen. Three lots have been recalled: 06598004A, 06599001A, and 06599002A.  This is a prescription product.  If you have this product, return it to the pharmacy.  Speak with your doctor about an alternative medication.  For more information, call the company at 1-855-319-4807.   https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/amneal-pharmaceuticals-llc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-nizatidine-oral-solution-15-mgml-due   #recall #nizatidine #ndma

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/Af4xx0Y36LQ   Smokers are more than twice as likely as non-smokers to suffer a catastrophic progression of their CoVid19 infections.  Researchers at UC-San Francisco performed a meta-analysis of 12 published studies covering more than 9,000 patients infected by the novel coronavirus.   While none of the studies included in the analysis included e-cigarette use or smoking of agents other than tobacco,  the American Lung Association warns that all smoking is likely to put you at higher risk for more severe coronavirus infections.   This pandemic is driving up everyone’s anxiety.  Forget smoking and find another way to calm yourself.  Listen to music, practice mindfulness, socialize electronically, and ingest comforting foods.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.13.20063669v1.full.pdf   https://bit.ly/3ahknAL   #covid19 #coronavirus #smoking #tobacco #anxiety

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/nbwuw_LkAmg   The much touted hydroxychloroquine or HCQ does not appear to reduce infection severity or save lives.  This according to a newly pre-published French study of 181 patients with CoVid19 pneumonia.   The data shows that 20% of HCQ-treated patients versus 22% of non-treated patients required ICU care or died with 7 days of admission. Twenty-seven percent of treated patients versus 24% of the untreated developed acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS.  Three percent of HCQ-treated patients versus 4% of untreated died.  Nearly 10% of HCQ-treated patients stopped the drug due to cardiac complications.   More data will be forthcoming.  Just know that HCQ appears not to be a silver bullet.   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.10.20060699v1.full.pdf   #covid19 #coronavirus #hydroxychloroquine  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/6pHfLHXvumo   BCG is a well-behaved version of the tuberculosis bacterium that incites a vigorous immune response to itself and appears to activate the body’s immune system to other germs as well.  Studies have shown that BCG vaccination drives a 70% reduction in adult respiratory tract infections and a 30-50% reduction in childhood mortality.     The evidence that this cross-protective immune function can fight coronavirus is thin but intriguing.  Dutch and Japanese investigations show that longer CoVid death toll doubling times are associated with BCG vaccination.    Several BCG vaccination studies are now underway led by researchers in the Netherlands, Australia, and Germany.  The crystal ball remains cloudy!   https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/928303   https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.06.20055251v1.full.pdf   #covid19 #coronavirus #bcg  

x Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/eSuVw_PTIxg   Your olfactory sense departs with virus arrival in your body yet returns completely in some 74% as infection wanes.  UC San Diego researchers report these findings after studying 59 CoVid positive and 203 CoVid negative patients.   The majority of those reporting sensory changes with infection suffered a profound loss of smell and taste with onset of infection.  Those with olfactory sense losses in addition to fever and vague flu symptoms were almost 11 times more likely to test CoVid positive than those without sensory loss.   The study authors argue that loss of these senses should be added to fever and cough as indications for CoVid testing.   https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/alr.22579   #covid #coronavirus #smell #taste #olfactory  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/QpBicOoBuE4   Those with inflammatory bowel disease who become symptomatic and test positive for CoVid19 should speak with their doctors about discontinuing their specialized IBD medications.  The American Gastroenterological Association recommends this step in their just-released guidelines.   Many of the anti-inflammatory medications including steroids, salicylates, immunosuppressant drugs such as azathioprine, methotrexate, and cyclosporine, and biologics such as adalimumab, infliximab, and golimumab could adversely impact your host defenses to the virus.  They could also ramp up aspects of the cytokines storm that attacks vital organs.   These medications and IBD itself do not appear to increase a persons risk of contracting the virus.  Continue your medications until your doctor says otherwise.   https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(20)30482-0/pdf   #ibd #covid19 #coronavirus #ulcerativecolitis #crohns  

  Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/m2bW6n7NBKs   To safely reopen society during the CoVid era, we must all accept that vaccination and viral treatments are safe and effective.  Psychologists at Texas Tech now report the reasons some deny such lifesaving medical interventions.   The researchers surveyed 158 participants with profound negative feelings about vaccines: so-called vaccine deniers.  These individuals as a group tended to always overestimate the dangers including injury or death associated with a variety of conditions and events including cancer, childbirth, fireworks, and flooding.   Levels of pessimism and fear showed no association with education level.   Treatment deniers tend to seek out sources of negative information, and bad news travels farther than good.   https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X20302644?via%3Dihub#!   #covid #coronavirus #deniers #vaccines #therapy