Coronavirus ~ COVID-19

[Kelt]

Something I did about a month ago out of an abundance of caution was to get a pulse oximeter for the fist aid kit at the same time as replacing my dead thermometer.

In light of this article today, I'd say it's a no-brainer for everyone at this point. I hope they are still available, I got mine on Amazon I think it was about $30.

The Infection That’s Silently Killing Coronavirus Patients

[Kelt]

Things you can't buy now (other than TP)

Home fitness equipment
When this whole thing started I was having my garage finished in anticipation of setting up some home fitness and physical therapy space. It got finished right on time...for everyone and their brother to have the same idea. I am now on a couple of waitlists. I gather that even Joe's old barbell set from the basement will fetch top, gouge, price on Craigslist.

Pets
When I moved I knew I wanted to get a dog either this spring or next. I decided that this would be the perfect time to invest the time into training and learning with a new buddy. Sadly, I was the last one to act on this, the shelters are empty (WIN!) and there is nary a pup to be found.

Freezer
Well duh. I didn't really see an immediate need for this and thought I would get around to it, again, after finishing garage. With some of the projected shortages coming up, I though it would be an ideal now. Nope.

What I am stocking up on
Spices and interesting international sauces and things to brighten my world if things get tougher.

This is coming from someone who rarely opens the wallet for the moths to breathe. Who knew I'd ever be a frustrated shopper?

[GeorgiaMa'am]

Originally Posted by Kelt

Something I did about a month ago out of an abundance of caution was to get a pulse oximeter for the fist aid kit at the same time as replacing my dead thermometer.

In light of this article today, I'd say it's a no-brainer for everyone at this point. I hope they are still available, I got mine on Amazon I think it was about $30.

The Infection That’s Silently Killing Coronavirus Patients

Very informative opinion on the COVID-19 relationship to pneumonia. I just had pneumonia at the beginning of November, and it makes me wonder: did I actually have an early case of COVID-19 somehow? (probably not, but there are people who say it started in the U.S. Also, I was at Disney World and took two flights the week before, I could easily have shared respiratory spray with someone from China.) It progressed exactly as described in the article - by the time I knew it was serious, it was _very_ serious, my lungs filled with blood and I was straining with every muscle to breathe.

So does this mean I'm immune? Does it mean I'm a carrier? I had a pneumonia vaccine around the beginning of December, does that mean I'm safe? Should I or should I not do those exercises they show you in the hospital to keep you from getting pneumonia? Should I be monitoring my oxygen levels, because I have noticed that I am breathing deeper (I had thought that was probably an after-effect of my case of pneumonia - I'm still coughing stuff up out of my lungs. They say it can take up to a year to get it all out.)

These are questions for my doctor - maybe I can get a tele-appointment. Anyway, thank you very much for the interesting article and the tip on the the pulse oximeter.

[Kelt]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaMa'am

Very informative opinion on the COVID-19 relationship to pneumonia. I just had pneumonia at the beginning of November, and it makes me wonder: did I actually have an early case of COVID-19 somehow? (probably not, but there are people who say it started in the U.S. Also, I was at Disney World and took two flights the week before, I could easily have shared respiratory spray with someone from China.) It progressed exactly as described in the article - by the time I knew it was serious, it was _very_ serious, my lungs filled with blood and I was straining with every muscle to breathe.

So does this mean I'm immune? Does it mean I'm a carrier? I had a pneumonia vaccine around the beginning of December, does that mean I'm safe? Should I or should I not do those exercises they show you in the hospital to keep you from getting pneumonia? Should I be monitoring my oxygen levels, because I have noticed that I am breathing deeper (I had thought that was probably an after-effect of my case of pneumonia - I'm still coughing stuff up out of my lungs. They say it can take up to a year to get it all out.)

These are questions for my doctor - maybe I can get a tele-appointment. Anyway, thank you very much for the interesting article and the tip on the the pulse oximeter.

I have wondered the same about your pneumonia for a while now. You could ask for an antibody test if they are available in your area. It could shed some light on the situation. The jury is still out on whether or not antibodies would confer any immunity, but it would be interesting to know and maybe grant some peace of mind anyway.

I will be interested to see if anything like this comes out in a medical journal. As you rightly point out it is an opinion piece.

[Lyte]

Responding in general...

From one too many microbiology classes, but not an expert on coronaviruses, you'll have antibodies related to the virus (the strain) that made a home in your body. Like most viruses, like the flu, the lil fuckers change, mutate, a lot. A while back, I heard/read somewhere that there were already three different strains found in Washington state. Are they similar enough to each other that they will be killed off by your new antibodies? I don't think anyone knows yet.

A few weeks ago I heard reporters, and I think one doctor say YES, you will have immunity. I was immediately, WTF?!

Since then... I've been avoiding anything on TV. For the most part, I'm reading what WHO releases and the John Hopkins newsletter.

Has anyone else heard of any other strains of this coronavirus popping up?

[charley]

The CDC has issued a warning that the 2nd wave will probably occur during this winter in the U.S., and will most likely be “even more difficult” coinciding with seasonal flu). Obviously, by that time, people will be travelling again between the U.S. and Canada, etc., and it will affect us Canadians as well.

"And in a double blow for the prospect of ending the coronavirus pandemic, a US trial of the controversial treatment Donald Trump has referred to as “like a miracle” has produced poor results." ... "Also on Tuesday, a malaria drug frequently touted by Trump for treating Covid-19 showed no benefit in a large analysis of its use in US veterans hospitals. There were more deaths among those given hydroxychloroquine than those given standard care, researchers reported."

The CDC "was also asked about increasing protests in a number of US states against stay-at-home orders from governors, with demonstrations coordinated on social media and evidence of backing by rightwing figures and powerful Trump allies. And about calls for states to be “liberated” from restrictions, which Donald Trump has himself echoed, Redfield said in the interview: “It’s not helpful.” "

https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...oroquine-trial

[Jedi]

Originally Posted by Lyte

Responding in general...

From one too many microbiology classes, but not an expert on coronaviruses, you'll have antibodies related to the virus (the strain) that made a home in your body. Like most viruses, like the flu, the lil fuckers change, mutate, a lot. A while back, I heard/read somewhere that there were already three different strains found in Washington state. Are they similar enough to each other that they will be killed off by your new antibodies? I don't think anyone knows yet.

A few weeks ago I heard reporters, and I think one doctor say YES, you will have immunity. I was immediately, WTF?!

Since then... I've been avoiding anything on TV. For the most part, I'm reading what WHO releases and the John Hopkins newsletter.

Has anyone else heard of any other strains of this coronavirus popping up?

AS far as I know there was L strain and S strain of Covid-19. The thing about this coronavirus is that it mutates. One being more aggressive than the other. Not one news source has spoken much about the strains since then.

[~ocean]

the heck w/ where's WALDO ~~ I want to know where is Dr. Fauci ?

[Orema]

Originally Posted by ~ocean

the heck w/ where's WALDO ~~ I want to know where is Dr. Fauci ?

Trump has shut him down. I’m watching Trump’s daily briefing and am not sure if Fauci is in the room. Trump probably has him in the corner if he is in the room.

The shills, Dr. Deborah Birx and Dr Robert Redfield, can’t even keep a steady eye as they try to sell Trump’s bullshit.

And the press needs to step up their game and question Trump harder. At the very least, they need to follow up on a colleague’s question when Trump rudely refuses to answer.

[Lyte]

Indeed. I find the lack of coverage re multiple strains surprising, and a bit suspicious. Why news outlets aren't mentioning it, I don't know but it's so odd that it adds to my concern.

Originally Posted by Jedi

AS far as I know there was L strain and S strain of Covid-19. The thing about this coronavirus is that it mutates. One being more aggressive than the other. Not one news source has spoken much about the strains since then.

[charley]

Originally Posted by Lyte

Indeed. I find the lack of coverage re multiple strains surprising, and a bit suspicious. Why news outlets aren't mentioning it, I don't know but it's so odd that it adds to my concern.

I have no background in microbiology, so I googled and found a fairly decent & helpful explanation of "strains/mutations" of Covid-19 in this interview by a CTV news reporter with Jonathan Jarry of the McGill Office for Science and Society: (particular question re: "strains" begins at @ 1:25)

https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1933809

[nhplowboi]

Originally Posted by Kelt

Something I did about a month ago out of an abundance of caution was to get a pulse oximeter for the fist aid kit at the same time as replacing my dead thermometer.

In light of this article today, I'd say it's a no-brainer for everyone at this point. I hope they are still available, I got mine on Amazon I think it was about $30.

The Infection That’s Silently Killing Coronavirus Patients

Yes Kelt, a must have in your med kit at this point in time. Bevi tried to get one yesterday. Every place was out of stock. She had just read how the virus does not manifest in some people until about 24 hours before you pass. The key to prevent that from happening was to monitor your oxygen levels.

[GeorgiaMa'am]

Originally Posted by Kelt

Something I did about a month ago out of an abundance of caution was to get a pulse oximeter for the fist aid kit at the same time as replacing my dead thermometer.

In light of this article today, I'd say it's a no-brainer for everyone at this point. I hope they are still available, I got mine on Amazon I think it was about $30.

The Infection That’s Silently Killing Coronavirus Patients

Originally Posted by nhplowboi

Yes Kelt, a must have in your med kit at this point in time. Bevi tried to get one yesterday. Every place was out of stock. She had just read how the virus does not manifest in some people until about 24 hours before you pass. The key to prevent that from happening was to monitor your oxygen levels.

I ordered a pulse oximeter on Amazon last night. They were out of the ones available through Amazon Prime, so I'm assuming mine will come from somewhere overseas. After eliminating the ones that seemed like they were probably junk (1-star ratings and such), I ended up paying $60 for one.

Oh, in my research I found out that some of the newer Fitbits will give you an oxygen reading. Unfortunately, not the model I have.