Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
617-488-9699
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HealthNews RoundUp - 4th Week of June 2020
=========================
Asymptomatic Versus Symptomatic CoVid Positive Persons
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/PkD7gqdQnRI
Roughly half of those who test positive for CoVid virus are completely free of any disease symptoms, A Chinese study just published in Nature Medicine compared clinical profiles and test results for 37 asymptomatic patients with 37 who were sickened by the virus.
Those asymptomatic shed measurable virus 72% longer than those with symptoms. Around 82% of both asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID patients form IgG antibodies, but antibody levels of symptomatic patients were 6-fold higher than those of asymptomatic patients.
Asymptomatic CoVid carriers are potentially infectious longer than those obviously sickened by the virus. Anti-viral antibodies seem not to be keeping those spewing virus healthy. Other factors are at play.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0965-6
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/50-percent-of-people-with-covid19-not-aware-have-virus
#covid #asymptomatic #antibodies
covid, asymptomatic, antibodies
Killing Airborne CoVid In Theaters and Airplanes
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/kJbBDUTvV_M
A superheated nickel foam air filtration system can catch and kill 99.9% of CoVid19 virus passing through it. This according to a study completed by the Universities of Houston and Texas.
CoVid19 is airborne and challenges our efforts to reopen restaurants and mass transit where air recirculates in closed spaces. CoVid cannot live in temperatures above 160˚ F, and the researchers developed tightly packed nickel foam filters that may be heated to nearly 500˚ F while not unduly heating the air passing through it.
Look for other air disinfection systems using UVC radiation and other micro-filters as we all get back to work and play.
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.13.150243v1.full.pdf
#covid #airfiltration #nickel
covid, airfiltration, nickel
CoVid Spreads Like Wildfire In A Vocal Crowd
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/MP1WdHpiQoQ
Eighty-five percent of singers caught CoVid from a single infected person during one 2.5 hour rehearsal. Environmental engineers now analyze this Washington State case report..
During the March 10th rehearsal in question, the precautions taken only included use of hand sanitizer and no physical contacts such as hugging or handshaking. Face masks were not used. Attendees rapidly became sick over the 5 days following the rehearsal. Studying the group placement chart, spread of virus appeared random. Air was recirculated through a standard commercial filter.
This is a wake up call. Re-opening cannot be business as usual and be safe. MDW: mask, distance, wash.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.15.20132027v2.full.pdf
#covid #airborne #masks
covid, airborne, masks
Sports Events Spray Respiratory Viruses
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/NTFo_Mbc2j0
As professional sports open in a city, the influenza mortality rate rises as much as 24%. Statisticians at West Virginia University report this information adding that CoVid will be similar to the flu but way more infectious and deadly.
The data shows that introduction of NHL hockey into a city bumps the flu deaths 24%, NFL games trigger a 17% increase, MLB baseball a 5.3% jump, and NBA basketball a 4.7% bump. The analysis takes into account the seasonal temperatures and humidity.
The investigators propose that similar if not more dramatic increases will be seen with CoVid once sports restart. Fans will beat the odds using masks, distancing, and washing.
#covid #sports #masks #distancing #washing
covid, sports, masks, distancing, washing
Actemra and Steroid Cocktail Damps CoVid Cytokine Storm
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/9QhIuE89Bic
CoVid patients treated with tocilizumab and corticosteroids enjoy a 54% lower in-hospital mortality. A study of 3098 patients treated within the giant metro New York City Northwell Health System was just released on the pre-print server medrixiv.org.
The study of various immunomodulators’ effects on the deadly CoVid cytokine storm showed that Actemra+steroids reduced mortality best followed by steroids alone at 30% and Actemra alone at 28%. Anakinra, another modulator, showed no effect.
This data adds another therapy option for clinicians treating life-threatening cases of CoVid19. As always, the best treatment of any disease is prevention. You control that by following MDW: masking, distancing, and washing.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.16.20126714v1.full.pdf
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.16.20126714v1.full.pdf
#covid #actemra #steroids #tocilizumab #mortality
covid, actemra, steroids, tocilizumab, mortality
Prozac Inhibits CoVid19 Replication
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/auJkLEufIU4
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine, branded as Prozac and Saracen and prescribed for depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating problems, and panic issues turns out to significantly slow the replication of the novel coronavirus in tissue culture. The drug works at concentrations typically found in patients using this medication.
Virologists at Germany’s University of Würzburg discovered this phenomenon during their screening of already marketed prescription drugs for anti-CoVid19 activity. Although Prozac was effective, other popular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors including Lexapro and Paxil failed to have this effect. Prozac did not inhibit other viruses including herpes, RSV, or rabies.
The researchers hope that Prozac may prove to be therapy for early stages of CoVid.
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.06.14.150490v2.full.pdf
#covid #prozac #fluoxetine #ssri
covid, prozac, fluoxetine, ssri
Relieving Yourself Safely In Public Restrooms
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/JFq5LxA9wGE
With public spaces reopening, how do you go out without having to cross your legs until you get back home. New studies show that toilet flushes generate a cloud of possibly virus-contaminated aerosol while established data reveals a rest room to be a microbe sewer with contamination on every surface.
Remember that CoVid is shed longer from the gastrointestinal tract than from the lungs so asymptomatic persons are likely to have toxic feces.
The rules are simple:
-
Wear a filtration mask.
-
Close any lid, and turn away from the toilet and urinal as they flush.
-
Distance from other users.
-
Wash your hands with soap and water, best, or 70%+ alcohol as you depart.
https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/5.0013318
#covid #restroom #aerosols #flushing #mask #distance #wash
covid, restroom, aerosols, flushing, mask, distance, wash
HON Office Chairs On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/z1HLevB-Rk0
The CPSC and the HON Company are recalling the HON Office Chairs. The chair’s mesh see-through back can break with possible user falls and injuries. The chairs involved are the Maxon MXMO series chairs. These chairs are sold through HON and Maxon dealers as well as online at staples.com and office depot.com. If you’re sitting in one of these chairs right now, stand up, stop using the chair, and call the HON Company for a free replacement back. Just dial 1-800-833-3964.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/HON-Recalls-Office-Chairs-Due-to-Fall-Hazard
#recall #cpsc #deskchair #hon
recall, cpsc, deskchair, hon
Recall On Rainbow SRX Vacuums
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/V0VgAe2y4i0
The CPSC and Rexair LLC are recalling the Rainbow SRX Vacuums. The circuit board on the vacuum may short-circuit and spark leading to fire and burn risks. The model involved is the RHCS19 Type 120 water-based filtration vacuum cleaner. If you’re pushing one of these around your living room, shut it off, stop using it, and call a Rainbow distributor for a free repair. For more detailed information, reach Rexair Co. at 1-833-940-2775.
#recall #cpsc #vacuum #rexair
recall, cpsc, vacuum, rexair
Lochinvar Condensing Residential Boilers Are On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/vC_peTfk_Lk
The CPSC and Lochinvar now recall the Lochinvar Condensing Residential Boilers. The boiler’s flue grommet can malfunction causing the boiler to emit carbon monoxide with resultant poisoning. If you have one of these boilers bubbling in your basement, get the serial number off the tank and call Lochinvar at 1-833-232-9706 to find out if your heater is affected. If it is they will help you arrange a repair. Carbon monoxide is deadly dangerous, so get on this..,,,please.
#recall #cpsc #boiler #lochinvar #carbonmonoxide
recall, cpsc, boiler, lochinvar, carbonmonoxide
Modus Dresser Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/RzBSffEOP1k
The CPSC and the Modus Furniture Co. are recalling their Brighton 9 drawer dressers, the Bow-front dressers, Travis 9 drawer dressers, Bevelle dressers, and Wooden 9 drawer dressers. These dressers are big and heavy, 245 pounds, and they are unstable if their mirrors are not installed. These dressers have been sold at Costco and other stores nationwide.
Again, as I’ve reported with so many recalled dressers, they may tip over, fall on children, and inflict injuries or even kill the poor kids. The dressers, even with the tip over restraint kits, do not meet applicable federal safety standards. If you have one of these beasts in your home, sequester it from the children. Contact Modus at 1-888-859-2129 for a compliant restraint kit and a free in-home installation of the kit.
#recall #cpsc #dresser #tipover
recall, cpsc, dresser, tipover
Honda Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles Have Been Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/hDcF7OUG0rY
The CPSC and Honda America have recalled Honda ROVs. The vehicle’s transmission’s park position does not prevent the machine from rolling leading to possible crashes and personal injuries. The vehicles involved are Pioneer and Talon models sold in various colors. If you’re zooming around in one of these, stop riding them and call Honda America at 1-866-784-1870 pronto to arrange a repair.
#recall #cpsc, #rov #honda
recall, cpsc, rov, honda
Kids’ Robitussin and Dimetapp On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/28VUP2F_Ffc
The FDA and GSK Consumer Healthcare care recalling several lots of Children’s Robitussin Honey Cough and Chest Congestion DM and one lot of Children’s Dimetapp Cold and Cough. Seems that the dosing cups included with these products have no 5 and/or 10 milliliter dosing markings rendering the cups useless to parents. The cups have only 20 milliliter markings, and using this much of the product could be dangerous depending upon the weight of the child. The lots involved are 02177 and 02178 for the Robitussin and lot CL8292 for the Dimetapp. If you have these products, don’t use the measuring cups. Contact GSK at 1-800-762-4675 to obtain the proper dosing cups.
#recall #robitussin #dimetapp #gsk
recall, robitussin, dimetapp, gsk
Recall On Hill Country Fare Juice Drinks
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/ent05XqbF_U
The FDA and the H-E-B Co. are recalling Hill Country Fare Pink Lemonade, Citrus Punch, Fruit Drink, and Grape Drink. These products contain undeclared milk allergen. Those with milk allergies could develop a nasty allergic or even life-threatening reaction by drinking these products. The juice drinks in question were sold in HEB stores in Texas and Mexico, Joes V’s, and Mi Tienda stores. If you bought these products, return them to the store for a full refund. You may reach HEB customer service for more information by calling 1-855-432-4438.
#recall #hillcountry #hebstores #milk
recall, hillcountry, hebstores, milk
Fresh Express Southwest Chopped Salad Kit Is Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/bJEkyvGPnB8
The FDA and Fresh Express are recalling the Fresh Express Southwest Chopped Kit. These products contain undeclared wheat, soy, cashews, and coconut. Those with allergies to these items could develop a serious allergic reaction should they consume the contents of these kits. This product has been distributed in AL, DE, FL, general anesthesia, KY, MD, NC, SC, TN, VA, and WV. If you have this product, discard it. You can obtain a refund through the Fresh Express Consumer Response Center by calling 1-800-242-5472.
#recall #freshexpress #saladkit #allergens
recall, freshexpress, saladkit, allergens
Modavari Forrest Live Edge Benches on Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/F4z0AS3fv-Q
The CPSC and The Furniture Connexion are recalling the Modavar Forrest Live Edge Benches. This bench is unstable and may tip over during use leading to falls and consumer injuries. If you have one of these in your home, stop using it and contact the Furniture Connexion for a free repair kit. For more information, reach the company at 1-971-420-8258.
#recall #bench #tipping
recall, bench, tipping
Costaway Double Baby Strollers Have Been Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/uz-XLjGsUkE
The CPSC and the Costaway Company have recalled 3 models of Costaway Double Baby Strollers. These strollers fail to meet federal safety standard for carriages and strollers. A child may slip through the seat bottom and activity tray with head entrapment and possible strangulation. The crotch restraint location creates a large opening through which the child may fall. Immediately discontinue use of these strollers and contact the Costaway company at 844-242-1885 for a full refund and instructions regarding product return. These strollers have been sold at costaway.com and amazon.com.
#recall #stroller #parenting #strangulation #falls
recall, stroller, parenting, strangulation, falls
Imitation Crab On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/-E8gieD1QCI
The FDA and Trident Seafoods are recalling Gordon Choice Imitation Crab Supreme Style. This product may contain undeclared egg whites. Those with an egg white allergy may suffer a serious or even life-threatening allergic reaction. This product has likely been been sold in your state. If you purchased this food product, return it to the place of purchase for a refund. If you have questions, contact Trident Seafoods at 1-866-413-4749.
#recall #imitationcrab #crab #eggwhites
recall, imitationcrab, crab, eggwhites
Recall on Several Garden Salad Products
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/BsF7I8pQXEo
The FDA, Hy-Vee,Inc., ALDI, Fresh Express, and Signature Farms are recalling bagged garden salads. This product from all of these companies contains possible Cyclospora contamination. This issue came to light during an outbreak of cyclospora in the upper midwestern US. This micro-organism produces food poisoning with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and low grade fever. Those in poor health or with compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable. If you purchased these products, do not consume them but return them to the store for a refund. You may reach Hy-Vee Customer Care at 1-800-772-4098, ALDI at 1-800-242-5472, Fresh Express at 1-800-242-5472, or Jewel-Osco the seller of Signature Farms at 1-877-723-3929.
#recall #salad #cyclospora
recall, salad, cyclospora
Caramel Trail Mix Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/P_4fV4Bdx0k
The FDA and Flagstone Foods LLC are recalling NorthStar Sweet and Salty Caramel Trail Mix. This product contains undisclosed cashew nuts. Those who are cashew-allergic may develop a severe or life-threatening reaction if they consume this confection. This product was distributed nationally at military PXs. If you bought this product, return it to the point of purchase for a complete refund. For more information, contact Janet Collins at the company by calling 1-612-222-3857.
#recall #caramels #cashews
recall, caramels, cashews
Anti-Viral Immune Enhancement Capsules On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/BZyd7ZmKGWk
The FDA and Golden Nutrition Inc. are recalling Anti-Viral Immune Enhancement Capsules. The label includes unsubstantiated health claims that this product fightS coronavirus and influenza. The product is chiefly sold in Puerto Rico, but you may find it in the states as well. If you bought this product, return it to the store for a complete refund. If you have questions, contact the company by calling 1-786-660-0298.
#recall #immuneenhancement #covid #influenza
recall, immuneenhancement, covid, influenza
7-Select Yogurt Pretzels Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/tZTsdkTcrXI
The FDA and the Azar Nut Co. are recalling 7-Select Yogurt Pretzels. This product may contain undeclared peanuts. If peanut-allergic persons consume these pretzels, they may develop serious or life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. If you have this product, return it to the point of purchase for a refund. If you have questions, contact the company at 1-800-351-8178.
#recall #yogurtpretzels #pretzels #7select #peanuts
recall, yogurtpretzels, pretzels, 7select, peanuts
Enlightened Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Is On Recall
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/cjV9hwsKi84
The FDA and Beyond Foods LLC are recalling Enlightened Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream. This product may contain undeclared milk. If you purchased this product, don’t eat it but instead return it to the point of purchase for a complete refund. For additional information, call the company at 1-800-819-2998.
#recall #peanutbuttericecream #icecream #milk
recall, peanutbuttericecream, icecream, milk
Saniderm Hand Sanitizer Has Been Recalled
Vidcast: https://youtu.be/PUWk-Z2ImlY
The FDA and Saniderm Products have recalled Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer. These 1 liter bottles contain poisonous methanol, better known as wood alcohol. Methanol exposure can produce permanent blindness, seizures, coma, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms. Using the product on the hands is dangerous, but children accidentally ingesting it would be most at risk. Apparently, only the lots of this product manufactured in Mexico are at risk, but this situation is so dangerous, I would return any of this hand sanitizer to the point of purchase. If you require more information, call Saniderm at 1-415-562-5502.
#recall #sanitizer #saniderm #methanol #woodalcohol
recall, sanitizer, saniderm, methanol, woodalcohol