2019 Novel Coronavirus
(2019-nCoV (first named); COVID-2019 (later named disease); SARS-CoV-2 (final name of the virus causing COVID-2019):
DON’T PANIC
March 1, 2020 update Part 5
Paul Herscu ND, MPH
Herscu Laboratory
This is the fifth, and so far, shortest, piece of writing on this current epidemic. Please read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 for context and also, please read my other writing on this site for a larger context on the overall topic of public health and epidemics.
LASTLY, I am going to deliver a presentation this coming Saturday, March 7th at 3:30 pm at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. This topic is part of a broader course we teach there, but this lecture will be on how to understand and address epidemics in general and this one in particular. Due to the current environment, this lecture is open to all. Join us if you can. For more details and to please RSVP: http://tinyurl.com/herscu
2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV; COVID-2019):
Comments I shared here over the past weeks remain true and are seen in the writings coming from across the globe. I want to focus on why this is of utmost importance to you and your patients!
There are three specific short points.
First, I am both really sad to hear that someone died of this disease in the United States, and that the gentleman who passed away yesterday worked at a nursing home. The highest mortality rate is in the older population and while he was only in his 50s, the folks he worked with are older, putting them at more risk. This is one of the first times I am very worried for them. Related, it is highly likely that many more people in that community will test positive for the virus over the next weeks. This places importance on healthcare worker knowledge and appropriate action.
Second, and related, I have mentioned that there are a few simple things that can be done to help the situation in general, but I am really hoping for some specific help here. Now. I sincerely hope someone reading this will either test, or ask those providers caring for a severely ill patient with Covid-19 to additionally test, the C1-INH levels as part of the immune system/inflammatory testing conducted. It may be that adding on this test and understanding this piece will save the lives of those who develop ARDS. A simple thing to ask for, a simple test. PLEASE, pass on the request to test for C1-INH to those caring for patients in critical care with Covid-19.
Third, I am sad that I even have to write this one. Before this virus was identified, I wrote a blog post on the then current URI where I mentioned some appropriate treatments for the then seasonal upper respiratory infection. One of those readers in China REWROTE that post in his words, but mistakenly said those approaches already treated the coronavirus. And in a very odd game of telephone, his mistake got picked up and is circulating around the world. This is a mistake he made that is being perpetuated. I hope he does the responsible thing and makes a strong statement about his error. Please disregard any mention, up to now, March 1, from anyone, describing any homeopathic remedies that treat/cure/mitigate COVID-19. They are mistaken. The suggestion that the remedy they should take is Gelsemium is ABOSOLUTELY INCORRECT. They are not understanding the actual disease process and have no direct experience with patients. When we begin to see more patients, which we absolutely will, and can create a clear picture of symptom pathology, and response to remedies, then we will we share that confirmed, correct information, as in the past.
Hope to see you next Saturday. Developing a mature understanding of epidemics will help you predict their nature and develop a targeted, measured, effective response.
In any case, stay tuned!
In health,
Paul Herscu ND, MPH
