Herd Immunity and Coronavirus

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As the Coronavirus pandemic has progressed, new terms, such as antibody, PPE (personal protective equipment) and flattening the curve have become familiar.

Another newly familiar term is herd immunity, a form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a large percentage of the population has become immune, or resistant, to an infection, whether through previous infection or through vaccination.  Once a sufficient percentage of the population becomes immune, protection is afforded to those who are not immune because they are less likely to be exposed to individuals who carry the disease and are therefore contagious.  For example, herd immunity created via vaccination contributed to the eventual eradication of smallpox in 1977

Coronavirus is highly contagious, spreading by touch, by air, through coughs and sneezes, and by contact with contaminated surfaces.  If each person with Coronavirus infected three others, nearly two-thirds of the population would need to be immune to confer herd immunity.  This virus is so new to us (we’ve only known about it for about six months) that scientists are not sure if prior infection confers immunity against future infection or, if so, how long such immunity might last.

While vaccines are under development in multiple labs around the world, widespread availability of a vaccine is at least six and possibly up to eighteen months away.  In the absence of a vaccine, developing immunity to Coronavirus requires actually being infected with the virus.  Current estimates indicate that 0.5-1.0 percent of Coronavirus infections are fatal, so in order to build herd immunity in the United States WITHOUT a vaccine, nearly 200 million people would need to be infected with Coronavirus and up to two million could die.

Many fewer Americans have died from Coronavirus infections than was predicted only six to eight weeks ago.  Practicing social distancing, using masks, quarantining of confirmed cases and isolating patients exposed to Coronavirus have all helped to flatten the curve and slow the spread of infection.  Contact tracing to locate persons exposed to confirmed cases is now being implemented.  We need to continue practicing all of these measures, as scientists around the world work to produce effective vaccines that will provide herd immunity and save millions of lives.  

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/01/opinion/sunday/coronavirus-herd-immunity.html

The Trouble with Sleep

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No one could have predicted the unprecedented changes wrought by the current coronavirus pandemic.  The disruptions in our daily lives and the many questions about the future combine to create at least some anxiety in all of us.  And anxiety is likely to cause or worsen problems sleeping.  

Our bodies need sleep, and better sleep helps us to deal better with stress and anxiety, lowers our chance of developing long-term sleep problems and gives our immune systems a much-needed boost during the pandemic.

Here are tips for a good night’s sleep:

  1. Have a regular sleep pattern.  Try to go to bed at the same time each evening and get up at the same time each morning.  Though your schedule may be different now, try to stick with your new pattern.

  2. Get morning light.  Get out of bed and get exposure to natural sunlight for 20 minutes or more, even on cloudy days.  Regular exposure to sunlight can help set the body’s natural clock and make it easier to fall asleep at bedtime.

  3. Avoid daytime naps.  Sleeping during the day makes it much harder to sleep at night.  If you must nap, limit it to no more than 30 minutes and try to be awake for at least four hours before bedtime.

  4. Exercise during the day.  Find the time for exercise and you will improve sleep quality at night, reduce stress and improve mood.  While group activities are to be avoided, many gyms and yoga studios are now offering virtual programs at reduced or no cost and they may rent studio equipment for home use.

  5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol late in the day.  Alcohol makes it difficult to sleep well at night, and the stimulant effect of caffeine can keep you awake.

  6. Create a comfortable sleep environment.  You should have a quiet, dark room with comfortable bedding and good temperature control.

  7. Relax BEFORE going to bed.  Try to sort out your problems before going to bed and avoid all news and ALL electronics for at least one hour before bedtime.  The news and your computer and cell phone can wait until morning.

  8. Spend the right amount of time in bed.  Most adults need about 8 hours of sleep each night, though some require more and others less.  Unless you have lengthy sleep requirements, limit your time in bed to no more than 8.5 hours.  Minimize your time in bed in which you are not sleeping; if you’re having trouble falling or staying asleep, don’t stay in bed for more than 20 minutes.  Get out of bed and do a quiet activity, such as reading or folding laundry.  And remember, children need more sleep than adults.

If you are still having problems sleeping after trying these tips, you may want to contact your doctor for more advice.  

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/strategies-to-promote-better-sleep-in-these-uncertain-times-2020032719333?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BF20200330-Sleep&utm_id=2034946&dlv-emuid=0f333f34-b85f-48f1-8825-8fa36c0ff37f&dlv-mlid=2034946

Recommendation Regarding the Use of Cloth Face Coverings

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CDC continues to study the spread and effects of the novel coronavirus across the United States.  We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.  This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.  In light of this new evidence, CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

It is critical to emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus.  CDC is additionally advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

What Coronavirus Symptoms Look Like, Day By Day

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

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Credit: Ascension St John

The novel coronavirus, which causes a disease known as COVID-19, is spreading from person to person in parts of the United States. This is a rapidly evolving situation and the CDC’s risk assessment will be updated as needed.

Symptoms: Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms that can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Most infected people will recover on their own.

Tips: It’s still cold and flu season, and the same practices that stop the spread of these common illnesses are recommended:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol hand sanitizers are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick (except to get medical care). Keep sick children home from school or daycare.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. If you use a tissue, wash your hands afterwards.- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (like doorknobs and light switches). Regular household cleaners are effective.
- Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.

If you or a family member has traveled recently to an area of risk, or if you think you may have been exposed to the virus and have symptoms of respiratory illness, you should call your clinic for further instructions. It’s important to call us ahead of time rather than coming directly into one of our facilities or making an appointment online. Calling ahead helps us direct you to the most appropriate care, and take precautions to protect other members, patients, and employees.

Guidance for people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness: Public health agencies recommend that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. This includes concert venues, conventions, sporting events, and crowded social gatherings.

People at higher risk include those:
- Over 60 years of age
- With underlying health conditions including include heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
- With weakened immune systems
- Who are pregnant

There is no evidence that children are more susceptible to COVID-19. In fact, most confirmed cases have occurred in adults. Caregivers of children with underlying health conditions should consult their doctor about whether their children should stay home. Anyone who has questions about whether their condition puts them at risk for COVID-19 should call the COVID-19 Call Center with the Oklahoma State Health Department - 1-877-215-8336. 

CORONAVIRUS: TRUE OR FALSE?

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The sudden, unexpected Coronavirus pandemic has created much fear and confusion across the globe as people have tried to understand what is happening and how to deal with this highly contagious virus.  There are many misconceptions about Coronavirus and the possibility of infection and spread.  Let’s consider Coronavirus Facts and Fiction.

  1. Sunlight can kill Coronavirus. FALSE The sun’s ultraviolet light does not kill Coronavirus.  And high dose ultraviolet light can cause significant skin irritation.  

  2. You should be careful having sex.  TRUE  While Coronavirus is not spread through genital contact, it IS transmitted through respiratory droplets and therefore can be spread by kissing.

  3. Disposable masks can keep you safe from the Coronavirus. FALSE  A mask can help prevent Coronavirus patients from infecting others, but there is no current proof that wearing a mask will prevent people from contracting the disease.  Ongoing trials are testing the various ways that masks can be used.

  4. You can’t catch the Coronavirus from your pet.  TRUE  There is NO evidence that pets, livestock or wildlife transmit Coronavirus.

  5. Ibuprofen worsens Coronavirus infections.  FALSE  Ibuprofen and acetaminophen will NOT worsen Coronavirus infections and may help with symptoms.

  6. The Coronavirus pandemic will lessen once warmer weather arrives. FALSE  Warmer temps may slow spread somewhat but will NOT kill the virus.

  7. Even if you do not have symptoms, you can still be contagious.  TRUE  70%-80%  of people infected with Coronavirus may have mild or no symptoms.

  8. A vaccine will not be available soon.  TRUE  It will likely take at least a year before a vaccine is available for widespread use.

  9. Younger patients will not get Coronavirus.  FALSE  While older patient are more at risk if they become infected with Coronavirus, nearly 40% of patients hospitalized with Coronavirus are under age 54.

  10. Rinsing your nose with saline can help prevent Coronavirus infection.  FALSE  Saline rinses may help people recover from the common cold, but there is NO evidence that this helps protect against Coronavirus infections.  Neither will sipping liquids throughout the day.

  11. There are antiviral drugs approved for use against Coronavirus.  FALSE  While no drugs are recommended for generalized use, there are trials underway to evaluate the use of chorquine, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and remdesivir.  Results are pending.

  12. The best ways to help prevent against Coronavirus infections are to practice social distancing, to frequently wash your hands and to avoid touching your face.  TRUE  These are the current best practices for keeping yourself and your family safe.