Bear - 2020-03-20 6:29 PM

I just glanced at this thread and started reading backwards, and I gave up trying to find out what the important question or issue is.  
So, if someone has a question maybe I can help.  What's all the cat fighting about?

I offered to try to answer questions on the other thread, and not that many seemed to have any.  

Chandler's Mom - 2020-03-20 7:27 PM

My parents are in their 70s.  Overall, they are fairly healthy.  Chandler and Laura live with them.  She's a nurse in ICU;  there have been 3 cases in their hospital today alone.  She isn't working with them as of now but feels she will be in contact with them soon.  How worried should I be about Momma and Daddy?   Also, what precautions should she take before coming home?  (She stays in an apartment during her rotation in LA, then comes home to AR when she works off.)  I'm not scared for myself but am using wipes and Germex and Lysol at the office religiously.  I'm staying away from Momma and Daddy for now simply because I AM out and about around the public daily.   Just want to make sure what we each should be doing as a family to keep them safe.  Thanks in advance for your advice, Mr Scott. 

Palopony - 2020-03-20 4:50 PM

I think Florida will be interesting to watch sort of like the canary in the coal mine.  Since they want all that travel money and they have so many elderly I think we will get to see what happens pretty soon.  Not happy they are going to spread it all over the country but I do like free will. IDK

We will see if the states made the right decision.  I am just so happy I don't live in the era of 3 TV channels and newspaper for news.  You all may hate the press but I like being informed, especially with society changing daily.  I would be climbing the walls with out it.  However my house would be clean and horses not be muddy, for no one to see.

want2chase3 - 2020-03-20 7:35 PM

I've seen so much arguing on Facebook and here too... arguing over who is right , who has real facts and who is fake news ... I'm summing it up to everyone being stuck at home, nerves are shot .. there is SOOOO much misinformation being spread out there ... my sister sent me a panic text.. saying the military was coming to make sure everyone stayed home ... my husband got the same photo of a paper saying the same thing... I told her to relax. You cannot believe everything being tossed around, especially on Facebook! It's scary and unnerving enough without all the fluff.... I told everyone... if your sentence begins with "I heard " I will stop you right there ... when i want information i will go to my source... i check in on CDC and flip on the news occasionally... I'm plum wore out of worrying about it, I will admit I was glued to my tv in the very beginning and reading on my phone all day ... worst thing EVER. Stepping away from it has been good ... watching movies on Netflix with my kiddos instead since it's raining we cant go outside ... checking in here and occasionally looking at Facebook is all I'm really doing. Trying to stay positive and spread positive to a few people I see losing it on Facebook... i have good news.. our grocery store was fully stocked this afternoon.. my husband got out with a full buggy and was able to get everything on my list.. I hope its beginning to settle down and slow down now... and this was the store in the biggest town he went to. 

Edited to add... I didnt mean to quote you Bear...

I'mlost - 2020-03-20 8:51 PM

As I'm sitting here thinking things over I come up with more questions.  Are there things we can do for the front line people to help out?  Is there something we can do for the nurses, doctors, medical staff, laboratory people, retail workers?  Anything to help them out?  I'm sure there are folks behind the scenes that need help with day to day things we could do to ease their work loads.  Things we take for granted.  Are there charitable organizations that could use help.  I want to help if I can.  

I'mlost - 2020-03-20 7:45 PM

Very good questions.  How can we have some semblance of normalcy, but still go about our daily lives?  I live in a very small town (800 population), very rural area.  I think a lot of us have the not us mentality.  My father is not in great health so I'm keeping my distance from him.  I'm shopping locally, staying away from gatherings.  Washing my hands, disinfecting, etc.  is this enough?  Part of me feels very hopeless!  

Thank you to all the nurses, doctors, retail workers, and all other people on the front lines.  Many prayers for your safety and health!  

Southtxponygirl - 2020-03-20 9:53 PM

Bear {Scott} I have a honest question, I did ask but it didnt work out since I hate watching videos. My sons wife has Lupus and I really worry about this because she works at a clinic in San Marcos where she does drawing blood for the older folks, Brenda's Lupus really is being hard on her, so shes a high risk too and I saw a few posts on here that Coronavirus is not what causes a death, they are saying its the underlying issue that will be the cause of death not the coronavirus itself, does the Coronavirus attack the low immune systems of people that have underlying issues? Like when the person gets this virus and has Lupus can this virus cause the Lupus to go into high gear and cause her illness to get worst? I thought that I understood that the virus is what causes death, even if there is a underlying issue would the virus still be the cause of someone passing away if they get it?

And do you think the media is over reacting, I know some media I dont give a rats hinny about but the ones I do watch as in Fox I really pay attention to what they say, and when Gov. Greg Abbott comes on I really really listen to what he has to say. I really dont think hes over reacting, hes trying to get word out there for us and wants to protect us all by getting bars, restaurants, schools to close down. I just would like your take on all this. And I'm 62 so I'm taking this all very serious as most are on here, I know some think this is all blown out of proportion, but I think they should take this more serious. 

Bear - 2020-03-20 10:59 PM

At this point we have no choice but to assume this is a dangerous pandemic.  The reason I say this is because this is a "novel" virus, meaning it is new, and, as such, we simply are in uncharted territory and we have no way of predicting an end point.  In the end, it may turn out that we grossly overreacted, but we can't afford to minimize this pandemic.  In the beginning, even many experts varied in their opinions, but over a few weeks time, the consensus was that our approach is the better part of valor.  At the same time, political opportunists are not wasting time pointing fingers and looking for "experts" who will send the message of a doomsday scenario. Some attempt to continue to fan the flames of fear, doom, and gloom.  If you watch the badgering of governors, members of the coronavirus response team, and the president, they are repeatedly asking variations of similar questions, for which they know there are no answers.  Questions like this: "Can you tell us when Americans can feel safe again?"  "Can you tell the American people when they can get a test if they want one?"  "Can you guarantee that everything possible is being done?"  "When will Americans be able to resume normalcy?" "Do you think calling it the Chinese Coronavirus is offensive and racist?"  Those are the sorts of things you see in press conferences....and they come in a constant flurry every day.  Dr Fauci has been a godsend in addressing many of these sorts of things.
As to someone with Lupus, the reason they are at increased risk is they are immune suppressed.  First, the chronic underlying disease effects the immune system.  Also, most people with Lupus are on drugs that suppress the immune system.  COVID-19 kills by causing severe pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome.  In addition, it causes a severe reaction called a "cytokine storm".  You have to look it up to learn more about it, but basically it is a result of inflammatory mediators from white blood cells, like interferon and tumor necrosis factor and many many others.  They cause:  fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, fast breathing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, headache, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, tremor, and loss of coordination. It's like a combination of a bad flu and an allergic reaction.  Ultimately it can cause respiratory failure and shock.  A lot of drugs under trial work by blocking that "cytokine storm".  Others work by helping eliminate or even kill the virus.

I'll try to answer your question another way.  If someone goes into septic shock from a bacterial infection and they go into renal failure and die as a direct result of that, the underlying cause of death would be septic shock.

ETA: I neglected to answer your question more precisely.  Most likely, a patient with Lupus who dies while infected with this coronavirus, dies from the virus itself, rather than a flare up of Lupus.

Bear - 2020-03-20 10:59 PM

At this point we have no choice but to assume this is a dangerous pandemic.  The reason I say this is because this is a "novel" virus, meaning it is new, and, as such, we simply are in uncharted territory and we have no way of predicting an end point.  In the end, it may turn out that we grossly overreacted, but we can't afford to minimize this pandemic.  In the beginning, even many experts varied in their opinions, but over a few weeks time, the consensus was that our approach is the better part of valor.  At the same time, political opportunists are not wasting time pointing fingers and looking for "experts" who will send the message of a doomsday scenario. Some attempt to continue to fan the flames of fear, doom, and gloom.  If you watch the badgering of governors, members of the coronavirus response team, and the president, they are repeatedly asking variations of similar questions, for which they know there are no answers.  Questions like this: "Can you tell us when Americans can feel safe again?"  "Can you tell the American people when they can get a test if they want one?"  "Can you guarantee that everything possible is being done?"  "When will Americans be able to resume normalcy?" "Do you think calling it the Chinese Coronavirus is offensive and racist?"  Those are the sorts of things you see in press conferences....and they come in a constant flurry every day.  Dr Fauci has been a godsend in addressing many of these sorts of things.
As to someone with Lupus, the reason they are at increased risk is they are immune suppressed.  First, the chronic underlying disease effects the immune system.  Also, most people with Lupus are on drugs that suppress the immune system.  COVID-19 kills by causing severe pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome.  In addition, it causes a severe reaction called a "cytokine storm".  You have to look it up to learn more about it, but basically it is a result of inflammatory mediators from white blood cells, like interferon and tumor necrosis factor and many many others.  They cause:  fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, fast breathing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, headache, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, tremor, and loss of coordination. It's like a combination of a bad flu and an allergic reaction.  Ultimately it can cause respiratory failure and shock.  A lot of drugs under trial work by blocking that "cytokine storm".  Others work by helping eliminate or even kill the virus.

I'll try to answer your question another way.  If someone goes into septic shock from a bacterial infection and they go into renal failure and die as a direct result of that, the underlying cause of death would be septic shock.

ETA: I neglected to answer your question more precisely.  Most likely, a patient with Lupus who dies while infected with this coronavirus, dies from the virus itself, rather than a flare up of Lupus.

NJJ - 2020-03-21 9:07 AM

Scott......I just want to thank you ...... I think this is the type of posts that we are all looking for .... REAL answers.....I know people ask the same questions over and over but I think they just want or "need" reassurance. You have always been forthcoming and helpful on this board (even though you mock me .... LOL). I know that when my hubby was having problems, I called YOU for answers !!!  

want2chase3 - 2020-03-21 10:32 AM

Heres a question.... Do vitamin C, zinc, elderberry and echinacea supplements really help with boosting the immune system? I stocked up when Jacob was going thru chemo.. tried to order some the other day and everything, everywhere is on backorder ... I did manage to get some vitamin c (I almost typed in pellets) pills but not available till next week off of Amazon. I should have known.... you cant find them in the store .... or hydrogen peroxide... I like to use HP to clean around my house and bathrooms ... i did happen to find a source online though so i ordered up on that and a few bottles of hand sani (as my 8yr old son refers to it lol) 

Bear - 2020-03-20 10:59 PM

At this point we have no choice but to assume this is a dangerous pandemic.  The reason I say this is because this is a "novel" virus, meaning it is new, and, as such, we simply are in uncharted territory and we have no way of predicting an end point.  In the end, it may turn out that we grossly overreacted, but we can't afford to minimize this pandemic.  In the beginning, even many experts varied in their opinions, but over a few weeks time, the consensus was that our approach is the better part of valor.  At the same time, political opportunists are not wasting time pointing fingers and looking for "experts" who will send the message of a doomsday scenario. Some attempt to continue to fan the flames of fear, doom, and gloom.  If you watch the badgering of governors, members of the coronavirus response team, and the president, they are repeatedly asking variations of similar questions, for which they know there are no answers.  Questions like this: "Can you tell us when Americans can feel safe again?"  "Can you tell the American people when they can get a test if they want one?"  "Can you guarantee that everything possible is being done?"  "When will Americans be able to resume normalcy?" "Do you think calling it the Chinese Coronavirus is offensive and racist?"  Those are the sorts of things you see in press conferences....and they come in a constant flurry every day.  Dr Fauci has been a godsend in addressing many of these sorts of things.
As to someone with Lupus, the reason they are at increased risk is they are immune suppressed.  First, the chronic underlying disease effects the immune system.  Also, most people with Lupus are on drugs that suppress the immune system.  COVID-19 kills by causing severe pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome.  In addition, it causes a severe reaction called a "cytokine storm".  You have to look it up to learn more about it, but basically it is a result of inflammatory mediators from white blood cells, like interferon and tumor necrosis factor and many many others.  They cause:  fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, fast breathing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, headache, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, tremor, and loss of coordination. It's like a combination of a bad flu and an allergic reaction.  Ultimately it can cause respiratory failure and shock.  A lot of drugs under trial work by blocking that "cytokine storm".  Others work by helping eliminate or even kill the virus.

I'll try to answer your question another way.  If someone goes into septic shock from a bacterial infection and they go into renal failure and die as a direct result of that, the underlying cause of death would be septic shock.

ETA: I neglected to answer your question more precisely.  Most likely, a patient with Lupus who dies while infected with this coronavirus, dies from the virus itself, rather than a flare up of Lupus.

Chandler's Mom - 2020-03-21 6:40 PM

The first case is now at St Francis, where Laura works.   She has volunteered to quarantine herself in her apartment---she and Chan live with Momma and Daddy (70s, some health issues, but overall healthy); what do you think she should do????  This is my greatest worry right now 

Southtxponygirl - 2020-03-21 6:50 PM

Oh no "( now thats got to be scary. Did she come into contact with that person? Or even in the same area?

Palopony - 2020-03-21 9:35 PM

I am so sorry Chandler's Mom, I think she needs to isolate herself especially from some people.   My reason for thinking this is..... I saw one of the Utah Jazz players who tested positive when they first tested on CNN today.  He's young and has no symptoms at all, said he felt like he could play 6 games.  Which is great news, he has been under quarantine since he could infect others.  I think young and healthy people have a much better chance of just infecting others.  I'm afraid many won't even know they do and how could they?

I sort of feel sorry for the Spring Break kids,  Watching the news wasn't my thing while I was getting ready for vacation when I was young.  Many people don't watch the news at all.  Seems now it changes daily and people spread crazy rumors as much as real news.

ETA:  My advice is only from what I have seen and read I try to avoid Dr's and have NO medical training.  I just read and watch a lot.

Chandler's Mom - 2020-03-21 6:40 PM

The first case is now at St Francis, where Laura works.   She has volunteered to quarantine herself in her apartment---she and Chan live with Momma and Daddy (70s, some health issues, but overall healthy); what do you think she should do????  This is my greatest worry right now