TOTUS again running off with misinformation in order to give the impression of knowledge on a subject where he has none and to be the main topic of conversation. MA.

Kristen V Brown

and

Riley Griffin

March 21, 2020, 4:11 PM CDT Updated on March 21, 2020, 9:13 PM CDT

‘What do we have to lose?’ Trump asks, touting malaria drug

Experts raise doubts about small study of hydroxychloroquine

A tiny trial of a malaria drug may or may not have helped several patients in France fight off their coronavirus infections. The FDA has said it needs more study. Some expert doctors are skeptical. President Donald Trump is all for it.

On Saturday, Trump again promoted the drug at a White House briefing, and retweeted a post about a small scientific study that has been making the rounds for several days. It followed Trump’s comments Friday that the drug, hydroxychloroquine, was a “game changer,” that “we’re going to be able to make that drug available almost immediately,” and noting that patients could get it from their doctor.

“This miracle cure is based on six subjects, which does not give me a great deal of confidence,” said Hank Greely, a bioethicist at Stanford University, said of hydroxychloroquine. “This study is promising, provocative and worth following-up on, but it is nothing more than that.”

Hydroxychloroquine is part of an urgent effort to find treatments for the coronavirus that in just a few months has killed more than 10,000 people around the globe, and could well prove effective. But so far, there’s little proof of that. It does have two things going for it, however: it’s already on the market, and is available as a lower-cost generic medicine.

Trump is far from the only person of influence to tout the idea that a drug for malaria may offer a treatment for a virus that has infected more than 21,000 people in the United States. The same study had already attracted attention from Elon Musk. Musk’s initial tweet on the subject was liked more than 55,000 times.

Hydroxychloroquine has, in essence, gone viral.

It’s one of a number of drugs being tested for treatment of patients with Covid-19. But since the virus is a new pathogen, there are no ready-made drugs on offer. Instead, scientists have pulled from their existing armory, throwing everything at it, and hoping something works.

“What do we have to lose?” Trump said Saturday at the White House briefing, also acknowledging that scientists in his administration have called for more study. “We’re going to find out very shortly whether or not it is going to work. I feel very confident.”

Hospitals, anticipating a surge in demand, are stockpiling the drug, and some are already treating patients with it on an off-label basis. Medical institutions are gearing up to conduct further studies. Urgent-care centers and tele-health companies have seen increasing numbers of patients requesting hydroxychloroquine as they read about it online, and patients who actually require the drugs have at times not been able to obtain them.

But as attention and demand for hydroxychloroquine mounts, there’s one thing desperately missing — solid proof it actually helps, and that it doesn’t harm patients.

“The president is talking about hope for people, and it’s not an unreasonable thing,” Fauci said at the same briefing, speaking shortly after Trump. “My job is to ultimately prove, without a doubt, that a drug is not only safe but that it actually works.”

The study tweeted out by President Trump looked at 26 patients who had been hospitalized with Covid-19 in France, and compared them to 16 patients at another facility who did not receive the treatment. Of all 26 patients that got hydroxychloroquine, six also received azithromycin, an antibiotic. The six patients who got the antibiotic appeared to clear the virus from their bodies.

“Many of the things that you hear out there are what I had called anecdotal reports,” Fauci said. “They may be true, but they’re anecdotal.”

Scientists are eager to explore any avenue that may lead to a potential treatment, and so larger studies of the drug are gearing up. Hydroxychloroquine and the more-toxic drug it is derived from, chloroquine, are also commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Neither drug has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat Covid-19.

David Ho, a famed AIDS researcher based at Columbia University, said that in the study the treatment didn’t appear to actually make a difference in whether patients lived or got better. And it’s possible that the decreases in the amount of virus found were because of flaws in how samples were collected, or patients may have simply recovered on their own — as most do.

Ho has given his laboratory over to studying Covid-19 and the virus that causes it, SARS-CoV-2.

“In a crisis like this, we need clarity,” Ho said. “Trump is doing just the opposite.”

The post retweeted by Trump on Saturday was authored by a little-known investor, entrepreneur and former biopharmaceutical analyst named Michael Coudrey, who also touted the same drug’s ability to fight HIV.

Reached on Twitter, Coudrey said he thought the study was promising but wasn’t strong enough to justify the drug’s wide use.

Fauci, asked whether the drug might be used preventatively against Covid-19, as it is with malaria, replied, “no.”

Long History

David Goldman, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, said though the French study “isn’t optimal and doesn’t constitute enough data to validate the new indication for that drug,” it still builds on years of research of hydroxychloroquine use in outbreaks of two related diseases, SARS and MERS.

For decades, researchers across the globe have investigated the effects of chloroquine on viral infections and against HIV. In the early 2000s, some found that it had the potential to inhibit the replication of the virus that causes SARS in mice, but other research subsequently cast doubt on that finding.

Goldman is currently working with stakeholders at Montefiore and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University to design a clinical trial that would evaluate hydroxychloroquine as a preventive treatment in more than 600 elderly residents living in nursing homes. He said Montefiore is already treating patients infected by the new coronavirus with hydroxychloroquine.

“Nobody really knows what will work, so let’s try everything: multiple different approaches, multiple different agents, based on the limited data that we have,” he said.

Drugmakers, too, are gearing up for the potential that the drug may work. Novartis AG, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd and Bayer AG have plans to ramp up production and donate millions of tablets for U.S. pandemic response, while Mylan NV is re-starting manufacturing.

Patient Demand

Some patients, with no treatment currently approved to treat the virus, seem less interested in waiting.

Caesar Djavaherian, co-founder and medical director of Carbon Health, a tele-health company and group of 16 clinics in the Bay Area, said that every day over the past week, patients have come in requesting to try the drug.

“The president and others that have publicized this drug have really put us in a tough spot,” he said.

Chloroquine phosphate prescriptions tripled in the U.S. between Feb. 14 and March 13, according to data compiled by Bloomberg and Symphony Health, while hydroxychloroquine sulfate prescriptions, which are issued at a much greater volume in the U.S., jumped more than 12% over the same period.

Data compiled by the drug shopping website GoodRx showed that between March 1 and March 16, there was a 57% surge in demand for hydroxychloroquine and a 90% increase in chloroquine.

Doctors, Djavaherian said, are now being pressured to prescribe a drug that also risks causing significant side effects. Those can range from dizziness to life-threatening allergic reactions and eye damage. When used in combination with azithromycin, there is also some evidence it can cause heart problems.

“If someone has significant risk factors to become very ill from the coronavirus, like they are older with multiple comorbidities, the thinking is why not prescribe it?” Djavaherian said. “The studies so far have not been sufficient, but if someone were to have a bad outcome, now the question would be, ‘Why didn’t you treat them with this?’”

At this point, the drug should only be regarded as a last resort, Djavaherian said.

Dave Burke, owner of Dave’s Pharmacy in Marysville, Ohio and a state senator, estimated four doctors have tried filling hydroxychloroquine prescriptions for themselves or their family members within the past week at his pharmacy.

Burke was surprised by the first prescription he saw. When he received the second, he realized it was a trend. Then he read about Trump touting hydroxychloroquine. He has since stopped filling prescriptions for people he does not know to be taking the drug for conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

“This is like the captain of the ship taking the only lifeboat where passengers are forced to drown,” Burke said.

— With assistance by Robert Langreth, and Angelica LaVito

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I don’t see TOILET PAPER-so the hoarders are wrong, stupid or uninformed? MA.

Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CSO, CDN

Harper’s BazaarMarch 12, 2020, 4:24 PM CDT

From Harper’s BAZAAR

As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the world and more people are being advised to self-isolate or to quarantine, the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention has advised people to create a household plan in case there’s an outbreak in their community. Keep in mind that while the virus is a serious health concern, especially for older adults or people who have chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, it’s important not to panic (as of March 12, there have been 127,863 confirmed cases of COVID-19 around the globe, with 68,310 recoveries).

What you should do, however, is make some preparations. That means having basic essentials on hand such as food, medicine, and cleaning supplies. But being prepared does not mean stockpiling or hoarding. While the CDC states that people should have sufficient quantities of household items and groceries in the event that they need to stay home “for a period of time,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is recommending two weeks’ worth of supplies.

It’s also important to remember that while you may want to keep a supply of bottled water in your house, water supply should not be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, Dr. Keith Roach, an internist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, told Men’s Health.

You also probably do not need to stock up on face masks, as health professionals and people who are already sick should be the only ones wearing them, says Dr. Jonathan Fielding, M.D., a professor of health policy and management at the University of California Los Angeles‘ Schools of Public Health and Medicine. Face masks are not thought to provide any additional benefits for healthy people in the general population, according to the Mayo Clinic. Health workers need access to face masks and other medical supplies, and a shortage could pose an even greater health risk to communities

We know this is a lot of information, and that can feel overwhelming, so we’ve complied a list of what to do and buy if you think you may be stuck at home due to the coronavirus.

First, you’ll want to scan your pantry.

Take a quick look at what you already have on hand to make sure you don’t overbuy. You don’t need to go crazy with purchasing canned goods if you already have the recommended two-weeks’ worth. The same goes for cleaning supplies.

Then add frozen fruits and canned vegetables, as well as non-perishables, to your grocery list.

If you have fresh produce in your home, use that up first to minimize any waste. Then, look for canned, boxed, and shelf-stable items to have on hand. When it comes to canned goods, it’s always preferable to look for low-sodium versions, and cans that say they don’t have BPA lining, if you can find them. Frozen foods are excellent to have on hand, as well.

Below are items to use as a starting point for your shopping, but keep in mind you should be buying foods you would normally eat. And of course, pick up food and drinks you just plain enjoy, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, and chips. Also, if you have a baby or toddler in the house, you’re going to want to add the essentials they need to your list as well.

Fruit

• Applesauce and other fruit purees
• Canned fruit in water
• Frozen fruit
• Dried fruit

Vegetables

• Canned vegetables (i.e., green beans, carrots, peas, diced tomatoes, pumpkin puree), low-sodium if possible
• Canned vegetable-based soups and chilis, low-sodium if possible
• Frozen vegetables (i.e, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus)
• Jarred tomato sauce

Protein

• Tuna or salmon, canned or in a pouch
• Chicken or turkey, canned or in a pouch
• Frozen fish, such as shrimp or individually portioned pieces of salmon
• Shelf-stable silken tofu
• Lentils, canned or vacuum-sealed
• Eggs and egg beaters
• Nut/seed butter
• Nuts and seeds
• Trail mix
• Dry or canned beans

Grains

• Whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta
• Brown rice
• Ancient grains (i.e., quinoa, farro)
• Oats
• Instant oatmeal packets/cups
• Whole wheat or seed crackers
• Whole wheat or sprouted bread (can keep in freezer and toast when ready to eat)

Dairy

• Shelf-stable boxes of milk (shelf-stable varieties are available for regular and non-dairy milks)
• Powdered milk

Healthy Fats

• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Flax seeds
• Chia seeds

Beverages

• Water (if you’re unable to or prefer not to drink tap)
• Low-sugar electrolyte drinks
• Pre-made protein-shakes or meal-replacement shakes (in case you get sick and lose your appetite)
• Canned or boxed low-sodium broth

Take note of what toiletries and cleaning supplies you need.

Basic toiletries include toothpaste, floss, face wash, moisturizer, shampoo, conditioner, razors, shaving cream, and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Extra laundry detergent and hand soap are also important to have at home. As for household disinfectants, the CDC recommends diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants.

It also says: “Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.”

Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:

• 5 tablespoons (1/3 of a cup) bleach per gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Be sure to check your medicine cabinet.

For those on prescription medications, consider calling ahead for an extra month or two of medicine just in case. The American Red Cross recommends having at least a 30-day supply of any prescription medications for those in your home. (CVS is now delivering prescribed medications to customers for free.) They also advise at least a one month’s supply of over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, and throat lozenges. A daily multivitamin is also a good idea to stock up on so you’re able to get those essential vitamins and minerals if your food choices are limited.

And don’t forget about your pets.

Pick up extra animal supplies, including medications and food. Wee-wee absorbent pads can come in handy as well if you can’t get out to walk your dog. Remember: Having a pet is like having another human being inside the house — they require just as much care and supplies as any of us do, if not more.

Other helpful resources regarding coronavirus

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 fact page
• The National Association of County and City Health Officials’ directory of local
• health departments

• 

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Forked tongue speaks again about subject he knows nothing about based on his lack of comprehension and refusal to be corrected on. MA

Frederic Lardinois@fredericl / 6:06 pm CDT • March 13, 2020

In a press conference at the White House, President Trump today announced that 1,700 Google engineers were working on a coronavirus screening site. That site was supposedly the first step in a new screening process that would lead people from figuring out if their symptoms warranted more testing to the location of new “drive through” testing stations. But Trump was wrong. This screening site isn’t being developed by Google . Instead, it’s being built by Verily, Alphabet’s life science division — and it’s not ready to launch yet either.

While both share the same parent company in Alphabet,  these are two very different companies. In addition, as Verily  noted in a statement it provided almost three hours after Trump made the announcement, this site isn’t quite ready yet.

“Verily is developing a tool to help triage individuals for COVID-19 testing. We are in the early stages of development, and planning to roll testing out in the Bay Area, with the hope of expanding more broadly over time,” the company said in its statement. “We appreciate the support of government officials and industry partners and thank the Google engineers who have volunteered to be part of this effort.”

Verily specifically mentions that the site is in its “early stages.” Debbie Birx, the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, as well as Trump, made no mention of the fact that this site wasn’t ready yet or that it would only roll out in the Bay Area at first.

Instead, anybody watching the press conference surely came away with the impression that the site was essentially ready, especially given its pivotal role in the overall screening process.

“I want to thank Google. Google is helping to develop a website,” Trump said. “It’s gonna be very quickly done — unlike websites of the past — to determine whether a test is warranted and to facilitate testing at a nearby convenient location. We have many, many locations behind us, by the way. We cover this country and large parts of the world, by the way. We’re not gonna be talking about the world right now, but we cover very, very strongly our country. Stores in virtually every location. Google has 1,700 engineers working on this right now. They have made tremendous progress.”

Similarly, when Birx presented the new screening approach, she specifically noted that the process will start with the screening website. Given some of Trump’s earlier comments in the press conference, a number of pundits believed that the site would be ready by Sunday night.

Here is Verily’s statement about its plans for its site, according to a spokesperson: “What I can share at this time is that our aspiration is for the triage tool to be used much more broadly. Initially, we’re linking it with several sites in the Bay Area to test and iterate, and collaborating closely with organizations like Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp who are also working on additional approaches to making testing more accessible and expedient in other areas.”

In a different statement to The Verge, Verily said the tool was originally meant for healthcare workers and that the presidential announcement changed its course to becoming a public site. Whatever the original intent of the project, it seems quite clear that Verily was taken somewhat aback by the announcement.

Now, it’s not uncommon for anybody outside of the tech world to use Alphabet and Google interchangeably. Still, Verily is not Google and the Bay Area is not the whole country. Those are important facts

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