I spent about an hour on Facebook today, just scrolling thru and was struck by how people are currently reacting to the corona virus.  As a pretext, it is April 10, 2020.  We are in our fifth week of social distancing and the closing of many businesses.  In most places in the country, the predicted doomsday scenario, has not happened.  There have been exceptions.  New York City, New Orleans and Detroit seem to be the hardest hit so far, but even there, the total death count and number of overrun hospitals is far smaller than was predicted.  So, what does this all mean?

First, I believe the models that were used by the CDC and HHS that informed our governmental decision makers were incorrect or they on purpose erred on the side of caution, to prevent as many deaths as possible.  Second, it is possible that the models were right, but the degree to which Americans did incorporate social distancing made a greater positive impact on the spread of the virus than was predicted.  Third, and there is a growing belief in this, the entire thing was a mild flu and was made up propaganda to achieve some form of nefarious outcome and created by unnamed nefarious sources.  The different conspiracy theories all believe that they are designed to rob us of some freedom or liberty we presently enjoy. 

What is further complicating our reality, is the financial pressures being placed on the US economy is enormous.  In my opinion, many small and medium sized businesses are not going to survive this one-month shutdown, despite the money the government is spending.  Many people who have lost their jobs, will not be getting them back for a while, if ever.  The longer the shutdown goes on, the greater will be these losses.  The government is realizing this as well.  They will be forced to open things regardless of the safety and the effect of the virus on the population.  To not do so will result in another Great Depression which would result in far more death and destruction than this virus will. I believe we will see this done in the next couple of weeks.  Maybe gradually, maybe all at once. 

So, what is the truth and reality of what we are facing? 

From my perspective and responsibility as a Doctor, my biggest concern will always be the health of my patients.  So, my advice to those in the vulnerable categories, (older than 65, diabetics, obese, autoimmune disease patients, existing respiratory conditions, cancer patients and other immune compromised patients), is to continue to social distance as much as possible.  The country is going to have to make a switch from social distancing to quarantining the vulnerable and isolating the confirmed cases until they no longer can spread the virus.  Secondly, those in the vulnerable camps need to do everything they possibly can to strengthen their immune systems while they are also isolating.  I have written on this in prior blogs in the last 2 months, but a quick review is to eat an anti-inflammatory type of diet.  This means you avoid sugars, refined carbs, eat lots of vegetables and high-quality protein and high-quality fats.  Supplements that have been effectively used are Vitamins C, A, D, E and the minerals zinc and selenium.  A bioflavonoid called quercetin and a supplement called NAC (N-acetylcysteine).  For those who are unfortunate enough to get the virus and have a severe reaction, the drug hydroxychloroquine and high dose IV Vitamin C therapy have a large body of positive case study results to support their use.  It is not the same as finished research, but we will not have the advantage of that until next year.

Going forward, we need to develop an accurate test to determine who has been exposed and developed immunity to the disease.  We also need to see high quality research on the nature, treatment and ongoing affects of the disease.  This will allow us to better handle this virus in the future.  Many are resting their hopes on a vaccine to be developed.  But in my opinion, that option needs to be thoroughly tested for safety an efficacy before being give to huge parts of the population.  Far too often, vaccines have been released that are not safe or effective.  We can’t let our fear allow us to go along with that.

Lastly, my fear and expectation are that when they loosen restrictions and people go back to normal, the virus will re-emerge.  If it follows the usual flu pattern, that may not occur until this coming fall.  If it doesn’t, we will see an immediate spike in cases.  I strongly urge those in vulnerable categories to do everything possible to improve your health now.  The best defense you have against the Corona Virus is a strong and balanced immune system.  For those who would like help and advice in achieving this, I am available here at the office to help.