COVID-19 Mortality, Risk Factors and Prevention

Like most American's COVID-19 has my attention.  I am mainly looking to the WHO and CDC for my information.  Sadly, I feel like many of our news outlets are more interested in grabbing views than presenting balanced information.

What we know for sure, based on the Chinese data posted on the CDC website as of 3/11/20.
1. For those under 50, the mortality rate is very low 0.2-0.4% .
2. Across all ages (including 80 year olds) those people with no chronic illnesses also had a low mortality rate of 0.9%.
3. People over 80 years old had the highest death rate at 14.8%
4. Of confirmed COVID-19 patients in China as of Feb 11, 2020, only 2.1% were aged <20 years, and no deaths were reported among those <10 years of age .
5. An overall mortality rate of 2.3% has been reported among confirmed cases of COVID-19 in China. However, this is likely over-estimated as the majority of these cases were among hospitalized patients. (That means the denominator - the total number of case- likely did not include people that had mild symptoms and did not get tested)

Taken together, this means we need to be extremely protective of our elders and those with chronic conditions, but the average American does not need to panic.

Signs & Symptoms:
According to the CDC, frequent signs and symptoms of patients admitted to the hospital include fever (77–98%), cough (46%–82%), myalgia or fatigue (11–52%), and shortness of breath (3-31%) at illness onset. The incubation period may range from 2-14 days.

Transmission:
Thought to be droplet.  This means that the virus sits on tiny water drops that are expelled with a cough or sneeze.  It is not thought to be airborne or aerosolized at this time. People that most need masks are those who are sick and health care workers.  Those who are healthy do not need to wear masks unless they are caring for someone who is sick.

Virus Spread/Transmission:
The virus is spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). It is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

What we can all do.
1. Wash hands often and with soap (for 20 seconds- you can sing twinkle twinkle little star and this is about 20 seconds) or use hand-santizer with 60% alcohol.
2. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
3. If COVID-19 is spreading in your community keep at least 6 feet between you and others.
4. Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
5. For those that want to boost immune response to RNA viruses like influenza and corona viruses, there is a paper by Mark McCarty and James DiNicolantanio that outlines mechanistically how the following nutraceuticals taken daily as prevention may be beneficial.
Selenium 50-100mg
Zinc 30-50mg
Elderberry 600-1500mg
Lipoic Acid 1200-1800mg
Glucosamine 3000mg
Spirulina 15g
Yeast beta glutamates 250-500mg
Though, as always speak to your doctor before starting any supplement regimen.
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Going to the doctor's office office. 
If you have a mild upper respiratory infection you should stay at home.  If you need to be seen with an upper respiratory infection, please call ahead and let us know so that we can quickly get you into a room and take appropriate preventative actions without exposing other patients.