There is a bit less uncertainty and I think most of us can breath a little more freely. We will have to wait a bit on what the new normal looks like.
Regarding medications to fight Covid. There is no silver bullet. All data remains equivocal and even Remdesivir has no control populations (people in similar stages of infection who didn’t receive Remdesivir) to compare to. Also no new data that would allow Zithromax, Chloroquine, or Hydroxychloroquine to become part of a recommended treatment protocol.
From our perspective in Functional Medicine remember that NAC (N-acetyl cystiene) and Nordic Naturals CRP will drive down IL-6 (CRP) levels. This is the main cytokine (immune messenger) that mediates the immune activity implicated in the pathology of Covid infection. Vitamin C and Zinc remain our most potent antivirals. Sacromyces Boulardii (probiotic) has been shown to help counter the GI issues associated with Covid. Don’t forget the potent anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D. Some feel that generally lower D levels in communities of color are a contributing factor in the disparity of heath care outcomes with Covid.
I do think that there is consensus that the worst will be over by May 1st. This sentiment will be a driver to restarting the economy. This has sound logic and the plateauing but persistent rates of infection and death will become an accepted part of maintaining our economy. Though I assume at least 20% of our population will consider their risk and likely abstain from their usual economic activity. Individual Covid immunity (from prior infection) will become essential in placement of the labor force that will help to restart the economy The antibody tests that can confirm immunity have been slow to surface. I do have a product from KBMO diagnostics that I feel is accurate. Currently priced at $250 per test with a 48 hour turnaround time. Labcorp and Quest have been slow to develop a test but when they are available they will be considerably cheaper if not covered by your insurance.
The data suggests that school closures though they helped slow spread may not have great utility. This is based on the observation that school aged populations are not particularly susceptible to the effects of this virus. I think those at risk will likely need to avoid these ‘asymptomatic carriers’ and that may be the message going forward for the fall. The big take home regarding the economy is that decisions around social distancing, school closures, decreasing economic activity among others need to be made on a regional versus state or national level. This disease is not going to hit Atlanta like it did NY. We are decentralized and population density a fraction of larger predominantly Northern high density cities. Any plan needs to be tailored to micro regional demographics. Probably the county level. Consider a rural Alabama small town. It may be obvious that infection detection and contact tracking will do more than social distancing in curtailing the spread.
Personally I do feel the worst is over. But lets define ‘worst’ and make sure we are ready for a background mortality rate due to one infectious illness like we have never seen before.
Stay safe, Be well!
Dr Nick
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