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8 Ways to Keep your virus away from your Loved Ones

Let’s say you’ve come down with the COVID-19 virus. You either assume you have it because of your symptoms – persistent fever, an annoying cough and it hurts to take a big breath, or you’ve actually tested positive. Please follow these suggestions, but follow them strictly, to keep the rest of your household from getting sick. (more…)

Should mothers with COVID-19 continue to breast feed?

Although not much data exists on the likelihood a new mother can transmit COVID-19 through breast feeding, researchers have determined the SARS virus has not been detected in the milk of nursing mothers. Like most viruses, COVID-19 is mainly spread by respiratory droplets through coughing and sneezing. All regular hygiene methods, likewashing hands frequently and disposing of tissues in a lined wastepaper bin are encouraged if a new mother is ill. (more…)

Calm, rational and scientific information on COVID-19 from the doctor who helped defeat Smallpox

From an article that appeared March 19, 2020 in WIRED LARRY BRILLIANT SAYS he doesn’t have a crystal ball. But 14 years ago, Brilliant, the epidemiologist who helped eradicate smallpox, spoke to a TED audience and described what the next pandemic would look like. At the time, it sounded almost too horrible to take seriously. “A billion people would get sick," he said. “As many as 165 million people would die. There would be a global recession and depression, and the cost to our economy of $1 to $3 trillion would be far worse for everyone than merely 100 million people dying, because so many more people would lose their jobs and their health care benefits, that the consequences are almost unthinkable.”

No dental procedures except emergencies during COVID-19 virus pandemic

Due to the increasing cases of COVID-19 across the Commonwealth and the acknowledgement that some infected patients have minimal symptoms but may have person-to-person transmission potential, the Pa. Dept. of Health is directing all dental offices to cease all treatment except emergencies until further notice effective immediately. Providers who will need to close due to this notice should remain available to speak to patients and triage calls for dental emergencies, according to the department. (more…)

Seniors at high risk for severe COVID-19 complications

WHO IS MOST AT RISK? Older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Recent studies suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness because: • As people age, their immune systems change, making it harder for their bodies to fight off diseases and infection; and • Many older adults are also more likely to have underlying health conditions that make it harder to cope with and recover from illness. If you are at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or because you have a (more…)