Covid Tips

  1. #1 Keep your mask clean and be careful to keep the outside of the mask outside if your mask is reversible. On today's The View, Whoopi was quick to condemn a Texan congressman who said he could have gotten his infection from wearing a mask. Even if  you don't wear the mask inside-out, you can still breathe in virus by handling the mask incorrectly. I know of no substance that will bind with those spikes on the virus and never let go.

    Be safe; clean your mask if washable or use a new one everyday if you can afford it OR get yourself a UV disinfecting light that you can use to keep your mask free of viable virus with the added benefit that you might just vaccinate yourself with the, now, inactivated virus.

  2. You've heard that being in an enclosed space is particularly dangerous but if that space is heavily air-conditioned, you incur additional risk because the virus was made to float better in dense cold air. Is it little wonder that we in the U.S. have such high numbers when you know that we rank as one of the highest users of air-conditioning. If you haven't tested positive, putting on your home's a/c is not of too much concern but gathering with strangers in an air-conditioned place is problematic. I was much relieved when the enclosed sports venues decided to forego spectators. If you do find yourself in an arena, make sure you go to the nosebleed sections because the virus is not THAT light that it will float to where you are.

  3. The main killer in covid is inflammation. Ask you doctor about this, but I've chosen to keep a metal tube handy in which I've put some cotton impregnated with two or three drops of peppermint oil. The oil has anti-inflammatory properties but don't inhale too strongly because the oil is strong and you don't want to contribute to lung damage. When you use it, it should feel only a little stronger than when you suck on a peppermint candy. At the slightest cough--even if I know I recently inhaled an irritant like dust or mold--I'll take a few breaths from the tube, and, I got to tell you, I feel so much better because no one can argue that keeping inflammation down is a good thing if it was caused by inhaling coronavirus. In addition to inhaling it through the mouth, I also inhale through each nostril.

    If I have reason to believe that I may have been exposed and/or my cough is particularly dry, I'll add crushed star-anise to my tube. Star-anise gave researchers the starting antivirus molecule that gave rise to remdesivir. It's not as powerful but maybe just a little--early on--makes it sufficient.

  4. We are told to wash our hands periodically but, for me anyway, I'll forget--especially when I'm in a rush or harried in any way. What I've done is to mark my hands with easily removable ink. If I see that mark, I know I have to wash my hands. Now, I just need to remember to mark my hands before going out into the war zone.

  5. Hydroxychloroquine is controversial but why not take something that has kept the Queen of England save all these years: Gin and Tonic. It's the 'tonic' part that should interest us. It, like star-anise, formed the basis for another product--tonic water is made with quinine and Big Pharm just added some additional atoms to make it supposedly better. What, I believe, quinine does for you is raise your body temperature and that brings me to #6:

  6. Don't be so quick to treat your fever. Fever is what the body uses to alert the immune cells. It's so interesting the way it works; local immune cells send out a substance (I think heat-shock protein or HSP). HSP goes to the hypothalamus and tricks it into upping the body temperature by causing muscles to shiver. A higher body temperature then causes other immune cells to speed all over the body looking for invaders. How much of a fever is TOO much? You'll have to ask your trusted MD.

    This may be the way that the elderly succumb to the virus. The elderly have a lower 'normal' body temperature; they simply are not adept at getting a fever. Those seniors who survive may do so by having an immune system that 'has seen everything.'

  7. Dr. Fauci is going around saying that for optimal protection, goggles should be worn. I wonder how they proved that route of infection. I'll take our blessed scientists at their word but if people are resistant to wearing masks, how much more so goggles?

    This tip is proactive. If you are not going to wear goggles, why not design a mask that covers all bases? I suggest this: a slightly brimmed hat with a silk (or cheaper material) hanging down from the brim of the hat. A transparent window is placed in front of the eyes and an extra polyester barrier is placed in front of the mouth. That barrier is replaceable after every use. I choose silk because of its tight weave. Breathing is easy because the 'shield' encircles your head allowing for greater area. Yes, it'll be a weird look but isn't a tube down your throat the ultimate in weirdness?

  8. If you play an instrument which requires your breath, you'd be wise to add a mask to your instrument. The N95 makes a good trumpet mask.

  9. Carry around a small sprayer (the 'dollar' stores usually have them) filled with 70% or better isopropyl alcohol. The stores that are supplying free disinfectant for their carts sometimes run out but it's good to have on you when getting back in your car; you spray your hands and the steering wheel and whatnot. Shaking hands won't be a prob if you can (surreptitiously) disinfect afterwards.

  10. This one doesn't really merit inclusion but, just in case, if you find that your local Walmart is out of alcohol, ask for some at the pharmacy; they keep a stash there and they'll give you up to two bottles, if you ask.

Media Notes:
Rest in peace, Mr. Regis Philbin, there are few men who were as capable as you in putting people at ease--a most gracious and regal talent was yours. I don't know if Kelly Ripa was that way back in the day, but today, I see that same talent in her.

Loony
I never thought I'd see the day when a little phlegm would be so welcome--being that it's an indicator that you have a non-covid ailment.

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