Eight8Victor

Interesting read for those with an open mind: I’m not interested in hearing why this is wrong so don’t bother rebutting. Not participating in the fear mongering. Letter to the Editor: Why Increasing Number of Cases of COVID-19 is NOT Bad News JUN 27, 2020 AT 11:22 AM BY PJ By JOHN T. LITTELL, MD Several times a day, on every possible news outlet, we are bombarded with updates as to the new number of “cases” of COVID-19 in the U.S. and elsewhere. News analysts then use these numbers to justify criticisms of those who dare to reject the CDC’s recommendations with regards to mask wearing and social distancing. It is imperative that all Americans - and especially those in the medical profession - understand the actual definition of a “case” of COVID -19 so as to make informed decisions as to how to live our lives. Older Americans remember all too well the dread they experienced when a family member was diagnosed with a “case” of scarlet fever, diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), or polio. During my career in family medicine, including several years as an Army physician, I have cared for patients with chickenpox, shingles, Lyme disease as well as measles, tuberculosis, malaria, and AIDS. The “case definition” established for all of these diseases by the CDC requires the presence of signs and symptoms of that disease. In other words, each case involved a SICK patient. Laboratory studies may be performed to “confirm” a diagnosis, but are not sufficient in the absence of clinical symptoms. Having now been privileged to care for sick patients with COVID-19, both in and out of the hospital setting, I am happy to see the number of these sick patients dwindle almost to zero in my community – while the “case numbers” for COVID-19 continue to go up. Why is that? In marked contrast to measles, shingles, and other infectious disease, “cases” of COVID-19 do NOT require the presence of ANY symptoms whatsoever. Health departments are encouraging everyone and anyone to come in for testing, and each positive test is reported as yet another “new” case of COVID-19! On April 5, 2020, a small number of state epidemiologists (Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Technical Supplement: Interim-20-ID-01) came up with a “surveillance” case definition for COVID-19. At the time, there was uncertainty as to whether or not completely asymptomatic persons could transmit COVID-19 sufficiently enough to infect and cause disease in others. (This notion has never been proven and, in fact, has recently been discounted – cfr “ A Study on the Infectivity of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Carriers, Ming Fao et al, Respir Med, 2020 Aug – available online through PubMed 2020 May 13, as well as recent reports from the WHO itself). The CSTF thereby justified the unconventional case definition for COVID-19, adding “CSTE realizes that field investigations will involve evaluations of persons with no symptoms and these individuals will need to be counted as cases.” Hence, anyone who has a positive PCR test (the nasal swab, PCR test for COVID Antigen or Nucleic Acid) or serological test (blood test for antibodies –IgG and/or IgM) would be classified as a “case” – even in the absence of symptoms. In our hospitals at this time, there are hundreds of former nursing home residents sitting in “COVID” units who are in their usual state of good health, banned from returning to their former nursing home residences simply because they have TESTED Positive for COVID-19 during mass testing programs in the nursing homes. The presence of a positive lab test for COVID-19 in a person who has never been sick is actually GOOD news for that person and for the rest of us. The positive test indicates that this person has likely mounted an adequate immune response to a small dose of COVID-19 to whom he or she was exposed – naturally (hence, no need for a vaccine vs. COVID-19). It is important as well to understand that the presence of lab testing is not the ONLY criterion that the the CDC uses to established a diagnosis of COVID-19. The presence of only 1 or 2 flu-like symptoms (fever,chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath) - in the absence of another proven cause (e.g., influenza, bacterial pneumonia) is SUFFICIENT to give a diagnosis of COVID-19 – as long as the patient also meets certain “epidemiological linkage” criteria as follows: “In a person with clinically compatible symptoms, [a “case” will be reported if that person had] one or more of the following exposures in the 14 days before onset of symptoms: travel to or residence in an area with sustained, ongoing community transmission of SARS-CoV-2; close contact (10 minutes or longer, within a 6 foot distance) with a person diagnosed with COVID-19; or member of a risk cohort as defined by public health authorities during an outbreak.” Note that the definition of a “risk cohort” includes age > 70 or living in a nursing home or similar facility. So, in essence, any person with an influenza- like illness (ILI) could be considered a “case” of COVID-19, even WITHOUT confirmatory lab testing. The CDC has even advised to consider any deaths from pneumonia or ILI as “Covid-related” deaths – unless the physician or medical examiner establishes another infectious agent as the cause of illness. Now perhaps you see why the increasing number of cases, and even deaths, due to COVID-19 is fraught with misinterpretation and is NOT in any way a measure of the ACTUAL morbidity and mortality FROM COVID-19. My patients who insist upon wearing masks, gloves and social distancing are citing these misleading statistics as justification for their decisions (and, of course, that they are following the “CDC guidelines”). I simply advise them, “COVID-19 is NOT in the atmosphere around us; it resides in the respiratory tracts of infected individuals and can only be transmitted to others by sick, infected persons after prolonged contact with others”. So you may ask – why are we continuing to report increasing numbers of cases of COVID as though it were BAD news for America? Rather than as GOOD news, i.e, that the thousands of healthy Americans testing positive (also known as “asymptomatic”) are indicative of the presence of herd immunity – protecting themselves and many of us from potential future assaults by variants of COVID? Why did we as a society stop sending our children to schools and camps and sports activities? Why did we stop going to work and church and public parks and beaches? Why did we insist that healthy persons “stay at home” – rather than observing the evidence-based, medically prudent method of identifying those who were sick and isolating them from the rest of the population - advising the sick to “stay at home” and allowing the rest of society to function normally? And, while we witnessed the gatherings of protestors in recent days with little concerns for COVID-19 spread among these asymptomatic persons, most certainly many are hoping that the increasing “case” numbers for COVID-19 will discourage folks from coming to any more rallies for certain candidates for political office. Fear is a powerful weapon. FDR famously broadcast to Americans in 1933 that “We have nothing to fear, but fear itself”. I would argue that we have to fear those who would have us remain fearful and servile and willing to surrender basic freedoms without justification. John Thomas Littell, MD, is a board-certified family physician. After earning his MD from George Washington University, he served in the US Army, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal for his work in quality improvement, and also served with the National Health Service Corps in Montana. During his eighteen years in Kissimmee, FL, Dr Littell has served on the faculty of the UCF School of Medicine, President of the County Medical Society, and Chief of Staff at the Florida Hospital. He currently resides with his wife, Kathleen, and family in Ocala, Florida, where he remains very active as a family physician with practices both in Kissimmee and Ocala. To learn more, visit johnlittellmd.com

Do you mean the same Department of Justice that tried to manipulate the last presidential election?

not even worth a response

Uh, yeah. Quite a bit of shouting and high horse riding going on here. Oh and even name calling.

My grandmother died three weeks ago. I’ve lost three really good friends in the lat 6 months, two under 50 years old. People die, its part of life.

Not in on the conspiracy? Why did you parrot the media and state that the president said we should inject ourselves with lysol when he didn't say it? Did you even read the transcript or just believe a story that supported your opinion? That kind of statement really diminishes your credibility and position. Science is not exact so how can it be true? It’s really just a best guess. 36 years ago science revealed that the earth was entering another ice age...fail. Are eggs the perfect protein or loaded with deadly cholesterol? I don't know, this one changes every few years as science disproves itself. Science gave us models that have consistently failed to materialize time and again with this virus. You say this is a crappy situation. The only crappy thing about it that I see locally is businesses all around me are failing and people are not able to make mortage payments and other financial obligations. I have friends who are scared to leave their house. Thats f-ed up! No, I don't like your science because it's a clusterfuck of misinformation. You must be a smart guy but I don't get why you constantly berate anyone who disagrees with you? It's not a good strategy for winning friends and influencing people. You should be more clever than that.

Yeah, they are still collecting a paycheck. To hell with us uneducated, conspiracy theorist in-bred rednecks. Let them eat cake.

What makes public health’s response more credible?

Click @bonal link. Gone, with a standard message. Your link only shows part 2.

Beta or 3/4”?

Oh, and by the way, the video has been removed by YouTube No, there is no conspiracy folks, nothing to see here, move along now. SMH For those of you who didn't get a chance to watch, it was a couple of docs discussing data they compiled from their practice. Data they referred to as actual, unfiltered and non-political. They are highly suspect of the government and media response to the Wuhan virus and suggest that the lock down has done more harm than good. Maybe you can find it elsewhere on the web. Try a search for Dr. Dan Erikson.

Hey @bonal, thanks for posting this. I'm no rocket surgeon or brain scientist but I am able to observe what’s going on in my community as well as what the media seem to be sensationalizing (not for ratings btw, cause the ratings suck) a night and day difference. It's funny how hard the “reporters” are working to continue the fear mongering and not even allowing the docs to deliver their report. Then you have the highly intelligent and educated posters here that poo-poo these guys’ credentials and make derogatory statements about anyone who doesn’t fall lockstep with the propaganda machine. Yes, I'm a conspiracy theorist, because there is a conspiracy. It's so goddamn evident in the media, Hollywood, entertainment industry that anyone who denies it must be either involved or just (you know). If you want to take a break from this stupid game, hop in Snoopy and fly on over to the east coast. We have two spare bedrooms, and plenty of toilet paper. Here’s a typical week for me during the Chinese flu pandemic. Sunday- mountain biking on an amazing trail that transitions from the pine woods through a real swamp and back. Home and a shower then afternoon poker in a private hangar. My fellow poker players are doctors and airline pilots. No temperature checking at the door and no masks. (I am pleased to announce that I have not donned a mask since this started). Monday- I've got to make a few phone calls in the A.M. to try to maintain what's left of my business then more biking or maybe fly over to the Atlantic coast and do some fishing with my buddy in his boat on the intercostal waterway. Men’s bible study in the evening. (Masks not required) Tuesday- morning calls again and maybe an appointment, get my allergy shot and then take the sports car out and hunt down some corvettes. Wednesday- morning calls, yard work (you need not participate but it is therapeutic). Take the sports car out again. Pick up BBQ downtown for dinner. Thursday- morning calls, More biking or hitting the heavy bag (wife is a certified coach). Maybe swim, but the pool is too cold for me right now. Drive the sports car to the airport and take the Mooney for a spin. Friday- Office day, payroll and calls. Visit my friends’ manufacturing facility where they make quality stuff right here in the USA (very cool and no masks required). Cook some steaks on the Weber and settle in for Better Call Saul. Saturday- Ah, up before dawn, grab some breakfast sandwiches at the bait-house/convenience store (no masks required), on the water as the sun rises and chasing the red fish while enjoying the incredible beauty of nature. Salt air, wildlife, oyster bars, sunburn, it doesn't get any better. If you haven't had fresh redfish blackened in a cast iron skillet, you don't know what you're missing. So come on over brother, for a real Florida vacation.

Hear, hear.

I would be up for a fall fly-in. I'd come today, but my son is visiting.

I recently became a dealer for Majic Stairs, We normally put these in garages and walk in closets but this is our first set we installed in a hangar. The owner had built his home and hangar 30 year ago and never had access to his storage. This was a fun day in a really cool hangar with a front and center view of the private runway.

Have any of you business owners gotten any of the PPP money? None of my customers (small business owners) have received anything. I applied three weeks ago and nothing. Just curious.

Thanks for the tip @wcb I had tried local honey but not as you directed. I would be willing to try it again. My shots are not covered by insurance and honey is affordable and yummy. I might look like one of @Marauder's girls by the end of allergy season though. @bonal I will try acupuncture for sure but for some hand pain I have been experiencing. I like hearing about alternative treatments especially when they work. Allergies suck and have cost me some nice flying days. So happy to be rid of my symptoms.

I was fishing for Reds in the flats off the Florida west coast two weekends ago and two fighter jets did a low pass over the open water. It really is a morale booster to hear and feel that display of power. Did a flyover of my home last evening in the Mooney and my wife didn't even mention it. (sigh)

@bonal Very interesting. I've heard from another person that they experienced relief from acupuncture. I will certainly file this away in my brain for future reference. My current treatment is working so well that I am going to continue through the 5 year course (by July I’ll be down to one visit per month). At the end of five years it is mandatory to stop treatments. I've been told some experience no more allergy symptoms and some have to resume treatments for the rest of their lives. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I had an unscheduled meetup at Greene County I19 with @1964-M20E back in 2016. John is the nicest guy you will ever encounter. I'm all for a Mooney Meetup when the museum reopens.

The video shows less than half of the museum. It would be a challenge to see everything in a full day. The last time I visited they had just installed the Memphis Belle along with some peripheral items related to her. I spent two hours just in that section. Here is a great video of the unveiling ceremony:

Allergy shots are what is called immunotherapy treatment. There is no specific product or drug. The lab mixes a concoction of allergens in small doses as a serum based on what you are allergic to. The serum is injected subcutaneously and your body reacts by boosting your immune system. In essence it is a natural therapy. From the FAA, Guide for Aviation medical examiners: Pharmaceutical Considerations: Allergy Shots: For conditions controlled by desensitization, AME must warn the airman to not operate aircraft until four hours after each injection.

This place is amazing. If you haven't been, you'll probably want to go after watching.

I was reading through another thread and someone mentioned allergies which inspired me to post this. Spring and fall allergies have been an ongoing issue for the last two decades with me. Every spring I would get so congested that I could only breath through my mouth while at the same time my nose would drip incessantly. In addition to my nasal misery, my eyes would become bloodshot and burn and itch like they had been sand blasted . This would go on for months and the only relief I was able to get was from nasal sprays that were too potent to use beyond three days, which I used for months. One day an acquaintance told me about his cure from seasonal allergies and referred me to his allergist. The doc put me through the series of tests and determined that I was allergic to pretty much everything. In January I started bi-weekly shots, one in each arm. Today I am down to once a week and expect to be at once a month by July. The results have been nothing short of a miracle. I have only used the nose spray twice this year and that was over a month ago. March and April used to be so miserable to me that I wouldn't feel fit to fly. I even had a hard time working. Those of you who don't deal with allergies won't understand but for those of you who do, there is a cure and it has changed my life. If even one person is helped by this it is worth it to me. Don't continue to suffer needlessly, allergy shots work!

Baby control towers? For flying babies, duh.