Covid2019: 02/23/2020

Excellent piece on how to tell people something they probably don’t want to hear. Problem is, few politicians and regulators have the stomach to make that call (‘what if I’m wrong?’) See embedded link. The primary job of governmental agencies is to minimize panic, which disrupts the supply-side ability of stores to stock sufficient consumables, corrupts public behavior, and compromises services such as fire, police and medical treatment. Virtually every retail item is on the shelf via just-in-time inventory management. This translates into 1-5% fulfillment capacity (i.e if people go shopping once every two weeks, the shelves stay full. If that percentage only doubles to 10% demand, shelves would quickly empty.) My advice is don’t wait for the governmental agencies to tell you it’s time to prepare for social contact restrictions (self-quarantine). If you do you may be forced to depend on these agencies to supply your basic needs. Probably not a good idea.

Vitamin D acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of developing of ARDS (see link in comments). Perhaps a reason why the severe cases drop in warmer weather? Anyway, can’t hurt to get outside when it’s sunny or, lacking that pop a vitamin D pill or take some cod liver oil.

Selenium, HIV, Hepatitis C and Ebola.

Selenium feeds into the process that produces glutathione, a molecule essential for a proper immune defense. High dietary selenium areas in Africa have much less HIV, HCV and Ebola infection rates. A selenomethionine supplement the provides 150-200mcg selenium (also in two large Brazil nuts) might be a simple way to increase overall resistance.

Italy may be a demonstration case for the US.

Coronavirus infections in Italy continue to increase. Authorities confirm that patient zero has not yet been found. In northern Italy, all universities closed and all teaching activities suspended due to COVID-19. Italian authorities have implemented draconian measures to try to halt the coronavirus outbreak in the north of the country, including imposing fines on anyone caught entering or leaving outbreak areas, as cases of the virus in the country rose to more than 100. See infographic in comments.