Understanding Complications of Covid-19

CRAIN'S COMMENTS

We’re a long way from a complete understanding of the damage that Covid-19 does to the human body.

A new study from Germany identifies one issue: The virus may cause bone morrow to secrete immature blood cells into the blood stream. These blood cells can’t carry oxygen, and by taking the place of cells that can, reduce oxygen levels and the amount of oxygen available to key organs (heart, brain, etc.). These immature cells may also trigger secretion of megakaryocytes, which contribute to the production of platelets. The presence of megakaryocytes in the blood stream may be an indicator of clotting issues that can cause permanent damage or death.(1)

Of course, this is how we get a 23-year-old stroke victim in Arizona.(3) People that age “don’t get strokes” but they do now with the virus. Below age 26, people in the US can stay on their parents health insurance, even…

View original post 149 more words

Ever lost a friend?

Saania's diary - reflections, learnings, sparkles

This is a poem I wrote while thinking about some of the friendships I made in my life, which as years went by, simply faded away. Perhaps something went wrong, or we simply grew our own separate ways…

When we were little
We would play
Never felt troubled
About what people had to say

When I wasn’t well
You would benevolently stay
And check every hour
To make sure I was okay

When I wanted to talk
You’d always be there
Happiness or despair
We would unabashedly share

I revere those times
More than you’ll ever know
I continually question
What made you go

Our treasured memories
Will forever be in my heart
And I’ll always wonder
Why life tore us apart

-SaaniaSparkle 🧚🏻‍♀️

View original post

Tibetan monk held incommunicado for over one year – International Campaign for Tibet

Rinchen Tsultrim The Chinese government has detained a 29-year-old Tibetan monk for more than a year and prevented him from communicating with the outside world after he posted his opinions about Tibetan issues on a popular Chinese social media platform. Source: Tibetan monk held incommunicado for over one year – International Campaign for Tibet

New coronavirus cases top 1,500, as cabinet prepares to meet – The Jerusalem Post

The coronavirus cabinet is expected to convene on Sunday afternoon after more days of rising infection and a report by the defense establishment that Israel is at the start of a third wave.
Coronavirus commissioner Ash visited Arab town on Saturday, noting that in those communities infection is rising among the younger people, too.

Source: New coronavirus cases top 1,500, as cabinet prepares to meet – The Jerusalem Post

Brazil eased pandemic restrictions as if the worst was over. The coronavirus is now roaring back. – The Washington Post

In Rio de Janeiro, where the virus has already killed tens of thousands, upturned the economy and sent rates of homelessness soaring, moments that recall the darkest days of the pandemic are once more appearing in the news.

Sick people, unable to get help in the medical system, are again being found dead at home. Lines stretching into the hundreds are forming for intensive care beds. Hospital officials are warning of supply shortages and an imminent collapse in medical services.

Even the vaunted private heath-care system reached 98 percent capacity in its intensive care units this past week, officials said. In states across the country, the situation wasn’t much better.

Source: Brazil eased pandemic restrictions as if the worst was over. The coronavirus is now roaring back. – The Washington Post

Avian Flu Diary: MMWR: Public Health Strategies to Address High Levels of Community Transmission of COVID-19

In the 10 months since the first confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in the United States on January 20, 2020 (1), approximately 13.8 million cases and 272,525 deaths have been reported in the United States. On October 30, the number of new cases reported in the United States in a single day exceeded 100,000 for the first time, and by December 2 had reached a daily high of 196,227.*

With colder weather, more time spent indoors, the ongoing U.S. holiday season, and silent spread of disease, with approximately 50% of transmission from asymptomatic persons (2), the United States has entered a phase of high-level transmission where a multipronged approach to implementing all evidence-based public health strategies at both the individual and community levels is essential.

Source: Avian Flu Diary: MMWR: Public Health Strategies to Address High Levels of Community Transmission of COVID-19

WHO | SARS-CoV-2 mink-associated variant strain – Denmark

In November 2020, 349 cases were reported among people associated with mink farming, an increase from 200 cases in October 2020. Since June 2020, a total of 644 people associated with mink farming have tested positive. Furthermore, there have been at least 338 cases reported among people working with mink pelting, in six factories and two small facilities, which suggests that there is an increased risk of COVID-19 infection in people who are involved in farming, culling and pelting of mink. As of 1 December 2020, a total of 289 mink farms have been affected, which accounts for approximately 20% of all mink farms in Denmark.

Source: WHO | SARS-CoV-2 mink-associated variant strain – Denmark

WHO | SARS-CoV-2 mink-associated variant strain – Denmark

In November 2020, 349 cases were reported among people associated with mink farming, an increase from 200 cases in October 2020. Since June 2020, a total of 644 people associated with mink farming have tested positive. Furthermore, there have been at least 338 cases reported among people working with mink pelting, in six factories and two small facilities, which suggests that there is an increased risk of COVID-19 infection in people who are involved in farming, culling and pelting of mink. As of 1 December 2020, a total of 289 mink farms have been affected, which accounts for approximately 20% of all mink farms in Denmark. Source: WHO | SARS-CoV-2 mink-associated variant strain – Denmark