Covid-19 continues to show more cases, more hospitalized, and more rapid spread. We are increasing testing but it remains inadequate, while personal protective equipment (masks and such) is running low for medical personnel. A small bright spot is the possible utility of an old drug in preventing secondary spread. We need to rigorously continue our self protection. April and May are unlikely to be better.
Schools closed, restaurants and theaters off limits. Governor Baker weighs in. Community spread is around. Older people and those with chronic diseases or immunosuppression are at higher risk of severe infections. We describe social distancing in more detail. Establish your circle of relative safety and stick to it. Wash your hands.
The Covid-19 infection continues to spread and challenge our ability to contain it. Here are multiple updates on where we are and the challenges we likely will face, together with good news on availability of viral testing for our OHC office.
Shingles vaccine is an important vaccine for everyone over 50. It is highly effective. Supplies are finally improving. We are giving the shots in our office and have recently solved the bureaucratic puzzle to get patients Medicare Part D reimbursement. Pharmacies also can administer the vaccine.
We canceled a long-planned trip scheduled today to Los Angeles to visit our young grandchildren after the NY Times announced that LA County officials this morning declared a state of emergency following the confirmation of six new cases of Covid-19. We all have to carefully reevaluate planned travel and its health risk.
The coronavirus, now called Covid-19, that originated in China last fall, is spreading fairly rapidly and somewhat surreptitiously. It likely is now in the US Northwest. This infection can be serious and cause for self-protection, even though many cases are mild. I update the status and summarize what you can do to protect yourself and your family in this almost unprecedented viral disease outbreak.
We believe Question 1 mandating detailed minimum nursing staffing ratios points to a real problem, but as a solution it is undesirable and likely will have substantial adverse unintended consequences. We suggest you vote “No.”
The sinuses are hollow areas in the bones of the face. When the lining is infected, the extra mucus produced causes a stuffy nose, pain in the face and yellow or green discharge. Sinusitis is really common in winter. Most cases are viral.
Influenza killed almost 80,000 people in the US last year, more than opioid overdoses, more than breast cancer, more than car accidents. The flu vaccine works and is benign. Get your flu shot with us before Thanksgiving!
Apple cider pressing at the Orchard Health Care orchard (a.k.a. Kanner Family Orchard) in North Lincoln next Sunday, 9/23/18, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Bring a 1/2 gallon jug. Come juice some apples for yourselves. OHC members and close family are invited.
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