Dakota Beacon

Reviewing what we already know about COVID-19 goes a long way to impeding its spread and being infected. Truthfully, we may be living with COVID-19 for many years to come. Take heed.

Viruses, the most primitive life form, reside between the plant and animal kingdoms, are neither plant nor animal, but bear some attributes of both. Scientists debate whether viruses are even alive. Viruses are missing cell structure but consist of basic genetic material surrounded by a protein capsule. Viruses appear to be flexible molecules that do not meet all definitions of life. Yet, they can mutate, have DNA, and they can change the DNA of living cells. They cannot grow and reproduce without a host. They can only replicate inside the living cells of host organisms and they can evolve.

What does the acronym COVID-19 stand for? This particular novel coronavirus (“novel” meaning a new strain that has never been seen or identified previously) received its official designation by the World Health Organization on February 11, 2020. The “CO” stands for corona, the “VI” stands for virus, and the “D” stands for disease. The “19” represents the year in which the outbreak first occurred.

We live with and are infected by many types of coronaviruses. Coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s and are known to cause the common cold (viruses 229E and OC43). Other forms of the coronavirus include MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome). NL63 causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections as well as bronchiolitis (not the same as bronchitis). The HKU1 coronavirus also produces upper respiratory infections leading to pneumonia.

For whatever it is worth in calming the paranoia of the pandemic, remember this. The ten worst pandemics in history were far worse than the COVID-19 pandemic today. Included in the worst were the 1968-1970 Hong Kong flu (H3N2) and the 1918 Spanish flu.

Viruses that have penetrated cell walls cannot be destroyed. If you have the infection, you have it. Treat it.

The best protection from COVID-19? Wash hands frequently; keeping hands away from mouth, eyes, and nose; and maintain six feet from others in public. Normal soap is sufficient to remove viruses. Antibacterial soap kills bacteria – not viruses.

Immunity is weakened by remaining in a sterile environment – as in “lockdowns” and school closings. Get out of the house and into fresh air and sunshine. Viruses “die” very quickly in sunlight. A COVID-19 virus does not remain viable in the air for long.

This respiratory virus spreads as a droplet requiring close contact. Wear a mask only in crowds. Wearing masks for long periods interferes with your oxygen level.

COVID-19 is not a foodborne infection. There is no demonstrated risk that COVID-19 is spread by food.

Mail, gas pump handles, and shopping carts do not transmit COVID-19 infection. Dirty hands do. Wash your hands and keep them away from your face.

Three Harvard University epidemiologists recently produced The Great Barrington Declaration criticizing current COVID-19 policies in effect by several states and municipalities. The Declaration (https://gbdeclaration.org/) proposes what is termed a Focused Protection. To date, the Declaration has been signed by 12,115 medical and public health scientists, 35,236 medical practitioners, and 638,920 concerned citizens.

Here are selections from the Barrington Declaration. “As infectious disease epidemiologists and public health scientists we have grave concerns about the damaging physical and mental health impacts of the prevailing COVID-19 policies, and recommend an approach we call Focused Protection.”

Believe it or not, exposure to pathogens increases immunity. “As immunity builds in the population, the risk of infection to all – including the vulnerable – falls. We know that all populations will eventually reach herd immunity – i.e., the point at which the rate of new infections is stable – and that this can be assisted by (but is not dependent upon) a vaccine. Our goal should therefore be to minimize mortality and social harm until we reach herd immunity.”

“The most compassionate approach that balances the risks and benefits of reaching herd immunity, is to allow those who are at minimal risk of death to live their lives normally to build up immunity to the virus through natural infection, while better protecting those who are at highest risk. We call this Focused Protection.”

“Adopting measures to protect the vulnerable should be the central aim of public health responses to COVID-19.”

“Those who are not vulnerable should immediately be allowed to resume life as normal. Simple hygiene measures, such as hand washing and staying home when sick should be practiced by everyone to reduce the herd immunity threshold… Young low-risk adults should work normally, rather than from home. Restaurants and other businesses should open… People who are more at risk may participate if they wish, while society as a whole enjoys the protection conferred upon the vulnerable by those who have built up herd immunity.”

Respect the COVID-19 virus – but don’t be paranoid. Fear is not a plan.

Enough said! Now go wash your hands and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Dennis M. Patrick can be contacted at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).