COVID-19: China’s bio-weapon
While there is ample evidence, even in the Chinese medical literature that the nCorona virus outbreak originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, most likely starting from a bat (not pangolin) infecting the first patient in early November 2019 who became symptomatic and diagnosed about 10 to 14 day later, there is no evidence the virus was developed, intentionally spread, or even accidentally escaped from a Chinese bio-lab a few kilometers from Wuhan.
As I have said more than a month ago, if China had wanted to use any virus/bugs as a bio-weapon, it could have simply infected airplanes (or persons) destined for the United States, without first causing and enduring a deadly outbreak that killed almost 5,000 (suspected to be multiple times higher) in China itself, and making obvious to the world that the infection originated in China.
But China is culpable and accountable for its gross negligence and incompetence for not containing the Wuhan outbreak, for its deceit and lack of transparency, silencing all the Chinese whistleblowers wanting to warn the world about the nCorona infection, and allowing international flights out of Wuhan and China which then resulted in the COVID-19 pandemic (with about 5.5 million cases and 350,000 killed around the globe).
Recovery confers total immunity
Simply because COVID-19 patients have recovered does not guarantee they will not get re-infected. It depends on the immune-integrity of the patients; some may have developed sufficient antibodies to be immune from SARS-Cov2 virus, but others may not. This is why recovered patients should still follow COVID-19 guidelines of wearing mask, gloves, not touching the face and social distancing when going out for essential movement/travel to prevent re-infection.
Young COVID patients do not die
This is a myth, and a dangerous one, a misconception that could embolden young persons to be careless and not follow the guidelines, thus contributing to the spread of COVID-19. Yes, young people, even children 9 years old, have died during this pandemic. In New York alone, there were 9 (10-17 years old) who died (0.06%), none below 9; and 601 (ages 18-44) who died (3.9%), compared to 8% for ages 70-79, and 14.8% for those 80 and older.
Alcohol/bleach rub destroys SARS-CoV2
While it is true that alcohol (75% and higher) and chlorine bleach (5 tablespoon in one gallon water) are good surface disinfectants that are effective in destroying SARS-CoV2 virus and other past coronaviruses, they are very toxic when applied to the skin, eyes, nose, mouth, any part of the body, humans or pets. If ingested, these could kill…and hot baths/sauna, contrary to social media claims, do not prevent or cure COVID-19
Vitamins, zinc can prevent COVID-19
No, they cannot. Vitamin C and D, zinc, local anesthetic agents and steroids have been touted on social media to be effective in preventing or treating COVID-19, but they do not. Garlic, onion, pepper, and spices in general, nuts and fruits and vegetables have all been listed in the social media as anti-COVID-19. No, none of these can prevent COVID-19. A good diet with all those could boost the body’s immune system, but they cannot prevent getting COVID-19. If added as a regimen in addition to following the guidelines, yes, that will help, but not in themselves alone.
Speech, breaths do not transmit SARA-Cov2
Wrong. The transmission of COVID-19 is by droplet. When an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes, thousands of invisible SARS-CoV2 virus molecules (size about 120 nm) is spread shot-gun style, with trajectory up to 13 feet, depending on the air movement (fan, air-con, wind) and these molecules could be in the air for 2 or more hours before landing on furniture surfaces, countertops, and on the floor.
Shoes have been found to be contaminated with the virus, and so with clothing, and even mail and packages, if touched by a virus carrier or infected person. Leaving all these items in the garage overnight or washing them with soap and water (or using disinfectant or UVC light on them) destroy the virus. A virus survives only in a host. Mosquitoes, tick, fleas, flies, and bed bugs do not transmit the SARS-CoV2 virus. We, humans, are now the spreader of this deadly virus. Hence, all of us, with no exception, must strictly follow the guidelines if we are to contain this pandemic.
Weather affects SARS-CoV2 virus
No, the weather temperature (superhot or winter chilly cold) and humidity do not affect COVID-19 infection, one way or the other. A close relative of SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) virus, the SARS virus is inactivated at temperatures of 56 to 65 degrees Celsius (132.8 to 143 degrees Fahrenheit, so boiling (100 degrees Celsius or 212 Fahrenheit) will expectedly destroy the COVID-19 virus.
There are items to prevent, cure COVID-19
False. To this day, there is no drug, herb, beverage, food, substance, lotion or potion that prevents or cures COVID-19 infection. Even vaccines being evaluated for safety and effectiveness are still being investigated and not available yet. Exposure to the warmest sunlight is not effective either, because the UVA, UVB do not destroy the SARS-Cov2 virus, and the UVC light from the sun that can disintegrate this virus is filtered (prevented) by the ozone layer above from reaching the earth at an effective dose.
Electric UVC lamps are available today for sterilizing surgical suites, ICU, hospital wards and rooms, and portable units that could be used in homes. Warning: UVC light is dangerous to the eyes and skin. The areas being sterilized should have no people, pets, or plants. Far-UVC lights that would be harmless to people, pets and plants are being developed at Columbia University by Dr. David Brenner. The units for home use would be like the electric mosquito/fly zapper lanterns available today
COVID-19: All negative results
While this pandemic has wreaked havoc upon the world, with severe human and economic tragedies and miseries, there are also positive side-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among them are: with more than 90% of cars in the garage, accidents and injuries fell by more than 50% (62% in Washington); with 20-30% less (emission) pollution, it has saved more than 4,000 children under age 5 and 73,000 adults over 70 from pulmonary problems; assault and robbery significantly down; hospitals, restaurants, casinos, other public places are cleaner with much less bacteria and viruses; people around the world are more health-conscious and have cleaner hands than ever before; infidelity is at an all-time low, a lot of happy wives even without going shopping, which makes for a lot of happy husbands; healthcare workers are wiser and more prepared for future outbreaks; nations around the globe will be watching China with magnifying lenses; even the HIV and STDs diagnoses appear to be lower, obviously as casual sex has been restrained for fear of COVID-19.
On the lighter side: The past few weeks, I get a kick out of wearing a cap, dark glasses, mask, and gloves, going to the bank teller “demanding” money.
* * *
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com; Email: [email protected].
