COVID-19 Update: Friday, August 28

Today’s post is a little heavy so do a mental health check first and skip it if you need to.

Numbers, a new rapid test, substance abuse, the NBA, reinfection, and coma.

1. Numbers: The US passed 6 million cases yesterday, but overall new cases are down in the 40K range daily which is a significant improvement from July when we were in the 60-70k range daily. Deaths for the week were actually up and some states like Iowa, Tennessee, and Georgia saw big increases in numbers over the week. The test positivity rate is 6.3% which is a slight drop from last week (7.0%). Total US deaths attributed to PIC is 7.8% but remember this number is very fluid. Children under 18 now account for 8% of total cases. More females continue to get COVID than males yet more males die.

2. Abbott Labs received EUA approval for a rapid antigen test that says it can detect COVID in 15 minutes. The test relies on a nasal swab similar to the flu swab. Abbott says it is a 15-minute, $5 test. It does not require any other equipment but is not intended to be a “from home” test but can be administered by any healthcare professional. The US government bought nearly all available tests for the year.

3. According to the CDC 40% of American adults are struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse as a result of the pandemic. If you need help, please seek it. There are lots of resources available and I am happy to provide some, just reach out.

4. For the 5th consecutive week, the NBA has reported no COVID cases. They have created a bubble around the players that has apparently worked. On August 30th they will extend that bubble to include friends and family so we will monitor to see what if any impact that has.

5. There have now been at least 6 documented cases worldwide of second infections with more suspected currently being tested. Thus far all official cases are less severe the second time but not necessarily mild.

6. A troubling trend is being seen among patients who have to be intubated. When they are removed from the ventilator, they are taking an excessive amount of time to regain consciousness. For families trying to make exceedingly difficult decisions, this poses an additional challenge as doctors do not have enough information to advise them well. How long it may take (in some cases months) and what damage, if any the person will incur are unknown. Currently, this is being referred to as prolonged or persistent coma.

FINAL THOUGHTS: There are weeks that fly by and you wonder where they went and then there are those that smash you in the face and leave you on your knees dazed and confused and wondering what just happened. I feel like this was one of those weeks. But we take a deep breath, wipe away the blood, sweat and tears and get back to our feet. Today is Friday, we have made it. Now we need to rest. We need to step away, turn it off and rest. Give yourself a mental and physical break this weekend. I realize you can’t just check out of your life and responsibilities, but you can turn off the noise or at least turn it down. Recovery and self-care is not weakness or laziness. It is about understanding your value and that people are relying on you and that you can not give them your best if you don’t take care of yourself. Make it a priority. Find a funny movie, a favorite snack, a long walk, a hot bath with bubbles, a good fishing spot, a scarf to knit, or good book, or some other decadent thing that will help you renew. Put whipped cream on your coffee this weekend and reward yourself. Linger in bed a few extra minutes. Wipe away the blood sweat and tears so you will be able to step back into the fray on Monday. I’ll see you then.