COVID-19 Update: Tuesday, September 29

Keto, tests, kids and Halloween

1. Researchers of medicinal chemistry and nutrition have proposed that a ketogenic diet with intermittent fasting and supplemental MCT could be a SARs-CoV2 prophylaxis (prevention) or therapy for those with mild to moderate infection. Essentially, they think a ketogenic breakfast and lunch with MCT’s followed by 8-12hours of fasting and then a dinner of fruit and vegetables may have prevention/treatment benefits. You can read more in PubMed if interested.

2. Tests are improving – sensitivity (the accuracy of a positive test) now ranges from 60.9%-87.23% and specificity (the accuracy of a negative test) ranges from 82%-100% so things are getting better. All tests were most accurate when conducted 20 days after the onset of symptoms, so we still have some work to do there. The inaccuracies of the tests is one reason we rely on the clinical judgment of doctors to determine probable cases even when the tests say something different.

3. Incidence among school-aged children (5-17) has risen following the return to school, as would be expected. Children ages 12-17 are much more likely to develop COVID than children ages 5-11. Scientists believe this is because of the innate immune response (those first responders in your immune system we discussed last week) in that age group as well as the fact that research suggests that “fresh” vaccines against other illness provide some protection against COVID and those ages 5-11 are more likely to have recently received vaccines.

4. I have gotten quite a few questions about Trick-or-Treating and there seems to be some conflicting information out there. Some areas have already canceled Halloween while others are still deciding. Here are some things you can do to have a safer Halloween amid COVID.

a. For Trick-or-Treaters: wear a mask as part of your costume. Not a costume mask but a COVID mask. My guess is you will start to see these in stores unless everyone cancels. Don’t partner a costume mask with a COVID mask as that may restrict your breathing too much. Leave space between you and other trick-or-treaters, more space is better, avoid going up to doors in large groups or with people you don’t know, keep it small. Avoid indoor events, haunted houses, parties, etc. Stay outside as is feasible. If you are going to a party, keep those small and with people you are already regularly interacting with, space out, wear masks, etc. Carry hand sanitizer and use it frequently but not obsessively. Stay home if you are sick. Don’t bob for apples and follow all the regular Halloween safety rules (light, reflective clothing, check the treats before eating them, etc.).

b. For those giving out candy: wear a mask. Keep hand sanitizer by the door and use it frequently but not obsessively. Mark out 6-foot increments on your walkway starting from your door working your way back so people will be able to space themselves out. Don’t have people inside the house. Don’t give out candy if you, or a member of your household, are sick. Keep pets away from the Trick-or-treaters (remember, pets can contract the virus). Keep things moving so that you aren’t spending too long with each group. Consider remaining outside to hand out candy instead of being inside or leave a distribution bowl on the porch-but expect that to go fast. Consider skipping the haunted house, even an outdoor one this year, because they induce screaming (if they are good) and that expels more virus and projects it further.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Today I am reminded that our words cannot be taken back. We can apologize, we can tell people we didn’t mean them, we can offer other kinder words later, but none of that has the power to undo what has been done. Once they are out there, they cannot be retracted and hurtful words are long remembered by the one they hurt. Today, let your words be words of encouragement, words of kindness, words that build another up even when they must be instructive or corrective. Difficult things sometimes need to be said – but they can be said in love. Today, consider the power of your words and use them for good.