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About the Coronavirus

Facts versus myths.

We have waited until this week to write about the coronavirus. Why? Because of the fast-changing situations around the world. As well as the considerable misinformation that has been spread.

Today, we strive to learn more about the facts surrounding the coronavirus. Thursday, we look at the coronavirus from the perspective of someone who is considered high risk. That person is me (Joel Evans).

Digging Out Facts About the Coronavirus

It is amazing that new details are coming out every day about the coronavirus, in terms of symptoms, testing, the number contracting the virus, what to do with those who are infected, etc.

Worldwide, there has been a lack of transparency with regard to so many aspects of the coronavirus. And there is a worldwide panic about the looming “pandemic.” About 300 million children have had their schools closed. Numerous events have been cancelled or postponed. And lots of companies have asked/told their employees to work at home.

Background

We are NOT going into depth about the statistics on the coronavirus, formally name COVID-19. They are constantly changing. As of the writing of this post, COVID-19 has spread to nearly 100 countries, affected more than 100,000 people worldwide, and resulted in about 3,500 deaths.

As reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation:

“In late 2019, a new coronavirus emerged in central China to cause disease in humans. Cases of this disease, known as COVID-19, have since been reported across China and in many other countries around the globe. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus represents a public health emergency of international concern. And on January 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared it to be a health emergency for the United States.”

“This tracker provides the number of cases and deaths from novel coronavirus by country, the trend in case and death counts by country, and a global map showing which countries have cases and deaths. The data are drawn directly from official coronavirus situation reports released regularly by the WHO. It should be noted that the WHO reported case numbers are conservative, and likely represent an undercount of the true number of coronavirus cases, especially in China. The tracker will be updated regularly, as new situation reports are released.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention”) is the U.S. agency overseeing efforts. Click here for its COVID-19 Web site.

Key Facts

Following, we present several other strong sources of information.

Johns Hopkins probably has the most accurate data about COVID-19 in the United States and around the world. It regularly contacts health organizations and even has a real-time interactive map. Click the image to access the map.

In addition, Johns Hopkins provides a free quiz on the myths and facts of COVID-19. Click here to access it. BE AWARE.

The European Union has a dedicated COVID-19 Web site. As well as an infographic overview.

Consumer Reports has an-depth COVID-19 Web site. Click the link at the start of this line. Then, click the image for a very good series of FAQs,

Worldvision.org also has an excellent, full-featured Web site.

Best Health News Stories of the 2010s

Health advances of the 2010s

As we confront the ramifications of the coronavirus, we also have to consider the overall state of healthcare. [We will have a post on the coronavirus in the near future. We’ve been waiting to get more clarity, rather than make comments based on conjecture.]

Sometimes, when we’re feeling let down by the health care system, we need to also read about good news. Thus, today’s post: Best Health News Stories of the 2010s.

According to 24/7 Wall St., here are 15 of the top health news stories of the past decade, MOSTLY good:

“The 2010s will go down in history as a decade of many newsworthy health-related stories, many of which are not good news — Ebola, measles, antibiotic resistance. But the years since 2010 were not all bad. Many good things happened, too, and some of them will have a lasting effect for generations to come. 24/7 Tempo went through multiple news archives. We read dozens of articles published since 2010 and selected 15 of the most positive health news that made headlines.”

“Some of the most talked about stories over the last few years have influenced health guidelines, treatment of serious disease, and even government policy. Reports of significant research developments in the treatment and prevention of chronic and other conditions gave hope to millions of Americans. Some of the good news broke as recently just a few months ago .”

Here are the 15 – in chronological order from earliest to latest. Click the link above to read a lot more.

- - - CT scans in high risk patients to reduce overall lung cancer mortality
    - Melanoma drug approved
    - Gene editing now possible
    - FDA reports trans fat should not be considered ‘safe’
    - HIV prevention pill
    - New way to treat cavities
    - 3D printing of human organs
    - Immunotherapy and cancer
    - Opioid crisis recognized as national public health emergency
    - Early-stage Alzheimer’s treatment
    - Smoking rates at all-time low
    - Cystic fibrosis treatment approved by FDA
    - Second HIV patient goes into remission
    - Blood test detects breast cancer 5 years early
    - Finding a cure for arthritis

Unfortunately, the one negative story out of the 15 involves the opioid epidemic.

The Debate Over Transparency

Having more information is a must.

Among many other issues, we know of the debate over transparency with regard to all aspects of our health care.

As we reported before, here are related posts:

In 2020, the Debate Over Transparency Goes On

Recently, Wolters Klur conducted a major survey on the American healthcare system. Note: Click the image below to access the 15-page summary of the report. A free login is required.

“Healthcare continues to be elevated to the national stage. Hospital leaders, those on the front lines of care, and consumers are assessing their priorities In the coming year (2020), and beyond. Due to shifting healthcare policies and rising costs.”

“Providers and payers are preparing for a cadre of tougher policies on everything from sharing patient data across a broader network of healthcare players to more pricing transparency. Including real-time pricing. As well as information about medications. Hospital leaders are making tough decisions on how to squeeze further costs out of the system and more effectively manage care over the next few years. And, consumers are contemplating the best ways to manage their own health under the burden of higher costs, new models of care, and rules on benefits and coverage.”