(With inputs from Dr. Monica Vasudev)

835: CDC and WHO differences are harmful to the society

CDC: “Everyone wear cloth face coverings when leaving their homes, regardless of whether they have fever or symptoms of COVID-19.”

WHO: “Currently there is not enough evidence for or against the use of masks (medical or other) for healthy individuals in the wider community. WHO continues to recommend that medical masks be worn by individuals who are sick or those caring for them. WHO is actively studying the rapidly evolving science on masks and continuously updates its guidance."

835: WHO and Government Differences

The coronavirus pandemic has brought into open the fundamental deficiencies of the World Health Organization, which seems to have no authority to force foreign governments to disclose medical information or open doors to its hospitals and labs.

836: Classifying deaths ICMR

1. Deaths with inconclusive test results, but with presence of coronavirus symptoms to be recorded as probable COVID-19 fatalities.
2. Deaths in which tests are awaited with the presence of symptoms to be recorded as suspected deaths.
3. Those testing negative but having symptoms to be mentioned as clinically-epidemiologically diagnosed COVID-19. [ET]

837: Famotidine and COVID

Patients taking famotidine while hospitalized for COVID-19 had more than twice the odds of surviving the infection, reported a paper posted on a pre-publication website. However, it is not yet clear whether the patients fared better because of the famotidine or if it was a coincidence. Dr. Joseph Conigliaro, a coauthor of the paper and a physician at Northwell Health, stated that based on what has been learned in this study, it is encouraging. Conigliaro added that the association is compelling.

Of 1,536 patients in the study not taking famotidine, 332 (22%) either died or were intubated and put on a ventilator. Out of the 84 patients taking famotidine, 8 (10%) died or were put on a ventilator. In comparison with the rest of the patients, those who were taking famotidine had a more than 2-fold decreased risk of either dying or being intubated. Patients taking famotidine started the drug within 24 hours of being admitted to the hospital, either orally or intravenously, at varying dosages. Nearly 15% of them were already taking the drug at home.

Northwell and Columbia have now initiated a clinical trial where some patients are being administered intravenous famotidine at a dosage nine times higher than that given for heartburn. Others are being given a placebo or a drug that does nothing. Conigliaro, heading the trial, mentioned that preliminary results would likely be announced in a few months. According to Conigliaro, 233 patients have been enrolled in the study, and Northwell had planned to announce the preliminary results when they enrolled 390 patients. However, as the number of patients with coronavirus in New York has come down, the preliminary results might be announced with fewer patients.

838: New train travel

Passengers with no symptoms of any influenza-like illness will be allowed.

Hand sanitizers will be issued at both entry and exit, and coaches; wearing of face masks will be compulsory.

Passengers will have to reach at least 90 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Social distancing, of minimum 6 feet, will need to be maintained during boarding and travel.

This translates to not just long queues but also fewer passengers per coach.

839: Air Travel

Domestic air travel could start before May 15.

The middle seat will not be filled.

Reducing contact between crew and passengers by up to 80%: No in-flight meal service for economy and premium economy passengers, no in-flight reading material, thermal screening of crew before and after departure.

840: Airports

Use of ultra-violet (UV) rays to disinfect all surfaces, through mobile towers, handheld torches, and baggage tunnels.

Shoe-sanitizer mats soaked with a chemical to disinfect passengers shoes.

A sit and wait policy for the security clearance - passenger will be called for a security check, rather than standing in queues; security check being conducted without any physical touch.

Passengers will have to reach the airport more than a few hours ahead of the departure time.

Passengers have to wear face masks and gloves, and will be allowed to enter only after thermal screening, possibly after passing through sanitization tunnels at entry points, which will be essentisl for crew and airport staff as well.

[TOI]

Dr KK Aggarwal

President CMAAO, HCFI, Past National President IMA, Chief Editor Medtalks