1. < Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19

COVID-19 Coronavirus and Lung Health: What can you do?

Posted by Merry, Alumni Mentor @merpreb, Mar 1, 2020

Good morning- I have hesitated to post anything about this new and dangerous group of viruses because I am certainly not qualified to discuss any science. And certainly not about genetics and viruses. But I can discuss how we can lessen our fears, be as prepared as we can and very simply if we get it, what do we do?

First of all the COVID-19 is the name for many similar viruses. It's not just one. It is believed to have started by bat guana in Wuhan, China. Wuhan is the very large capital of Central China’s Hubei province. It is a commercial center divided by the Yangtze and Han rivers. This virus spread very quickly, perhaps like the flu. And because of travel. it is spreading throughout the world, and it is here in America. This is a group of very dangerous viruses has the potential to kill and has. Many of us with breathing problems must be very diligent to protect ourselves as much as we can.

You can help protect yourself by doing these things:

Keep your hands clean. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover your cough and sneezes to keep germs from spreading to others. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces routinely. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick.

If you have these symptoms please see a doctor: Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath

I know that a lot of us have at least two of these symptoms already. So if your shortness of breath or your coughs become worse and you feel ill then it is time to seek medical help.

Here are several sites that have addressed the Coronavirus for more information.

If you know of anyone who is ill please stay away from them. Passing along the facts about this group of viruses is the best that you can do to help others avoid getting ill.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

jerrynord | @jerrynord | Apr 1, 2020

I don't know where to post this for someone to investigate further. It is the use of Sleep Apnea machines to be modified for use in place of respirator shortages. The pressure can be adjusted by a technician. Most have a compartment that holds water for humidification. I believe there can be additives in the water compartment for medication and relief.

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1 reply
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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 1, 2020
In reply to @jerrynord "I don't know where to post this for someone to investigate further. It is the use..." + (show)
@jerrynord

I don't know where to post this for someone to investigate further. It is the use of Sleep Apnea machines to be modified for use in place of respirator shortages. The pressure can be adjusted by a technician. Most have a compartment that holds water for humidification. I believe there can be additives in the water compartment for medication and relief.

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@jerrynord -- That is a good question and I think all of the health care folks are trying to think out of the box to get us through the COVID-19 crisis. I think it has been talked about. Here's what I have found.

March 26, 2020:
FDA authorizes CPAP machines and more as emergency ventilator alternatives
-- https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/fda-authorizes-cpap-machines-more-as-emergency-ventilator-alternatives

March 27, 2020 Articles:
Not So Fast Using CPAPs In Place Of Ventilators. They Could Spread The Coronavirus.
-- https://khn.org/news/covid19-ventilator-shortage-substituting-cpaps-could-spread-coronavirus/

CPAP Machines Were Seen As Ventilator Alternatives, But Could Spread COVID-19
-- https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/27/822211604/cpap-machines-were-seen-as-ventilator-alternatives-but-could-spread-covid-19

As a CPAP user I would worry about the downside if I were tested positive which is why I'm trying to follow all of the guidelines as best I can. How about you? Do you use a CPAP machine?

REPLY
2 replies
jerrynord | @jerrynord | Apr 1, 2020
In reply to @johnbishop "@jerrynord -- That is a good question and I think all of the health care folks..." + (show)
@johnbishop

@jerrynord -- That is a good question and I think all of the health care folks are trying to think out of the box to get us through the COVID-19 crisis. I think it has been talked about. Here's what I have found.

March 26, 2020:
FDA authorizes CPAP machines and more as emergency ventilator alternatives
-- https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/fda-authorizes-cpap-machines-more-as-emergency-ventilator-alternatives

March 27, 2020 Articles:
Not So Fast Using CPAPs In Place Of Ventilators. They Could Spread The Coronavirus.
-- https://khn.org/news/covid19-ventilator-shortage-substituting-cpaps-could-spread-coronavirus/

CPAP Machines Were Seen As Ventilator Alternatives, But Could Spread COVID-19
-- https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/27/822211604/cpap-machines-were-seen-as-ventilator-alternatives-but-could-spread-covid-19

As a CPAP user I would worry about the downside if I were tested positive which is why I'm trying to follow all of the guidelines as best I can. How about you? Do you use a CPAP machine?

Jump to this post

Yes I have for about 15 years.
Thanks for this information.
I will read it.

REPLY
jerrynord | @jerrynord | Apr 1, 2020
In reply to @johnbishop "@jerrynord -- That is a good question and I think all of the health care folks..." + (show)
@johnbishop

@jerrynord -- That is a good question and I think all of the health care folks are trying to think out of the box to get us through the COVID-19 crisis. I think it has been talked about. Here's what I have found.

March 26, 2020:
FDA authorizes CPAP machines and more as emergency ventilator alternatives
-- https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/fda-authorizes-cpap-machines-more-as-emergency-ventilator-alternatives

March 27, 2020 Articles:
Not So Fast Using CPAPs In Place Of Ventilators. They Could Spread The Coronavirus.
-- https://khn.org/news/covid19-ventilator-shortage-substituting-cpaps-could-spread-coronavirus/

CPAP Machines Were Seen As Ventilator Alternatives, But Could Spread COVID-19
-- https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/03/27/822211604/cpap-machines-were-seen-as-ventilator-alternatives-but-could-spread-covid-19

As a CPAP user I would worry about the downside if I were tested positive which is why I'm trying to follow all of the guidelines as best I can. How about you? Do you use a CPAP machine?

Jump to this post

After reading these articles it seems better to err on the safe side and not use them, even for mild Coronavirus patients. But the option to modify them may still be valid. Maybe a tube could be added. Thank you for these references.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 2, 2020

Here is some additional information about COVID-19 testing. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/how-coronavirus-tests-work/

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 3, 2020

This video explains why washing your hands is better than sanitizing wipes! Mayo Clinic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wS0kzQZMjjU&feature=em-uploademail

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1 reply
jerrynord | @jerrynord | Apr 3, 2020

My wife and I fight over who get to do dishes now.

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2 replies
curious2know | @curious2know | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @sistertwo "We (from MN) are booked to be on a cruise in two weeks to the Mexican..." + (show)
@sistertwo

We (from MN) are booked to be on a cruise in two weeks to the Mexican Riviera. It hasn't been cancelled yet, but not sure what we should do because of husband's COPD.

Jump to this post

DO NOT GO!

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fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @jerrynord "My wife and I fight over who get to do dishes now." + (show)
@jerrynord

My wife and I fight over who get to do dishes now.

Jump to this post

Hilarious, John! I can't stop laughing...hmmm, I have dishes, water,...wanna' come do mine???

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