1. Dr. Wallace gave a great summary of our meeting yesterday with the physicians and staff of Metropolitan Methodist Hospital. One additional point that I would add is the caution from Dr. Luis Cisneros, a well regarded infectious disease specialist. He said that azithromycin/zithromax should not be used to treat Covid-19. The combination of the azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine can alter the normal electrical function of the heart which may predispose to arrhythmias. Remember, with mild disease and no risk factors, no treatment is recommended. It is scary how this treatment has been circulated through social media.
Here is the treatment algorithm for the University of Washington which confirms Dr. Cisneros’ opinion:
2. Testing is a work in progress and is plagued by lack of test kits and delays in reporting. Also, people tend to assume that these test results are absolute. Not so. At best these tests are 85% sensitive in detecting who has the virus. If one tests negative there is a 15% chance that you have the virus. This is why I gave the advice to stay home if you are sick. Whatever you have, you don’t want to spread it around. This is an article from the Washington Post which reviews the weaknesses of testing:
3. Anosmia, loss of smell and aguesia or loss of taste, occur in about a third of Covid-19 cases. Fascinating. We don’t know why this occurs, but if you experience these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor. It may prompt a test depending on other symptoms and certainly should prompt you to self isolate.
