Post #2 at Blair's Blog

Blog Post #1 Here if you didn't read the first one.

So, yeah, I used to be a real-live microbiologist who pipetted live virus stocks into cell culture in a hood and worked with radioactive isotopes and everything. More info at the Blog Post #1, link right above there. Pretty. –>

None of the following is specific medical advice. Consult your own doctor, especially if you have any specific other medical issues.

Okay, so let's talk about Covid-19, this piece of crap virus that's hitting the whole world in a pandemic right now.

1. MOST IMPORTANT: Stay home, wash your hands and disinfect surfaces, and stay away from other people as much as possible. This cute and quick video shows why.

2. If you have to go out and be around other people, wear a mask, any mask. If you or someone you know can sew a mask for you, do it. They are better than nothing. If you're near or downwind from someone who is just breathing who has it, a homemade mask will probably cut your chances of getting it by around 50%. That's a lot.

If you can sew and have a fabric stash, make masks for others. I'm in a mask-sewing group on Facebook for just my state that is taking orders for non-Covid-patient health centers, like cancer chemo centers, dialysis centers, hospices, and pain clinics, because they can't get any masks at all. We've made and donated over 4000 washable masks, plus headbands, covers for N-95s, and gowns. We use TWO LAYERS of tightly woven 100% cotton on the outside (good quilting fabric or high-quality bed sheets), and tee shirt material for the lining (3 layers, total).

Mask pattern we've been using. 
Rolling Stone article on masks. 

Basic, Without Filter Pocket
Written: bit.ly/2V5T6f9
Video: https://youtu.be/4FB–BOyTiU
Printable Pattern: bit.ly/2XeqEui

With Filter Pocket
Written: bit.ly/2ViBGfF
Video: https://youtu.be/S9RWII2-5_4

N95 Cover Mask Pattern:
Written: bit.ly/34dYC3r
Video: https://youtu.be/KBR98YKAr7w

How to Sew Pocket for Nose Wire:
Pleated Masks: bit.ly/nosewirepocketpleated
N95 Masks: bit.ly/2Vma20X

3. Best remedy for sore threat: a half-and-half mix of Gaviscon liquid and Children's Liquid Benadryl. Gargle with it as long as you can, then swallow it slowly. It's magic. Pro-Tip: Get both liquids in cherry, not different flavors.

4. Use Tylenol / Paracetamol / Acetaminophen for fever and aches. If your fever is too high, you can add Advil / Ibuprofen every 8 hours, too.  There was one French report that Advil increases your chance of complications. Eh, meh, I don't know, but use Tylenol unless your fever is really high. If it gets too high, save your brain first by getting that fever down. 

If you get sick, hydrate, a lot. Drink a lot of liquid. Many Covid-19 hospital admissions are actually for dehydration.Drink water, Gatorade, Pedialyte, or whatever you've got.

5. If you were sick before March 20 in the US and probably – before April 10, it probably was NOT Covid-19, and you aren't immune. Don't think you are. 

Caveat: If you live up in Seattle, went to the Boston Biogen conference, live in northern Italy or Wuhan China, maybe NYC, or another very early hotspot, then maybe. But maybe not even then. 

Before March 20, there are at least 3 nasty viruses that were circulating, plus the flu. This was a bad year for illnesses even before Covid-19. If you think you had it and survived with just a bad flu-like disease, you probably didn't. It probably was one of those other viruses. 

Especially if you were sick for less than 3 weeks of sheer Hell.

Here's the way you tell: If 20% of the people around you were ending up in the hospital and up to 5% were dying, then it might have been Covid-19. If not, then it wasn't.

Don't assume you're immune unless you had a positive test or have a robust response on an antibody test. You can get it and spread it to people you love. Continue to stay home and social distance.

6. OH MY GOD MY CAT MIGHT INFECT ME. 

Cats may be susceptible to the virus. Keep your cat in the house with you. Don't let your cat out. 

There has not been a known case of cat-to-human transmission, nor any known cases of cats dying from it. Your cat is much-much-much more likely to get it from you than for them to somehow get it outside and bring it home. You are more dangerous to your cat then they are to you. Stay home, wash your hands, and practice safe social distancing to protect yourself and your cat.

7. Best immune system boosters:
– Sleep, at least 8 hours. 
– Water, drink enough of it.
– Moderate exercise, not crazy and making yourself sore or barf.

I know, it's not a sexy essential oil, but those things work.

Excellent Yoga Channel on YouTube — Free, my favorite.
NYC Ballet Workout

8. Here is a bunch more information on current vaccine research at my blog. 

Bunch of information about current research on Covid-19 at Blair's Blog. 

We're still safe here in Chez Babylon, except for some anxiety and dread. Stay safe, my dear friends. I am praying for you. 

I'm also working on Maxence's books. One Night in Monaco is up there for pre-order. It's officially a “prequel,” but it's 280 pages long and has Arthur and Casimir as main characters, as well as Max. I'll put Max #1 up for pre-order within a month or so.