OT: COVID-19 Among BYers

[oldude]

Do you mean Claritin ? I have the same sinus every winter problem. My doctor gives me an Azelastine HCl nasal spray and Claritin.

That’s exactly what I’m doing.

 

[huskeynut]

I'm another one on Claritin. Developed a cough that got worse. Then came the chest congestion. Urgent Care said what I thought, seasonal allergies. The pollen count here in central Florida is high and we've had no rain to clear the air. My wife now has it.

We live in a beautiful and active 55+ community that is completely shut down. 14 pools closed, two large amenities centers closed. Ballroom, classrooms, restaurants art gallery and administration buildings closed. Have been for over a week.

All restaurants in the area are go to/ take out. Most will also deliver. Supermarkets are open but some stuff is scarce.

So to break the boredom, I getting in more bike rides around the community. And I'm getting a lot of practice time in on my horn. Neither of the two bands I play in can rehearse, the building we use is shut down. Both bands have had two performances each cancelled. Don't know if any will be rescheduled for a later date.

Stay safe everybody.

 

[irsh4242]

Social distancing here while working remotely while splitting time between my apartment in NYC and a family members empty condo in the suburbs. In mid January I got what the doctor said at the time was the flu that had me out of work for a week. I get the flu shot every year and have to say that week I had what the doctor deemed the flu was the sickest I've ever been in my life and it might have been corona with the reports saying it was here earlier then originally reported.

Stay safe and healthy everyone. We're all in this together. I'm just hoping this is all cleared up by May.

 

[DarthGrumpy]

I already work remotely, so no major impact there; but, now my clients are all working remotely, so that is something we all have to adapt to. Plus, most of the people I work with now have kids at home, so its new twist on work/life balance. I'm lucky that my kids are usually good when I am on a call or webinar (I live in a small house, so the spare bedroom is also my home office); but, everyone is being very lenient with disruptions right now as everyone adapts to this new environment. I take a break on most days to shoot hoops during lunchtime with my boys in the driveway to give my wife a break, whose is out of work as her college is shut down (and being used as a drive-thru testing facility). At around 5:30, weather permitting, I take the boys down to the town park to go for a 3-mile run. The park is technically closed; but, as long as we stick to ourselves and maintain proper distance, no one bothers us as the police are patrolling the park regularly. Did go for a nice hike at the nearby State Park last weekend. The only issue there was the very crowded parking lot. Once we got into the woods, we did some of the harder trails and rarely came across anyone. The hard part will be over the next few weeks for my younger son's birthday and then Easter because my folks nor my in-laws will be able to visit as they are all in that 70 age range and 3 of the 4 have underlying health issues. With several Covid-19 cases in my town, not taking the risk.

 

[JordyG]

For those that routinely experience seasonal sinus/respiratory ailments here’s something you may want to consider. I am one of those people who seemed to fight sinus congestion/upper respiratory infection every winter until, amazingly, this winter.

This past summer I finally went to see an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist. He basically told me my sinuses were constricted, the result of two broken noses I suffered during my rough & rowdy days along with summertime allergies. He put me on a daily dose of Clariton and a nasal spray for the rest of my life. I can’t believe the difference it’s made. It’s like I can breathe again after years of just living with the alternative.

I wish I could attribute my issues to a broken nose. Perhaps it's all because of a kidney stone? The idea of Claritin and a nasal spray however sounds like a treatment I should try.

 

[Kaizen]

I'm another one on Claritin. Developed a cough that got worse. Then came the chest congestion. Urgent Care said what I thought, seasonal allergies. The pollen count here in central Florida is high and we've had no rain to clear the air. My wife now has it.

Look the big difference of Claritin in Amazom,

Claritin, 10 mg, 100 tablets, $46.66
Loratadine (generic Claritin), 10 mg, 365 tablets, $10.99

 

[uconnfan68]

First week of January I got what I thought was the Flu. First time in about 20 years. Wife came down with it a few days later. I got better went back to work for 3 days and started coughing. Never coughed that bad nearly threw up. Did strain muscles. Went to see the Dr. on the 2nd day. In March I pretty much quit clearing crap out of my lungs.

Wife's experiences was same as mine. Just not as severe. I either had the man version or the Elderberry concoction my wife took helped.

Lost 3 weeks of work in January. Came across the stats on the CDC's website that has the first confirmed case in the US as the 14th of January. Some doctors my wife (diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 3.5 years ago) follow says the coronavires was here in November/December.

So I selected "I think I've had it and recovered" but really have no idea.

Did you have a high fever also?

 

[EasyEd]

I think I've been exposed. My wife has symptoms and was tested on Friday. They said 7-10 days before results are available. Her first symptoms were last Tuesday so I'm ordering everything to be delivered to my door. If I don't get it, I'll do my own shopping again after April 2nd. I didn't vote in the poll because I'm not sure what the answer is.

 

[uconnfan68]

Do you mean Claritin ? I have the same sinus every winter problem. My doctor gives me an Azelastine HCl nasal spray and Claritin.

I seem to have year round issues with sinuses and post-nasal drip. Was taking a bunch of things prescribed over the years, as I also have sleep apnea and need to breathe through my nose to wear the mask at night.

Finally saw an ear-nose-throat doc, and he took me off the sprays, etc. and now I do just 1 Zertec a day. I have been resorting to using Afrin this past week, but hesitate to continue it very long. Sometimes you just need to get a good night's sleep though. ;^)

 

[FairView]

We're adjusting to needing more than a Swiffer to clean our stove.

 

[bantamlaker]

Finally saw an ear-nose-throat doc, and he took me off the sprays, etc. and now I do just 1 Zertec a day. I have been resorting to using Afrin this past week, but hesitate to continue it very long. Sometimes you just need to get a good night's sleep though. ;^)

You’re right to be careful with over the counter decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin which can have a rebound effect. This is from the Mayo Clinic:

Mayo Clinic medical information and tools for healthy living - MayoClinic.com
I use an over-the-counter nasal spray for congestion associated with allergies. Should I be concerned about nasal spray addiction?
Answer From James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.

What you may be referring to is a rebound effect that can occur if you use over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays regularly. After a few days of using this type of nasal spray, your nose may become less responsive to the effects of the medication. As a result, you may need to use more and more of the medication to control congestion. Your congestion also may worsen if you stop using the medication. Some people may mistake this rebound effect for addiction, but it isn't.
True addiction is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance known to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful. Over-the-counter nasal sprays don't cause the physiological cravings that mark an addiction.
To prevent rebound congestion, use over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays for no more than five days in a row, with as few doses as possible each day. Prescription nasal sprays containing steroids don't cause this rebound effect, so they can be used on a daily basis for years.

 

[Kaizen]

I seem to have year round issues with sinuses and post-nasal drip. Was taking a bunch of things prescribed over the years, as I also have sleep apnea and need to breathe through my nose to wear the mask at night.

Finally saw an ear-nose-throat doc, and he took me off the sprays, etc. and now I do just 1 Zertec a day. I have been resorting to using Afrin this past week, but hesitate to continue it very long. Sometimes you just need to get a good night's sleep though. ;^)

Don't use Afrin unless it is really necessary. If really need you can dilute the Afrin with water, use 1 to 2 or 1 to 3 dilution and try to use only once at bedtime.

Last winter I have very serious post-nasal drip. Finally my doctor gave me Amox/K Clav 875-125, Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is a combination penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.

But my sinus didn't improve after taking Amox/KClav 2 times. Finally I went to see a nose specialist and he found out I had been using Afrin for the last 4-5 years. And I was taking Afrin and Amox/KClav in the same time, hence my nose blockage will not disappear. The Afrin will block my nose and eventually I will not be able to breath.

The doctor warns me I have to stop Afrin. It was painful but I finally stop Afrin by using slowly decrease dosage of Amox/KClav over 1 month. I have not use Afrin ever since.

 

[Kaizen]

You’re right to be careful with over the counter decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin which can have a rebound effect. This is from the Mayo Clinic:

Mayo Clinic medical information and tools for healthy living - MayoClinic.com
I use an over-the-counter nasal spray for congestion associated with allergies. Should I be concerned about nasal spray addiction?
Answer From James T C Li, M.D., Ph.D.

What you may be referring to is a rebound effect that can occur if you use over-the-counter nasal decongestant sprays regularly. After a few days of using this type of nasal spray, your nose may become less responsive to the effects of the medication. As a result, you may need to use more and more of the medication to control congestion. Your congestion also may worsen if you stop using the medication. Some people may mistake this rebound effect for addiction, but it isn't.
True addiction is a compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance known to be physically, psychologically or socially harmful. Over-the-counter nasal sprays don't cause the physiological cravings that mark an addiction.
To prevent rebound congestion, use over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays for no more than five days in a row, with as few doses as possible each day. Prescription nasal sprays containing steroids don't cause this rebound effect, so they can be used on a daily basis for years.

This is exactly my doctor told me. Thank you to post this information. I have learned a lot from OTC spray specially Afrin.

 

[VAUConnFan]

Retired. Stay home as much as possible. Feeling OK right now. Wish everyone well in these unprecedented(at least in my lifetime) times.

 

[Patty Bailey]

I was sick in early January with a terrible cough, like to the point I couldn't speak sometimes. I had a fever but only for about a day. Went to urgent care and was diagnosed with viral bronchitis - inhaler and cough suppressant. They did nothing. Two weeks later went to my regular doctor and diagnosed with walking pneumonia. Zithromax and steroid inhaler and I felt better, but the cough went away very slowly over the course of a couple of weeks. Wouldn't surprise me in the least if I had Covid19

 

[Wilderness]

No symptoms and wife and I on the stay home protocol - maybe out once a week for groceries, sending mail, etc.

If responses here are representative with a handful of people reporting Covid19 symptoms...if they did have the virus....if, if, if.... it would be excellent news for the outlook for all of us. If it is already widespread perhaps the peak demand on ICUs won't be so high as projected??? Okay - looking for hope anywhere at all.

- Wilderness.

 

[oldude]

The silver lining, if their is a silver lining, is that as NY tests some 16,000 people a day, along with expanded testing around the country, driving the number of positives up, the overall U.S. mortality rate continues to fall towards 1% nationally. While that is no consolation to anyone who’s lost a loved one to this virus, it does provide some glimmer of optimism to those who have the virus or might contract it.

In comparison, I believe Italy’s mortality rate is around 9% and Iran’s around 7%. The one concern is that while the U.S. healthcare system continues to respond heroically to the pandemic, if capacity is overwhelmed, the mortality rate will undoubtedly climb.

So to everyone on the BY, please follow all the government guidelines and stay safe and healthy.

 

[Majic Hands]

Did you have a high fever also?

Had a fever for a few days in week 1.
Went back to work week 2 Friday-Sunday. Started coughing Sunday evening. Coughing so bad it was hard to breath. Stranded muscles in groin, abdomen, back. Hurt to pee hurt not to pee. Don't think I slept more than 5-10 minutes at a time Monday night. Went to the Dr Tuesday morning Dr thoughts were that we started with a "viral" infection that turned into bacterial. Antibiotics and 24 hrs later began to feel human. Basically we were down for three weeks and were still clearing our lungs into March.

 

[Plebe]

I have no noticeable symptoms—yet, knock on wood—but I'm also aware that a significant percentage of those carrying the virus are asymptomatic. So I don't want to make any assumptions about my status in the absence of a test result.

Speaking of which, I'm truly aghast at the inability of our health system to make testing widely available in a timely manner. Evidence from other countries indicates that aggressive testing is key to reducing the infection rate.

I found this article from ProPublica to be both informative and helpful:

The Coronavirus Testing Paradox

Administering coronavirus tests requires time and supplies that are already running out. But aggressive testing has proven to be the best way to track and isolate the disease, stopping its spread. The best path forward depends on where you are.

www.propublica.org

 

[JordyG]

Did you have a high fever also?

I did. I experienced the same exact symptoms as @Majic Hands. with not quite same coughing, although there was a slight discomfort peeing.

 

[OviedoFLHusky]

I'm in the "at risk" category: over age 60, with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

About 3 weeks ago, I got up one morning to keep a chemo appointment -- and I felt terrible, with fatigue, dizziness, and vague body aches. I thought, well, maybe I'll feel better if I have a short nap before I have to leave. So I napped. But when I woke up, I felt even worse. It felt like every particle of my body hurt. And I was so COLD! I hadn't felt that cold since, honestly, the last time I visited the old home state of CT.

Regardless, I made it to my chemo appointment. When the nurse took my temperature, the thermometer read 102.8. They called an ambulance for me per my doctor's orders. I ended up spending a couple of days in the hospital. They did many tests on me and dosed me with anti-everything. However, it wasn't Covid-19; it wasn't even the flu! Their best guess was that I had an extreme reaction to the chemo that I had been given the day before this latest appointment. But I appreciate the precautions taken and the good care I received.

PS -- thank you for the good info re: nasal spray above! Off and on, due to allergies and colds, I've been "addicted" since I was 5 years old; doing periodic "cold turkeys" from the nose spray were not fun.

 

[Carnac]

Job shut down starting the 18. Staying home except the grocery store. Walking a lot though. Hope everyone is healthy and safe

For those folks whose employment is being affected by the virus, they should look into getting hired by their grocery stores, or major distribution warehouses like Amazon. We have one locally. They're looking for extra help too. Many grocery stores here in my neighborhood are looking for people to stock shelves. No experience necessary. They can't get the product out of the backroom fast enough. Lots of the shelves were completely empty. The normal stocking crew they employ is overwhelmed. The stores are open 7 days a week, and product is flying off the shelves. The workers MUST have at least one day off a week, but the shelves must be restocked daily. Just about every store we shopped at last week had signs on the door looking for immediate temporary stocking help. They're looking for men & women!!!

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

For those folks whose employment is being affected by the virus, they should look into getting hired by grocery stores, or major distribution warehouses like Amazon. We have one locally. They're looking for extra help too. Many grocery stores here in my neighborhood are looking for people to stock shelves. No experience necessary. They can't get the product out of the backroom fast enough. Lots of the shelves were completely empty. The normal stocking crew they employ is overwhelmed. The stores are open 7 days a week. The workers MUST have at least one day off a week. Just about every store we shopped at had signs on the door looking for immediate temporary stocking help. They're looking for men & women!!!

I just wanted to address this first. Yes, if you are not in a high risk situation. I am over 60 and while not in crisis health I doubt it would be good for me to have the disease. Even worse my wife is high risk since her immune system is suppressed do to her transplant. So I can't see doing outside work, particularly around other folks.

I was laid off from my part time work-from-home job, as it was cruise line related and business has gone to heck in that area. I worry far more about folks who live on their wages, instead of counting on them as "extra" as I did.

As to what I am doing - like most, I am mostly home. I go out twice a day for take-out soda (my wife's preference), (to pick up) some dinners from restaurants and will eventually need to go to the grocery store. Not doing any casual shopping and not mingling with anyone. I did try riding my bike around the neighborhood today, I had been walking on an outdoor track near me but it has gotten too crowded.

 

[Carnac]

I just wanted to address this first. Yes, if you are not in a high risk situation. I am over 60 and while not in crisis health I doubt it would be good for me to have the disease. Even worse my wife is high risk since her immune system is suppressed do to her transplant. So I can't see doing outside work, particularly around other folks.

I was laid off from my part time work-from-home job, as it was cruise line related and business has gone to heck in that area. I worry far more about folks who live on their wages, instead of counting on them as "extra" as I did.

As to what I am doing - like most, I am mostly home. I go out twice a day for take-out soda (my wife's preference), (to pick up) some dinners from restaurants and will eventually need to go to the grocery store. Not doing any casual shopping and not mingling with anyone. I did try riding my bike around the neighborhood today, I had been walking on an outdoor track near me but it has gotten too crowded.

We're both in the age group where it would not be good/OK for us to contract the virus. By the time this thing is over, and life returns to normal, we will have gotten use to this "new normal" life style we've been force into. It's funny how you can get use to doing things you have to do to survive a crisis.


I use to work in a super market during my mid-teens and early twenties. I reached journeyman status before I left. I could go back there tomorrow and pick up where I left off. They still stock shelves the exact same way now as we did 45 years ago. However............I have no desire or inclination of going back.

There are a lot of young folks that have families (children) or who are head of household (single moms) who cannot afford to miss 2 consecutive pay checks, let alone 3 or more. Those are the people I was referring to. The ones that have jobs that no one is covering or guaranteeing their salary for X number of days.

 

[Fiftyish]

I also went through a prolonged "cold" for 2 to 3 weeks in December even though I always get the seasonal flu shot. No fever, but nagging cough, runny nose, etc. Was able to clear it in time to leave for FL where we are now self isolating. As noted by others the beer and wine are in plentiful supply. Restaurants we prefer provide curb side pick up. Can't use the community pool and the beaches are closed but at least we have plenty of sunshine. Like everyone else shut in we are doing lots of walking. I'm also working my way through all of DT's UConn games starting when she was Freshman. Thanks a million to whoever curates that site.