Did You Know???
March 12, 2020
As the coronavirus aka COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread, so does misinformation. Granted there is much we do not know. Here are some facts we do know as of March 12, 2020.
US Cases of standard FLU WORLD WIDE
- 14,000 Deaths
- 250,000 Hospitalizations
Cases of COVID-19 including US
- 4,947 Deaths
- 133,080 Cases (not all hospitalizations)
We need to keep things in perspective. Although this new virus is concerning, at this point the typical flu is and has been much more concerning. Typically the flu kills approximately 30,000 to 50,000 people in the US each year. This information is readily available on the CDC website.
Things you can do to help protect yourself during flu season as well as the COVID-19 outbreak include the following:
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at high risk of getting sick
Stay home if you’re sick
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Options include:
- Diluting your household bleach.
To make a bleach solution, mix:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
- 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
- Alcohol solutions.
Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
Remember, if you have any questions please contact us. Midwest Compounders Pharmacy is always here to help. Hard to obtain medications as well as specialized dosage forms! Call toll free (888) 245-3012 or locally (913) 498-2121 and ask to speak to one of our pharmacists.
Troy S. DeLong is an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy as well as the St Louis School of Pharmacy. He owns and operates Midwest Compounders Pharmacy. He is a practicing pharmacist with 30 years of experience.
Do Not Panic, But The Time To Prepare Is Now...
- The coronavirus particle has a crown of spikes on its surface.
- (Image: © Alfred Pasieka/Science Photo Library via Getty Images)
February 27, 2020
Unless you have been traveling to Mars with Elon Musk, you are probably very much aware of the continual spread of the newly identified COVID-19. COVID-19 is a form of coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illness ranging from the common cold to severe diseases such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).
There appear to be some concerning characteristics associated with COVID-19. One apparent property is that many individuals infected exhibit few if any symptoms. This allows for easier transfer of the infection. COVID-19 has also been shown to be fatal in many people as well, potentially up to 2% or higher. Typical seasonal influenza has a mortality rate of approximately 0.1% according to the CDC.
Most people do not realize that the MAJORITY of medications prescribed in the US are manufactured in Asia. This has been a concern of mine for years. The supply chain for medications in the US could dramatically be disrupted by this recent event. The United States has been suffering from medication shortages for years. Everything from antiinfectives to blood pressure medication recalls (due to chemical contamination from manufacturers outside the US) to IV solutions have been in very short supply in recent months and years. These shortages have occurred without major global disrupting events. One can only imagine the medication shortages associated with a pandemic.
Medication preparations should begin now. According to the CDC, it is not a matter of if, but a matter of when the US will be affected. If you are currently on any maintenance medication, work with your doctor and your pharmacy to procure a 3 to 6 month supply of medication if possible. At the moment, current medication imports have not been majorly impacted. However, as infection rates increase, supplies could be impacted greatly. If you find it difficult obtaining your medication because of shortages, contact Midwest Compounders Pharmacy and see if we can help!
Troy S. DeLong, PharmD, RPh
Troy S. DeLong is an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy as well as the St Louis School of Pharmacy. He owns and operates Midwest Compounders Pharmacy. He is a practicing pharmacist with 30 years of experience.