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COVID-19 Video Updates, 98-100

August 3, 2020

 

This week’s COVID-19 updates navigate from possible testing breakthroughs to “long-haulers” to highlights from Dr. Seheult’s favorite moments leading up to our 100th coronavirus update. Check out these and all COVID-19 Pandemic Updates Explained Clearly episodes at MedCram.com.

 

Inexpensive Home COVID-19 Tests – A Possible Breakthrough

In our 98th COVID-19 update, Dr. Seheult joins the conversation on a possible breakthrough: inexpensive, at-home testing that is accurate (sensitive) enough to detect the vast majority of infectious COVID-19. He discusses the inverse relationship of Ct values and viral load, and compares the usability and effectiveness of highly-sensitive RT-PCR and much cheaper paper tests. Despite differences in sensitivity, the relative scarcity and delayed results of RT-PCR tests have led to capturing only an estimated 5-10% of transmissible COVID-19 cases in the United States. Paper tests, which detect antigens and may be affordable enough to be utilized daily, produce results in about 15 minutes (compared to 2-10 days for RT-PCR tests). For more information, we suggest checking out episode 640 of This Week in Virology podcast, referenced by Dr. Seheult throughout our video. 

 

“Long Haulers” – Lingering & Long-Term Symptoms After COVID-19

In update 99 in our COVID-19 series, Dr. Seheult starts by shifting focus from mortality to the number of people recovered from COVID-19. This JAMA Network study looks at the persistent symptoms of 143 previously hospitalized patients for COVID-19. On average, participants were two months past peak infection. Over half were “long haulers,” who continued to experience three or more symptoms, including fatigue, dyspnea, joint pain, chest pain, and cough. Dr. Seheult also speaks about patient support groups and anecdotal evidence which expand upon this topic. 

In addition, Dr. Seheult discusses various studies on the topics of abnormal pulmonary function in discharged COVID-19 patients, echocardiography in patients with COVID-19, and the need for empirical research on supplementing with NAC (n-acetylcysteine) for COVID-19.

 

Interferon Beta COVID-19 Treatment and a Retrospective

In our 100th COVID-19 update, Dr. Seheult reviews updated infection numbers in a variety of countries and introduces inhaled interferon beta. Recent information on interferon beta intervention (versus placebo) suggests a reduction in days until patient discharge, increased odds of recovery, and reduced mortality and need for mechanical ventilation. Importantly, however, this data is not yet peer-reviewed nor even fully released to the public, so more scrutiny and research is needed to draw any conclusions on the efficacy of interferon beta. 

To commemorate our 100th COVID-19 update, Dr. Seheult highlights some of his favorite updates, as well as the free MedCram COVID-19 Ventilation Management course. Lastly, he rounds out update 100 by sharing his passion for music, along with a video created by violinist Joshua Bell, in which he plays Bach’s Double Violin Concerto in sync with a number of healthcare providers. Dr. Seheult also shares a video of himself playing the recently destroyed organ in France’s Nantes Cathedral. 

 

Stay Tuned for More COVID-19 Updates 

Our COVID-19 videos are always available for free (and ad-free) at MedCram.com. In addition, check out our full library of courses and lectures on subjects ranging from Ultrasound Principles & Instrumentation to Sleep Apnea Explained Clearly  and many more!

Meanwhile, here’s a list of all the COVID-19 resources we’ve shared so far:

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