Myths and false hope Covid-19

I have separated this blog into two parts. For those of you who trust me to give you concise medical information regarding this Covid-19 pandemic (aka crisis), I will continue to do so. This is the first part of this email. Unfortunately the next one reflects some of the frustration I feel right now which I am sure will pass. Meanwhile let’s get back to giving you health advice.

How about we bust a few more myths:

The people who need them, do NOT have enough ventilators or PPE’s.

If there were enough masks we would be doing what they did in Italy: Hand one to everyone and make them wear it when they are outside.

When you hear that the ‘government’s strategy is totally working’, it is a lie. You only have yourself to rely on and you need to get your act in gear. And quickly.

Did someone say things will be better next week? They won’t.

The apex of the curve is still at least 7 to 10 days away. In short the worst is yet to come. Everyone talks about ‘flattening the curve’ which is a good thing but please understand the flat part of the curve is still the worst part until the numbers start to decline.

So far the US death toll has exceeded 12,000. It is rising daily, faster than we had hoped.

If you listened to the President’s press conference today there were a lot of fake carrots. PLEASE do not rely on them. For example: there are 8675 ventilators “ready to move”. Ask yourself, how does that help you and your loved ones today? It doesn’t. In fact what people are not saying is that we are now running out of the supplies, medicines and parts that we need to be able to utilize those ventilators.

If the fact that the ventilators have landed and are sitting on an air strip somewhere makes you feel better, then take whatever comfort you can.

If you were reassured when he said by June 29^th the US will have 20,000 ventilators. Don’t be. That is almost 12 weeks away and your goal is NOT to be dependent on a ventilator anyway!

Have you thought about how you are going to dodge the virus for another 12 weeks? If not, construct your plan now!

I have been recommending many things for the last 2 weeks and I wont repeat them here but they are still valid. (If you need a reminder go to www.drtuakli.com and check out prior blogs).

Also remember to lead by example, your children are watching you. I promise you the world will never be the same.

There is no cure for Covid-19. That’s it! It doesn’t exist. There are some things that help some people, there are some medicines that help associated symptoms just like taking a Z-pak after the flu or Tylenol for aches and pains. These are not cures. I understand why people are reaching for hydroxychloroquine because it is natural to hope.  Quite frankly if it was that easy there wouldn’t be a pandemic and people wouldn’t be dying we would just give them the ‘cure’ right?

Does anyone remember how many times we were told that the AIDS virus had been isolated and then not? There was a race for the glory. It took years to find effective medication. The cure for Covid-19 is not going to happen fortuitously in 2 months. “Hmm, I wonder if this would work”!

 Don’t get me wrong, a lot of you know I am all for natural remedies that don’t necessarily have controlled trials. But I am also for sound medicine.

There was mention of a vaccine and cures, trust me those are not coming around in time to help you through this pandemic. Don’t hold out false hope. Buckle down and do what you know you need to do. 

Think back, how many times did you wash your hands today?

If you can think of the number you didn’t wash them often enough!

This is probably enough for one blog. More to come!

Stay healthy, safe and informed.

Keep your distance.

With love

Dr. Tuakli