Single Largest Jump in Coronavirus Cases in a 24 Hour Period

Coronavirus Update: United States sees the single biggest increase in cases in a 24 hour period

Unfortunately, the United States has just witnessed the single largest increase in Coronavirus cases of any country in a 24 hour period. Over the last 24 hours, there have been 14,550 new cases reported in the United States according to this website.

Why is the Coronavirus Spreading so quickly in the United States?

It comes down to the concept of R⌀.

R⌀ is the average number of people that an infected person transmits the virus to.

If R⌀ is <1, the epidemic will burn out.

If R⌀ = 1, then epidemic will continue at a steady pace.

If R⌀ >1, the epidemic will increase exponentially.

Current estimates put R⌀ at about 2.5 to 2.9 (Peng PWH et al, 2/28). In plain English, this means that the average person with the Coronavirus will give the virus to 2.5 to 2.9 other people. This transmission rate is a bit higher than seasonal influenza. R⌀ is a reflection of both the virus and also human behavior. Interventions such as social distancing and improved hygiene will decrease R⌀.

Control of spread of COVID-19 in China proves that R⌀ is a modifiable number that can be reduced by effective public health interventions. The R⌀ on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship was 15 – illustrating that cramped quarters with inadequate hygiene will increase R⌀ (Rocklov 2/28).

The Coronavirus started with a single infected person, and it spread to roughly 2.5 to 2.9 other people. Once infected, those people passed the Coronavirus to another 2.5 to 2.9 people each. This is how a virus can exponentially spread. The Coronavirus spread has been hard to diminish because people have a relatively long incubation period or they have the virus and they don’t show symptoms of having the virus for a relatively long period of time, like 5 days to 10 days.

What should I be doing during the Coronavirus pandemic?

Definitely stay at home as much as possible. If you must go outside your home, practice social distancing and act as though you have the virus. Essential tasks done outside the home include buying groceries, making visits to the doctor, and picking up medications from the pharmacy.

How do I protect myself when I go outside?

First, avoid going outside unless you’re going for a walk or otherwise exercising in your neighborhood. If you must go outside, wear disposable latex gloves when you touch high-risk surfaces. For example, when you pump gas at the gas station, put on a pair of latex gloves during the credit card use, key pad entry, and handling the gas pump. Then, dispose of the gloves responsibly in a nearby trash can. Use hand sanitizer once you’re back in your car. Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching potentially contaminated surfaces. You can also use this routine of wearing latex gloves when grocery shopping or when handling a grocery cart.

Is it safe to get food delivered?

Yes, it’s safe to have food delivered and it’s safe to get take-out food. The best practice is to wash your hands after touching any packaging and to wash your hands again before eating. For instance, if you get your food in a brown paper bag, take your food out of the brown paper bag, recycle or discard the brown paper bag, and wash your hands before touching the food or individually wrapped food. Then, transfer the food to a plate or glass bowl and microwave the food for 30 seconds. This will kill any germs or bacteria in or on the food. Wash your hands again prior to eating.

What can you do to boost your immune system?

Many people want to know what they can do to boost their immune system to protect themselves from the Coronavirus. You can do the following to boost your immune system:

• Sleep 7 to 9 hours each nigh

• Eat nutritious and healthy foods

• Drink plenty of fluids, mostly water

• Exercise for 1 hour each day

• Meditate to keep your stress levels low

When we’re stressed out, we tend to produce more cortisol, a steroid hormone that can weaken our immune system. That’s why it’s important to meditate, sleep well, and exercise.

What are good exercises during the Coronavirus quarantine?

You definitely want to exercise every day during the Coronavirus quarantine. Exercise will be good for your physical health, immune system, and emotional wellbeing. The best exercises will be to go outside of your house for a walk, jog, run, or bike ride. This is one of the few exceptions to the “stay at home” rule above. When you exercise, make sure that you’re keeping your distance from other people by at least 6 feet. You can exercise in your neighborhood or a nearby park. Avoid mall walking or any exercise where you’ll have to open a door/use a door handle for entry. That’s why we recommend folks avoid gyms and pools because there are just too many surfaces that could harbor the Coronavirus and potentially spread the infection. Therefore, exercise at home: lift weights, do floor exercises, do yoga or pilates. Fortunately, several health and fitness companies are giving free 30 day trials of home exercises - take advantage of these programs.

What can you do to slow down the Spread of Coronavirus?

Stay at home.

Act as though you have the virus and any interaction is a potential to spread the virus to a vulnerable person. People who are the most vulnerable are older adults or those with pre-existing medical conditions like lung diseases or cardiovascular diseases.

Do not visit nursing homes or elderly relatives, even if you feel well. You could be an asymptomatic carrier of the coronavirus and you could potentially endanger or kill the older adults that you visit.

Should you be sitting on a stockpile of extra medical supplies and equipment, please donate it to your nearest hospital or primary care physician office. If you have new and unused N95 masks or gloves, please donate them to these healthcare facilities.

Thanks for reading and watching, and have a wonderful day.

-Dr. Paul Thomas with Plum Health DPC