Supposedly, the US WH will meet with CEOs of the 8 major US drug companies to explore exactly where they are (as well as the future) in developing a vaccine which would stop the spread of COVID-19 ASAP.
My guess is that we are probably 1-2 years away from a truly “novel, unique” vaccine for COVDI-19 and possibly longer. Why? Because the Chinese Military Wuhan Bio-Warfare lab knows far more than anyone else about this virus, and if they don’t openly cooperate and divulge specifics, assuming they kept records of exactly what they did and did not do, this journey could turn out to be long, long road in trying to figure out how someone made the wheel and how to dismantle it. Whether they can be forced into cooperation is anyone’s guess. So far, they haven’t done much to cooperate.
As to the US drug companies effort to “ramp up”, my assumption is that they will push for emergency approval of “re-purposed” (nothing new here) HIV-AIDS vaccines since some virologists I talked with believe the HIV virus is related genome wise with COVID-19. And several HIV vaccines have already been approved for HIV.
Unfortunately, our success (or failure) with HIV and/or flu vaccines is not close to ideal.
In contrast to the HIV route, one virologist I personally talked to is quite skeptical of this approach since it would possibly mean a significant level of “adverse events” which might prove catastrophic for certain sub-cohorts of the infected cohort. Specifically, he cited sudden death in those infected who are elderly and also have serious CVD (as supposedly happened with some Chinese cases). If so, it would create a difficult triage situation with all sorts of political backlash implications.
This meeting will probably have nothing to do with the recent emergency US FDA order to fast track a “test kit’ that will actually eliminate false negatives and false positive in order to reach a > 95% confidence level. I assume they are thinking about a Target Population statistically equivalent to the CDC flu TP estimate of 500,000 hospitalized cases. Definitely a very difficult objective to achieve. Currently, no test kit anywhere, in any country, regardless of published statistics to the contrary, regardless of TV commentary to the contrary, even comes close to that level of statistical validity.
Sharon
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sharoncrayn
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Sharoncrayn, first I don't share your believe that the virus was the product of Chinese military operation. Although I am no expert in bio warfare it is quite clear that COVID-19 doesn't fit the bill with 83% light or no symptom infection, 14 day incubation period and apparent easily undergoing mutations that would make it difficult if not impossible for the user of such agent to protect own population. I don't quite see how this relates to the Parkinson Disease. If you actually have access to the folks specializing in viruses could you show them this article that actually relates to PD and ask for the analysis:
"I don't quite see how this relates to the Parkinson Disease." Apparently you don't know that China has the largest PD population in the world and the increase (using their #s) has been exponential. So, is PD somehow a co-factor with COVID-19 given the world's epicenter for this virus is China? Who knows. You certainly don't, and I don't and probably no one else does either.
"It is quite clear" ... (to whom?)....I welcome your opinion wherever they come from since I believe an open discussion is always good, but all the virologists (3) I personally talked with would disagree with you about "everything" you wrote. Since they are some of the very best in the US, I have to go with their opinions, not yours or your sources which you have repeated.
I shared their opinions, not my "beliefs". I thought I made that abundantly clear in both my posts, but obviously I failed somewhere with you. Sorry.
As to your citation, I am not going to bother them with your citation. I do believe it is a relevant citation to PD because it was done via autopsy on PD brains and a strong correlation probably exists between EL and PD (certainly in terms of certain motor function deficits), but it has no relevance IMO to COVID-19. It and the previous study relate to specifically to Encephalitis Lethargica, which is often referred to as "sleeping sickness', which many years ago was a serious epidemic following WW1 (estimate at 1 million infected; unknown # of deaths). This study harkens back to the theory that PD is really caused by a virus. In the so-called "virus"theory of all things disease, all neuro degenerative diseases are virus related, and even the HIV virus has a connection to PD. One of many theories about PD.
Incubation. Is longer than 14 days it'smight be 28 days or even longer than that. People supposedly after being cured are released and they are still shedding virus. It is way more contagious than flu or anything else.
If deliberately released it isn’t necessarily by the authorities and the authorities do not necessarily know. Probably more likely by some individual to prove some point or achieve some end known only to him or her.
For people with Parkinson’s, there is no increased risk of catching coronavirus.
We’ve gathered the key facts and guidance to help you understand how to manage Parkinson’s this winter.
Winter can cause additional complications for people with Parkinson's. Cold weather, ice and seasonal illnesses are just some of the things that can make it harder to stay in control.
With the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, we’ve gathered the key facts and guidance to help you understand how to manage Parkinson’s this winter.
Are people with Parkinson’s more at risk?
For people with Parkinson’s, there’s no increased risk of catching coronavirus.
In the more advanced stages of Parkinson’s, there’s a slight increased risk of complications if you have coronavirus. This is the same for other viruses, such as the flu.
Do people with Parkinson’s need to take any extra precautions?
No. There are no additional precautions for people with Parkinson’s.
It’s best to follow the current NHS and Government advice on sensible precautions, such as hygiene and international travel.
How might coronavirus affect Parkinson’s medication?
If you do become unwell with a virus of any kind, it’s important to keep taking the medication prescribed to you for Parkinson’s.
Our Clinical Director, Dr Donald Grosset, advises: “You should not suddenly stop taking your prescribed medication for Parkinson’s, as that can cause additional problems. However, missing a small number of doses – because of vomiting, for example – will not cause you harm.
“Follow the advice given to you by your health professional who might adjust your tablets or dose, depending on your condition.”
Staying up to date on coronavirus
The UK Chief Medical Officers have raised the risk to the public from low to moderate, at the time of writing.
Current information and guidance can be found on GOV.UK, as well as the NHS website. These 2 sources reflect the most up to date information and will be updated as the situation progresses.
Managing Parkinson’s this winter
Winter can cause additional complications for people with Parkinson's. Cold weather, ice and seasonal illnesses are just some of the things that can make it harder to stay in control.
You should:
keep yourself and your house warm
ensure you have enough medicine
keep an eye on the weather and plan accordingly
ask for a free flu jab
know who to call if you're feeling unwell.
Full details can be found in our Managing Parkinson’s this winter guidance, published earlier in the year.
We will regularly update this page as the situation progresses. Last updated 03 March 2020.
Further support and guidance
NHS guidance on coronavirus
GOV.UK guidance on coronavirus
Information and support from Parkinson’s UK
Call the Parkinson’s UK helpline
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