MASK update
A recent study performed by a particle physicist confirmed what we already know. Masks are not perfect, but they work. He confirmed that large particles containing the virus can travel even farther than 6 feet, although the vast majority drop to the ground before that. Smaller particles can travel farther and stay suspended for much longer but are also dispersed to a much greater extent, even with a slight breeze or flow of air. He tested numerous masks, both commercial and home-made.
- A simple bandana. Not great but it helps, limiting particle spread to under 4 feet.
- A thicker cotton mask can limit spread to 2 feet or less and a double layer can cut it down to inches.
- There is a lot of leakage from the top. So DISTANCING is still crucial but the point here is also that you MUST cover your nose and try to keep it snug around the bridge of the nose.
- Valves make it easier to breath and can protect you quite a bit but do virtually nothing for those around you. Spread can go out quite far.
- Shields may stop larger particles coughed or sneeze out, in both directions, but are NO substitute for a mask. They are OK but ONLY if accompanied by a mask.
- They did not address the issue of gaiters specifically but as mentioned before, they can actually make things worse because the stretchy material converts larger particles into smaller ones and they can travel or get inhaled, farther and deeper.
- Ventilation is still important indoors since small particles do accumulate. Any amount of airflow will dissipate them however. Open windows, use a fan, keep AC, or soon, heating, on.
Brain fluid leakage after a nasal swab.
The issue here is not that a nasal swab is dangerous, just that it needs to be performed properly. There was a report of someone developing a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after a nasal swab for Covid. This apparently did happen but the patient had previous extensive sinus surgery for a brain cyst (an encephalocele). As a result of that surgery, the bony barriers separating the brain and the nasal cavity were removed. The swab was incorrectly used, going upwards into the nose, rather than straight back. The swab inadvertently cracked the thin delicate bone, or possibly only lining, left behind. This can be patched and the patient should be fine. Again the point is that you should make sure that the person performing the swab, or you if it is a self-administered test, does it correctly. They should be uncomfortable but they are not dangerous.
NEW SYMPTOM – Hearing Loss.
There have been some case reports of people presenting with sudden hearing loss as their only presenting symptom. Although it is impossible to say for sure at this point the impact on human hearing, animal studies have shown that SARS Cov-2 does cause damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea) resulting in hearing loss. We do know that Covid -19 does result in vasculitis (inflammation of arteries) leading to clots in almost any organ so it makes sense that it could potentially affect hearing.
ANOTHER reason why you do NOT want to catch this virus.
Stay safe and be well.
AC