The Coronavirus: precautions and prognosis from Swiss Medica
Update March 16, 2020
We would like to clarify one more time that the article purposes are as follows:
- To show that COVID-19 is not a unique virus by its properties.
- At the moment, the main danger to the patients' lives is the simultaneous overload of the medical system with severe patients and its collapse. That is why the key task now is to slow the spread of the virus down, albeit by stretching the epidemic during the time.
P.S.: "Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to "flatten the curve". By Harry Stevens, The Washington Post
Update March 14, 2020
Recently we were quite often asked of an exact effect which transplanted mesenchymal stromal cells provide in terms of symptomatic and supportive therapy with coronavirus, but it is best to read the source in original: "Transplantation of ACE2- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improves the Outcome of Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia"
- The virus infiltrates human cells through ACE2 protein. With age, the development of this protein increases, which explains a much severe manifestation of the disease in age-related patient cases. Also, the development of this protein is registered in lung cells, which primarily leads to lung damage.
- One of the main problems in the acute course of the disease is the "cytokine storm" (Hypercytokinemia), this is when our immune system fights the virus too actively and destroys its own cells with it, specifically destroying inflammatory focus tissues. In our case, these are lungs.
- After transplantation into the blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells begins to secrete anti-inflammatory factors with explicit immunomodulatory effect. In the case of coronavirus, Mesenchymal Stem Cells also suppress the excessive activation of the immune system, preventing the development of a "cytokine storm".
- This effect is also enhanced by the fact that during intravenous transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, they first accumulate in the lungs, and after passing through them they enter the rest of the body.
- It also should be highlighted that Mesenchymal Stem Cells are protected from the virus, as they do not have this protein on their surface.
March 12, 2020, 6 min read
SwissMedica XXI team joins a prominent international doctor (health practitioner) group which is substantially concerned with the ambiguous representation of data on Coronavirus in mass media.
From our article you will learn the following things:
- The things we have learned about the Coronavirus so far from a strictly professional point of view.
- Our assumptions.
- The possible ways of developing the Coronavirus-related situations.
- How to cure the Coronavirus.
- The things that won't work.
- How to protect yourself from Coronavirus or easier cope with this sickness.
- Can cell-based therapy help in treatment and/or prevention of Coronavirus?
The Coronavirus: What We've Learned So Far
In short:
● The virus is not highly contagious, yet epidemic risk is high.
● Current mortality rate is 3,5%, and people over 60 years of age are in the main risk group. As for now, the recent mortality rate varies depending on location from 0,7% in South Korea to 6% in Italy.
Compared to other diseases, the Coronavirus differs in the following ways:
● Coronavirus is a variety of acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI), the course of which is typical for the infections of this kind.
● The virus is not highly contagious, yet epidemic risk is high.
● Current mortality rate is 3,5%, and people over 60 years of age are in the main risk group. As for now, the recent mortality rate varies depending on location from 0,7% in South Korea to 6% in Italy.
Compared to other diseases, the Coronavirus differs in the following ways:
● Coronavirus is a variety of acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI), the course of which is typical for the infections of this kind.
Most people worldwide get infected with ARVI at least once a year. The typical symptoms of ARVI are running nose, a cough or a fever. Many people are familiar with these symptoms. Especially children get often infected with ARVI. At least in 4% of cases the chances are that you might be infected with one of the Coronavirus varieties.
● The contagiousness of COVID-19 or, put simply, the way to get it is not that high. According to epidemic data, it comprises around 10%-30%, that is, every sick individual infects about 1- to 3 persons out of 10 people s/he has been in contact with. This number is lower than the one standing for most viruses evoking ARVI. Yet it is more contagious than some of the seasonal colds. For comparison, the contagiousness of measles and chickenpox is much higher whereas the contagiousness of certain viruses evoking ARVI exceeds 50%.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world as its contagiousness comprises 90%, that is, each sick individual infects 9 out of 10 people who are not immune to the measles.
● COVID-19 has a high affinity to the tissues of the lower respiratory tract. In short, pneumonia often develops as a result of this disease, and such an outcome is not typical for the other ARVIs. Pneumonia has a relatively high mortality rate ranging from 1 to 5% depending on the quality of medical help, average age of the population, and a number of other factors. For comparison, mortality rate of seasonal flu is up to 0.7% or up to 600,000 people per year.
Additional Comparative Data:
March 12,.2020
March 12,.2020
● 80% of infected individuals had a mild form of disease; 15% of infected individuals had a severe, but not life-threatening disease; 5% of infected individuals had a severe pneumonia. Seniors have mostly suffered a severe form of disease were mostly seniors.
For example, Spanish flu primarily attacked the young and healthy people whereas the children and the elderly were affected to a minimum extent. Spanish flu caused the death of about 40 to 60 million people.
Our Forecast
In short:
● COVID-19 has been officially declared a pandemic, and the virus will continue to spread.
● Eventual fatality will reach 1 - 1,5 % that is 2-3 times higher than with acute influenza among unvaccinated populations.
● Pandemic Status will remain until the middle of 2021, until the mass vaccination will be complete.
● Total number of infected individuals will not exceed shall not reach 2-10 million people.
● COVID-19 has been officially declared a pandemic, and the virus will continue to spread.
● Eventual fatality will reach 1 - 1,5 % that is 2-3 times higher than with acute influenza among unvaccinated populations.
● Pandemic Status will remain until the middle of 2021, until the mass vaccination will be complete.
● Total number of infected individuals will not exceed shall not reach 2-10 million people.
For comparison, according to the data provided by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, only in the season 19-20, as per the end of February, starting from 34 to 49 mln. people got infected with ARVI and from 20, 000 to 52, 000 people died from this disease.
*The forecast is based on the data received until March 13, 2020.
**Significant increase in the number of infected individuals can occur due to African countries.
**Significant increase in the number of infected individuals can occur due to African countries.
To compare:
● We assume that COVID-19 has reached a pandemic level long time ago since people were infected with this virus worldwide. This is because many suffered a mild case of this disease without even contacting a doctor. Please note that pandemic determines geographic distribution of the disease, not the number of infected individuals.
● We assume that COVID-19 has reached a pandemic level long time ago since people were infected with this virus worldwide. This is because many suffered a mild case of this disease without even contacting a doctor. Please note that pandemic determines geographic distribution of the disease, not the number of infected individuals.
The most famous current pandemics are tuberculosis (30% of the world's population is infected, i.e. 3 billion people), malaria, HIV, Spanish flu, HPAI and swine flu.
Many viruses that cause SARS could also be assigned pandemic status, but they are not as they are not considered serious.
Many viruses that cause SARS could also be assigned pandemic status, but they are not as they are not considered serious.
● This is rather good news as mortality rate will be even lower in such case. It is also noteworthy that so far, most reported cases originates from China. In China, the ecological situation is traditionally poor, which, in turn, increases mortality rate for any type of pneumonia. On the other hand, there are significantly more seniors residing in developed countries.
● The virus will circulate with seasonal fluctuations until mid-2021. Either the scientists will develop a vaccine by that time, or the population will acquire a protective titer through the disease or passively as is the case with conventional SARS/influenza.
● Symptomatic and supportive therapies will be improved, the latter will also reduce the mortality rates.
● Currently, disease containment approaches are quite efficient per se. They should slow down the spread of Coronavirus to the maximum extent otherwise the virus will spread worldwide.
● The virus will circulate with seasonal fluctuations until mid-2021. Either the scientists will develop a vaccine by that time, or the population will acquire a protective titer through the disease or passively as is the case with conventional SARS/influenza.
● Symptomatic and supportive therapies will be improved, the latter will also reduce the mortality rates.
● Currently, disease containment approaches are quite efficient per se. They should slow down the spread of Coronavirus to the maximum extent otherwise the virus will spread worldwide.
The Final Word
● There are many dangerous diseases in the world. Statistically, the cumulative chance of contracting one of the existing diseases with a mortality rate of 0.5-3% is by 100, if not by 1000 times greater than getting the COVID-19 coronavirus.
● Currently nothing extraordinary really happened. New viruses have been appearing and will continue to appear in the future. This is the real situation we have always been coping with.
● Constant panicking and stressing about this virus won't do any good to anyone and it lowers the immune system which is the main weapon against virus of any kind.
We still want to emphasize that COVID-19 coronavirus is a dangerous disease and it is necessary to take all the necessary measures to prevent the disease from spreading at the personal and state levels. But we feel that artificially agitated fear inflicts a greater damage than pandemic itself. Carefully check any received information and especially the most odious one.
● Currently nothing extraordinary really happened. New viruses have been appearing and will continue to appear in the future. This is the real situation we have always been coping with.
● Constant panicking and stressing about this virus won't do any good to anyone and it lowers the immune system which is the main weapon against virus of any kind.
We still want to emphasize that COVID-19 coronavirus is a dangerous disease and it is necessary to take all the necessary measures to prevent the disease from spreading at the personal and state levels. But we feel that artificially agitated fear inflicts a greater damage than pandemic itself. Carefully check any received information and especially the most odious one.
Is There A Cure for the Coronavirus?
Recently only your own immune system can fight the Coronavirus. There is no other cure.
As soon as a new cure or treatment approach will become available, you will instantly get to know about it as all mass media will be all over it.
Of course, the treatment of severe cases of the coronavirus implies the use of symptomatic and supportive therapies. But mostly all of them aim at helping the infected individual fight the virus.
In any case, we want to remind you the common ways to behave if you contracted ARVIВ:
● Chinese mails and parcels do not pose a threat as you cannot contract a new coronavirus from letters and parcels.
● So far, there is no evidence that pets like dogs or cats can transmit the new coronavirus.
● Pneumonia vaccines do not protect against a new coronavirus. It requires a special vaccine which is currently being developed by the scientists.
● There is no evidence that garlic, sesame oil, mouthwash or nasal saline spray help fight the virus.
● Antibiotics cannot be used to treat the new coronavirus. Antibiotics can only be used if the virus has caused bacterial infection as they only fight bacterial infections.
● Now, there are no special medicines which would prevent or cure a new coronavirus and the scientists are working on them. Nevertheless, every infected individual should consult a doctor. Medical care can help to relieve the symptoms and prevent the further development of the disease.
As soon as a new cure or treatment approach will become available, you will instantly get to know about it as all mass media will be all over it.
Of course, the treatment of severe cases of the coronavirus implies the use of symptomatic and supportive therapies. But mostly all of them aim at helping the infected individual fight the virus.
In any case, we want to remind you the common ways to behave if you contracted ARVIВ:
- If you suffer from chronic diseases or your condition steadily worsens, please do not hesitate to get medical help.
- Do not try to lower the fever up to 39 C unless otherwise contraindicated.
- Stay hydrated and drink herbal infusion or use honey, ginger, lemon or raspberry. Do not drink tea or coffee.
- Dress warm. You should sweat it off. Keep your hands and feet warm.
- Rinse your throat and nose and make steam inhalations.
- Ventilate the premises.
- Wear a mask and practice proper hygiene.
● Chinese mails and parcels do not pose a threat as you cannot contract a new coronavirus from letters and parcels.
● So far, there is no evidence that pets like dogs or cats can transmit the new coronavirus.
● Pneumonia vaccines do not protect against a new coronavirus. It requires a special vaccine which is currently being developed by the scientists.
● There is no evidence that garlic, sesame oil, mouthwash or nasal saline spray help fight the virus.
● Antibiotics cannot be used to treat the new coronavirus. Antibiotics can only be used if the virus has caused bacterial infection as they only fight bacterial infections.
● Now, there are no special medicines which would prevent or cure a new coronavirus and the scientists are working on them. Nevertheless, every infected individual should consult a doctor. Medical care can help to relieve the symptoms and prevent the further development of the disease.
COVID-19: Preventative Measures
- Wash your hands often for at least not less than 20 seconds, and then wipe them completely dry.
- If you are not able to wash your hands, use an antiseptic that contains at least 60% alcohol. Do not forget to clean the smartphone, computer and tablet.
- Do not touch your face and especially eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands.
- Avoid the crowds.If there is an opportunity to self-isolate yourself, to work or study from home, avoid using public transportation, better to reduce the risks.
- Do not closely approach a person with a cough or a fever. Wear the mask if you have to and throw it away after communication.
- Ventilate the premises.
- *Boost your immune system:
a. Minimize the stress.
b. Work out for 30 minutes a day or stay active for the same amount of time Ventilate the premises.
c. Eat well.
d. Take vitamins and nutritional supplements.
b. Work out for 30 minutes a day or stay active for the same amount of time Ventilate the premises.
c. Eat well.
d. Take vitamins and nutritional supplements.
*
- "A High Potential of Immune System" is not any scientific term as such, but we would have to make a separate article about it
- Contact the treating physicians in case of need
Can the Cell-Derived Therapy Assist in Prevention and Treatment of the Coronavirus COVID-19?
The results of one empirical study have been recently published. The researchers of this study examined the effects of intravenous MSC therapy on patients infected with the COVID-19 virus [1]. It was demonstrated that intravenous administration of MSCs drastically reduced damage intensity of the lung tissue as well as the activity of anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The latter resulted in significant improvement in the state of patients on the second day upon administration of treatment. Of seven patients, who received this therapy, five suffered a severe form of disease. After administration of the experimental therapy of MSCs, the state of all the individuals has significantly improved and they went into the phase of convalescence.
This trial was mentioned in the article South China Morning Post.
In general, MSC cell-derived therapy is on the list of therapies that are potentially effective in treating the COVID-19 virus for the following reasons:
This trial was mentioned in the article South China Morning Post.
In general, MSC cell-derived therapy is on the list of therapies that are potentially effective in treating the COVID-19 virus for the following reasons:
- Stem cells can regenerate and speed up recovery after acquired traumas and surgeries. They also make the body less susceptible to certain infectious diseases.
- MSCs can boost the immune system, limit inflammatory activity and stimulate anti-inflammatory factors. Cell-based therapy is used to treat the following lung-related diseases:
- Drug-resistant tuberculosis;
- Pulmonary tuberculosis with extensive and complete drug resistance;
- Idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis.
3. There is positive evidence of MSC cell therapy use in the treatment of the A/H5N1 influenza virus, which causes the acute lung damage.
Of course, further related studies are necessary, however due to the lack of effective methods of treating patients with SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), this approach is potentially promising in patients with severe COVID-19 infection.
Considering all the reasoning above and the data obtained by us based on the results of the Anti-Aging programs, we assume that MSC therapy can also be used as a coronavirus prevention therapy. Of course, it cannot prevent the patient from contracting the virus, but it might facilitate the course of disease in the infected individuals.
P.S.: current forecasts and conclusions have been made on March 11, 2020. Should our position change based on receipt of the new information, we will duly notify you.
P.P.S.: current situation in Italy and Iran was considered.
Of course, further related studies are necessary, however due to the lack of effective methods of treating patients with SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), this approach is potentially promising in patients with severe COVID-19 infection.
Considering all the reasoning above and the data obtained by us based on the results of the Anti-Aging programs, we assume that MSC therapy can also be used as a coronavirus prevention therapy. Of course, it cannot prevent the patient from contracting the virus, but it might facilitate the course of disease in the infected individuals.
P.S.: current forecasts and conclusions have been made on March 11, 2020. Should our position change based on receipt of the new information, we will duly notify you.
P.P.S.: current situation in Italy and Iran was considered.
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