Novel Coronavirus COVID-19

[CaliforniaGirl]

3 hours ago, NuevoYorko said:

This is similar to what happened to the son of a close friend of mine, in San Francisco back in early March.

The doctor diagnosed him with COVID-19 on the base of his symptoms.  He was not given a test.  They were reserved at that time for people who were hospitalized.  He was sent home, told to self quarantine, and after a miserable period he got better.   His girlfriend (they live together) also quarantined but never had any symptoms; people who worked where he did, on the other hand, did.  

This was a step beyond misery, TBH. Like I said, I have literally never been this sick. I have never been to even a doctor for the flu or anything flu-like, much less considered the hospital. Actually, I have never been in the hospital for any illness at all. I've been there for accidents (check for broken bones or a concussion) and to have my babies but never for an illness.

I was very, very scared.

It was no joke, let's just put it that way. If I were 10 years older I wonder whether I'd be dead.

I was told NOT to go to the hospital unless a certain specific set of symptoms was actively there. My doctor said they would turn me away otherwise. I suffered and was incapable (or no fully capable) for two months. I already had no life. Just exhausted and coughing and a lake ghost 24/7. Meanwhile restrictions came in. I shouldn't complain because I'm still here but it was a hell, of sorts.

I never could have dreamed anything this bad was coming. 

Edited July 15, 2020 by CaliforniaGirl

[Angelle]

8 hours ago, CaliforniaGirl said:

This is what happened to me in mid-February. I have never been that sick in my life and thought I was going to need to be hospitalized. I thought it was just the flu, and for all I know it was, but there was no testing yet. I have never once gone to the doctor for the flu. I did this time but not out of fear of Covid. It literally didn't enter my mind. I was just so sick that I was getting scared. The cough was awful but between coughing spells all I could do was sleep. I couldn't stay awake for more than 20 minutes or so at a time.

This went on for about a week. My family was really getting scared. I had a fever all during that week. Twice when I tried to get up off the couch I fainted. I finally called the doctor. I was told to come in. After the phone call I was crying. I was very scared.

All the doctor asked me was whether I had been out of the country lately, specifically China. I thought that was weird. And whether I was wheezing. I wasn't. Then he sent me upstairs for x-rays because he was worried I had pneumonia. But that test was negative. All he did was send me home and told me if I began to wheeze I should go to the hospital, but if I was not wheezing plus had a temperature over 101 they would not admit me. So otherwise "just stay home and ride it out."

So I went home. And I slowly started getting myself off the couch. But the coughing was just awful. Codeine cough syrup didn't help. Nothing did. Many times I could not catch my breath. I began to get so physically exhausted from the coughing that I thought: I'm going to die. This is going to kill me. And after a while the thought didn't even scare me anymore, it finally became just...like, okay. This is going to happen, I have to accept it.

I'd just be on the couch upright in the middle of the night because lying down made it worse, just thinking: in the morning I believe I will be dead. And I was so tired of fighting it that the thought was just sort of this dull feeling. I couldn't even cry about it anymore. That was too much energy.

I was sick for approximately 10 weeks, I think it was.

My husband also got sick, about two weeks after I did. How cough was really terrifying. He also lost his sense of smell and his leg was tingling night and day. But it was March by the time he called the doctor and the doctor told him the same things he told me. He'd have to have a fever over 101 AND be wheezing in order to go to the hospital. Otherwise, just stay home and "ride it out." But he did get better rather quickly. However - remembers this was March - he still does not have a normal sense of smell back yet. 

I have never actually literally thought I was going to die before all that. It was a horror. I'm crying as I remember this.

I think if I get it again, it.actually will kill me this time.

 This has happened to friends of mine - one mentioned today, that she's still using an inhaler. She finally had a virtual doctor's appointment, a couple of months ago, after she almost fainted when she went to check the mail. One friend in California, said she's had it twice now (or it never fully went away). 

I got really sick a couple of years ago, that had a similar effect with fatigue, occasional trouble breathing, constant fevers - I'm sure it was a parasite that was in the news, there were outbreaks in my State. That was bad enough. I don't want to get Covid. 

[Piddy]

Just saw where our Governor Ron DeSantis had previously ordered 1 million doses of Hydoxychloroquine.  He's a Trump guy so not surprising.

[Redhead14]

A young man, who is a close friend of my SOs son and daughter-in-law, 30 years old, died suddenly on Saturday.  He came down stairs and complained to his mother that he had a terrible headache and his chest hurt/hard to breath.  He dropped dead right there.  Turns out he and 3 of his friends went to Florida for a few days recently.  He had Covid.  The other two friends tested positive.  Lots of the people in the community came by the home to console the family.  Now all of them need to get tested and be quarantined for 14 days and anyone they came into contact with, ad infinitum.  Lots of older people in that crowd.  It's going to be a tense couple of weeks around there.  My SOs daughter-in-law is also pregnant and have a 2-year old.   I'm sorry for the young man who passed away but all 3 of them were F ing idiots to go to Florida, of all places, on "vacation".  Now at least one of them is on a permanent vacation. 

[Ellener]

On 7/15/2020 at 10:08 AM, NuevoYorko said:

This is similar to what happened to the son of a close friend of mine, in San Francisco back in early March.

The doctor diagnosed him with COVID-19 on the base of his symptoms.  He was not given a test.  They were reserved at that time for people who were hospitalized.  He was sent home, told to self quarantine, and after a miserable period he got better.   His girlfriend (they live together) also quarantined but never had any symptoms; people who worked where he did, on the other hand, did.  

I'm recovering at home from a fever and cough and delirium too now. I will go get the antibody test later but so many people have Covid here I'd be surprised if it's not that.

I'm going to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Fortunately I can get anything delivered here, but the latest was my gp doctor friend was sick last night...she sounded so ill. I have a strong constitution I guess, but my friends are dying.

It's breaking my heart.

 

 

[schlumpy]

It seems to me Red that people over 60 have to start using their heads and stay away from other people if they doing things that can get them infected. That would include close relatives and kids who are still living in the basement. 

If they don't, then it's Russian roulette. The risk is substantial enough going to the grocery store and Target without the wildcard of trusting relatives that they haven't done something stupid recently.

It's not forever.

[Redhead14]

26 minutes ago, schlumpy said:

It seems to me Red that people over 60 have to start using their heads and stay away from other people if they doing things that can get them infected. That would include close relatives and kids who are still living in the basement. 

If they don't, then it's Russian roulette. The risk is substantial enough going to the grocery store and Target without the wildcard of trusting relatives that they haven't done something stupid recently.

It's not forever.

The older people in that crowd in my post, live with their adult children.  But, my SO and I are not not having one bit of trouble doing that.  But it sucks.  We can't go anywhere or spend real time with anyone, etc.  I would be more willing to take a little more risk if everyone would do their part and try to minimize the risk to a degree. But, you're right, it's roulette if you drop your guard. 

The anti-maskers want to talk about freedom???  The anti-maskers don't have a clue what losing freedom feels like.  People in my shoes do!  F them. 

Edited July 17, 2020 by Redhead14

[amaysngrace]

Classy.  

Maybe that’s their mindset back. 

[Redhead14]

The enhanced unemployment is going to end July 31 and that had been the plan all along.  They keep citing that it disincentivizes going back to work or looking for a job.  However, there are millions who are furloughed and haven't been called back to their jobs and the companies keep telling them they expect to bring them back in the fall.  They need to extended it for those kinds of situations.  I know they are talking about giving enhanced benefits but reduced but they haven't come to a decision and July 31 is fast approaching.  Hopefully, they will make some stipulations for certain circumstances like this. 

[sothereiwas]

Most of the most vulnerable are probably retired anyway, and for the rest we should help facilitate them, but in general it seems like it's a good time to let people get back to work. 

[Ellener]

On 7/15/2020 at 1:31 PM, CaliforniaGirl said:

This was a step beyond misery, TBH. Like I said, I have literally never been this sick. I have never been to even a doctor for the flu or anything flu-like, much less considered the hospital. Actually, I have never been in the hospital for any illness at all. I've been there for accidents (check for broken bones or a concussion) and to have my babies but never for an illness.

I was very, very scared.

It was no joke, let's just put it that way. If I were 10 years older I wonder whether I'd be dead.

I was told NOT to go to the hospital unless a certain specific set of symptoms was actively there. My doctor said they would turn me away otherwise. I suffered and was incapable (or no fully capable) for two months. I already had no life. Just exhausted and coughing and a lake ghost 24/7. Meanwhile restrictions came in. I shouldn't complain because I'm still here but it was a hell, of sorts.

I never could have dreamed anything this bad was coming. 

I'll be honest, I thought I was dying. But I didn't, though my friend did. I'm following the quarantine rules until July 30 then I'll try to get antibody testing.

If I ever live through another pandemic I won't be scared like this though, it was just a natural phenomenon.

The way it was dealt with was what gave me a heart attack.

Be not afraid...a wonderful woman called me today and said read 2 Peter.

This is what it says:

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

 

[elaine567]

4 hours ago, Ellener said:

f I ever live through another pandemic I won't be scared like this though, it was just a natural phenomenon.

Easy to say now, as you have survived...

[Ellener]

7 minutes ago, elaine567 said:

Easy to say now, as you have survived...

I can't shake the chest infection so far.

[schlumpy]

What about the pipes Ellener? Are the pipes coming back? do-re-me-fa-so-la-te-do? 

Doe a deer a female deer. Ray a drop of golden sun........

[Ellener]

6 hours ago, schlumpy said:

What about the pipes Ellener? Are the pipes coming back? do-re-me-fa-so-la-te-do? 

Doe a deer a female deer. Ray a drop of golden sun........

Do not mock me man!

When I first started working with dementia patients that's what they called me, because of my accent I guess.

And I think I did want to be the Mary Poppins for people with dementia, it was kind of a lost cause but essential.

[BaileyB]

On 7/17/2020 at 7:40 AM, Redhead14 said:

Turns out he and 3 of his friends went to Florida for a few days recently.

Lots of the people in the community came by the home to console the family.  Now all of them need to get tested and be quarantined for 14 days and anyone they came into contact with, ad infinitum.  Lots of older people in that crowd.

Stupid kids, going on vacation to Florida now.

And silly people, gathering at the home when anybody with any common sense would suspect Covid. 

Sometimes people really do amaze me. 

[Redhead14]

17 minutes ago, BaileyB said:

Stupid kids, going on vacation to Florida now.

And silly people, gathering at the home when anybody with any common sense would suspect Covid. 

Sometimes people really do amaze me. 

Strange outcome to this story.  Everyone who had been in contact with him or the family after his death to console, etc. tested negative -- roughly 40 people.  Either the  test on the kid who died was incorrect or there were a lot of false negatives.  I'm not sure what to make of this. 

[SincereOnlineGuy]

On 7/17/2020 at 11:05 AM, Redhead14 said:

The enhanced unemployment is going to end July 31 and that had been the plan all along.  They keep citing that it disincentivizes going back to work or looking for a job.  However, there are millions who are furloughed and haven't been called back to their jobs and the companies keep telling them they expect to bring them back in the fall.  They need to extended it for those kinds of situations.  I know they are talking about giving enhanced benefits but reduced but they haven't come to a decision and July 31 is fast approaching.  Hopefully, they will make some stipulations for certain circumstances like this. 

July 31 won't matter at all.

(if)When they put something in place, it will be retroactive just like the last plan was.

 

The disincentive  aspect of the plan is only a function of income.  It isn't as broad as 'having running water in the house disincentivizes going out to look for water'.

 

The relative disincentive for some equates only to the near term when their income or could-be income is less than the enhanced unemployment  amounts.

 

They still need full-time work into their futures, and as usual, the responsible, long-term thinkers will go back to full-time work when their jobs become available, and not give it all away for another five months of a free ride.

 

Reminder:   The original enhanced unemployment  contained the excessive amounts only because individual state computer systems (as old and outdated as many are) could not ALL handle a pro-rated amount of enhanced unemployment  (where executives would get huge amounts (LOL) and peons would get only pennies)(or peonies).  For that reason, the flat rate of $600 was given to all  in order to speed-up the distribution during the urgent early times of March and April.   It had to be enough to *matter* to the more wealthy recipients AND it had to be given to nearly everyone, particularly those who had low-paying jobs and had been left with zero income by layoffs, etc.

 

By now, some have a better sense for who needs what, and it is surely likely that congress will vote according to the usual divisions, impacted somewhat by how bad Covid is flaring in one's own district/state.

 

 

[sothereiwas]

2 minutes ago, SincereOnlineGuy said:

the responsible, long-term thinkers will go back to full-time work

A lot of those people earn enough that they aren't getting anything much anyway. 

[Redhead14]

23 minutes ago, SincereOnlineGuy said:

July 31 won't matter at all.

(if)When they put something in place, it will be retroactive just like the last plan was.

 

The disincentive  aspect of the plan is only a function of income.  It isn't as broad as 'having running water in the house disincentivizes going out to look for water'.

 

The relative disincentive for some equates only to the near term when their income or could-be income is less than the enhanced unemployment  amounts.

 

They still need full-time work into their futures, and as usual, the responsible, long-term thinkers will go back to full-time work when their jobs become available, and not give it all away for another five months of a free ride.

 

Reminder:   The original enhanced unemployment  contained the excessive amounts only because individual state computer systems (as old and outdated as many are) could not ALL handle a pro-rated amount of enhanced unemployment  (where executives would get huge amounts (LOL) and peons would get only pennies)(or peonies).  For that reason, the flat rate of $600 was given to all  in order to speed-up the distribution during the urgent early times of March and April.   It had to be enough to *matter* to the more wealthy recipients AND it had to be given to nearly everyone, particularly those who had low-paying jobs and had been left with zero income by layoffs, etc.

 

By now, some have a better sense for who needs what, and it is surely likely that congress will vote according to the usual divisions, impacted somewhat by how bad Covid is flaring in one's own district/state.

 

 

If employers tried to call those workers back to work and the workers declined, I would imagine the employers would go shopping for new employees.  And, if a worker who is unemployed turns work down without good cause -- i.e. work environment is risky and/or caring for an elderly family member, etc., they lose their unemployment benefits (in Jersey at least).  So that's another part of the disincentivization argument that doesn't really make sense.  And, a lot of the people who were getting the $600 will have to pay taxes on it and should have paid quarterly taxes on it.  So they may have a surprise come tax time if they spent it all.  My point is, they didn't really get $600 "extra".  No one was getting rich on it to the point of deciding to risk a full-time job unless that full-time job sucked to start with   I think that whole thing was somewhat exaggerated. 

[Ellener]

On 7/15/2020 at 1:31 PM, CaliforniaGirl said:

I never could have dreamed anything this bad was coming. 

none of us could.

[SincereOnlineGuy]

21 hours ago, Redhead14 said:

If employers tried to call those workers back to work and the workers declined, I would imagine the employers would go shopping for new employees.  And, if a worker who is unemployed turns work down without good cause -- i.e. work environment is risky and/or caring for an elderly family member, etc., they lose their unemployment benefits (in Jersey at least).  So that's another part of the disincentivization argument that doesn't really make sense.  And, a lot of the people who were getting the $600 will have to pay taxes on it and should have paid quarterly taxes on it.  So they may have a surprise come tax time if they spent it all.  My point is, they didn't really get $600 "extra".  No one was getting rich on it to the point of deciding to risk a full-time job unless that full-time job sucked to start with   I think that whole thing was somewhat exaggerated. 

 

A - yes

B -  correct

C -  who would pay 'quarterly taxes' on unemployment benefits?     you just have them withhold from your UE check just as most employers do.

And they basically did "get $600 extra".   For at the end of a year (with 4 months at $600 extra)...  and miniscule unemployment the rest of the time, the tax bracket is so low, that "paying taxes"  equates to a negligible amount in most cases.   (last rumor I just read today was that the new deal would be just $200 extra... each week...  which won't do enough for middle-income folks displaced from their jobs by the virus/shutdown, and who have to pay the usual bills/expenses )

(so lets SAY they're getting $550 'extra' ...  that's near enough to the $600 that one is nitpicking if considering tax ramifications as being of much difference)

It's fine if you have no expenses.

 

When the CARES act went into effect in mid-April, I think they were talking that IF they waited to administer the aid as they wanted to, it couldn't be implemented for "a few months", and that is why they went for the $600 across the board.   I don't know that they foresaw what has transpired...    but IF they had, it would have made grand sense to be pursuing the software upgrades to pro-rate the aid according to income...  to where it might be almost ready by now.

 

 

 

 

[Redhead14]

7 minutes ago, SincereOnlineGuy said:

C -  who would pay 'quarterly taxes' on unemployment benefits?     you just have them withhold from your UE check just as most employers do.

 

No Federal taxes are taken from the "extra" $600.  There is no provision for that in New Jersey at least.  You can designate a maximum of 10% be withheld for the Feds from the "regular" unemployment amount, which in some cases isn't enough either.  There is no State tax on unemployment in Jersey.  But, you are supposed to make/should make a Federal quarterly estimated tax payment toward the year-end liabilities on the "extra" $600 at least.

Edited July 27, 2020 by Redhead14

[SincereOnlineGuy]

On 7/15/2020 at 11:31 AM, CaliforniaGirl said:

 

I never could have dreamed anything this bad was coming. 

This is just a practice run  for when a REAL pandemic hits civilization.

 

A hundred years ago the Spanish Flu killed 2.5 - 10% of the people it touched, and that was before international air travel by the masses was in general practice.

Times throughout history have had even more deadly afflictions.

 

[lana-banana]

The stories of what they're calling "long COVID" are horrifying: months of extreme fatigue, short-term memory loss, even encephalitis among young and healthy people. It can apparently destroy immune systems, to the point where childhood shingles and other diseases suddenly flare back up. Eduardo Rodriguez, a Red Sox pitcher, is exhausted and unable to work after throwing 20 pitches. People can't go up stairs.

One of my husband's employees called someone and began exhibiting symptoms of aphasia (severely slurred/confused speech). After a while in the hospital they concluded she has viral encephalitis. While her COVID test came out negative, she had had a bad cold two months prior, and her doctor is suggesting that it may have been linked to COVID. 

Anyone measuring this in terms of deaths is out of their minds. This may end up physically crippling a substantial chunk of the population. How will we respond?