The lifesaving benefits of strict social distancing rules during the coronavirus pandemic far outweigh their projected harm to the U.S. economy, a new report claims. “Our benefit-cost analysis shows that the extensive social distancing measures being adopted in the U.S. likely do not constitute an overreaction,” said lead author Linda Thunstrom, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. “Social distancing saves lives but comes at large costs to society due to reduced economic activity,” she said in a university news release. “Still, based on our benchmark assumptions, the economic benefits of lives saved substantially outweigh the value of the projected losses to the U.S. economy.” Assuming that social distancing measures are adopted widely enough to reduce contact between people significantly, their benefits will surpass the economic costs by $5.2 trillion, according to Thunstrom and colleagues. The findings — published online April 14 in the Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis — are based on the most recent data on coronavirus spread and its impact on economic activity. Study co-author Stephen Newbold said, “It should be possible to conduct a more detailed analysis after more data are available.” Newbold is an assistant professor of economics. “But a rapid assessment, based on the best currently available information, adds much-needed rigor to the public discussion about the policy response to this outbreak,” he explained in…  read on >

Despite increased demand for inhalers in some parts of the United States, Americans with asthma shouldn’t ration their medications during the coronavirus pandemic, the American Lung Association says. Rescue inhalers are in short supply in some areas because hospitals are giving albuterol to COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms to help them breathe, the group explained. Albuterol is a quick-relief medication used to treat shortness of breath and wheezing in people with asthma and some other lung disorders. “The American Lung Association advises patients with asthma not to ration medications,” said the association’s chief medical officer, Dr. Albert Rizzo. “If you are running low on a prescription, speak with your health care provider about your options so you can take your medication as prescribed.” Patients might want to ask their doctor if switching medications would help with availability and/or lower costs, he said in an association news release. “Consider alternative devices such as nebulizers,” Rizzo advised. “Dosages are different among brands, so do not switch without discussing with your health care provider.” Good control of asthma is crucial in preventing infections and complications, he emphasized. “Any viral infection can lead to a worsening of asthma symptoms, so patients with asthma and particularly those with moderate to severe asthma are at a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19,” Rizzo said. Controlling your asthma may reduce your…  read on >

Guidelines for the prioritization and treatment of breast cancer patients during the coronavirus pandemic have been released by a group of U.S. medical organizations. “As hospital resources and staff become limited, it is vital to define which breast cancer patients require urgent care and which can have delayed or alternative treatment without changing survival or risking exposure to the virus,” Dr. Jill Dietz, president of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, said in a society news release. And according to Dr. Lawrence Shulman, chair of the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, “The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges. These guidelines can help modify patient care to minimize exposure risk and preserve resources for patients with the most immediate need for care.” The other groups involved in the release of the new joint recommendations are: the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), and the American College of Radiology (ACR). The recommendations group breast cancer patients into priority levels (A, B, C) for urgency of care, and provide treatment recommendations for each category. Priority A patients have conditions that are immediately life-threatening or symptomatic and require urgent treatment. Priority B patients have conditions that do not require immediate treatment but they should start treatment before the end of the pandemic. Priority C patients have conditions for which…  read on >

New research sheds light on why the experimental drug remdesivir might become the most powerful weapon in the fight against COVID-19: It is highly effective against an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the spread of the new coronavirus. Remdesivir is one of several drugs being fast-tracked in various coronavirus treatment trials around the world. Just last week, a small, “compassionate use” trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found the drug improved outcomes for people with COVID-19. More than two-thirds of 53 severely ill patients showed improvement in oxygen support, the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center researchers said. Seventeen of 30 patients who were on ventilators were able to be taken off the life-support machines, the study showed. The latest research, published April 13 in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, explains how remdesivir, developed in 2014 to fight the Ebola epidemic, works against the new coronavirus. Remdesivir “is a very potent inhibitor for coronavirus polymerases,” and if “you target the polymerase, the virus cannot spread, so it’s a very logical target for treatment,” explained study author Matthias Götte, chair of medical microbiology and immunology at the University of Alberta, in Canada. Remdesivir tricks the coronavirus by mimicking its building blocks, the investigators found. “These coronavirus polymerases are sloppy and they get fooled, so the inhibitor gets incorporated many times and the virus can…  read on >

There’s no doubt about it: Staying at home, worrying about jobs and finances, is a recipe for depression during the coronavirus pandemic. But one expert offers some tips on how to maintain good mental health during this difficult time. “The current situation has many of us feeling helpless, fearful and adrift,” said Dr. Donna Anthony, chief medical officer at Gracie Square Hospital in New York City. “In order to get through this crisis, it is important to acknowledge these feelings and proactively manage stress, maintain your health, and find ways to cope when things seem darkest. We don’t know when our lives will return to a semblance of normality, but in the meantime, there are steps we can take to make ourselves feel better,” Anthony said in a hospital news release. People who already struggled with depression and anxiety may find it even more difficult now, and even those who haven’t faced those mental health challenges may feel anxious, afraid and lonely. Take a step back and examine your feelings, Anthony suggested. Be non-judgmental and compassionate toward yourself. Distract yourself from negative thoughts. If you’re bored, do something. If you’re lonely or frightened, call a friend. Your body is better able to fight stress if you take care of it. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals and get enough rest and sleep. Don’t try to relieve stress…  read on >