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-Submitted photoUnityPoint Health Fort Dodge team members representing therapy, surgical services, acute care and environmental services, give their message to the community. Top row, from left to right: Tammy Pattison, Deanne Cummins-Thiele, Heidi Lennon, Elena Sassman, Amanda Jensen and Dawn Kirkpatrick. Bottom row, from left to right: Judy Haines, Jenna Linder, Amanda Grablin and Brittany Lantz.

-Submitted photoUnityPoint Health Fort Dodge team members representing therapy, surgical services, acute care and environmental services, give their message to the community. Top row, from left to right: Tammy Pattison, Deanne Cummins-Thiele, Heidi Lennon, Elena Sassman, Amanda Jensen and Dawn Kirkpatrick. Bottom row, from left to right: Judy Haines, Jenna Linder, Amanda Grablin and Brittany Lantz.

In light of Webster Countys first COVID-19 case, we want to ensure our community has accurate and factual information.

We are extremely proud of the work that has been done to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic with our community partners through the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC has and continues to provide UnityPoint Health Fort Dodge an opportunity to collaborate and prepare with the following agencies:

City of Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge Community School District

Fort Dodge Emergency Management

Fort Dodge Emergency Services

Fort Dodge Fire Department

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance

Fort Dodge Police Department

Iowa Central Community College

Manson Northwest Webster Community Schools

St. Edmond Catholic School

Southeast Valley Community Schools

Webster County Board of Supervisors

Webster County Public Health

Webster County Sheriffs Department

Additionally, UnityPoint Health Fort Dodge regional Incident Command, in partnership with the UnityPoint Health system Incident Command, has been meeting for weeks to prepare for COVID-19. In consultation with our medical directors: Drs. Lincoln Wallace, Michael Willerth, Alex Cathey, Elizabeth Day, Rachel Sokol and David Jones, surge plans for inpatient beds as well as Emergency Department have been developed that will allow us to double our bed capacity. A waiver has also been submitted to the federal government to allow Trinity Regional Medical Center to exceed our 49-bed limit, in order to support the care needed for our community.

The availability of test kits and ventilator capacity have also been hot topics on social media and in the media. We would like to provide some additional information regarding these very important resources.

Test Kits: UnityPoint Health Fort Dodge has test kits available. Our clinicians remain vigilant about following CDC guidelines for testing as related to COVID-19. Like other testing, patients must meet the criteria before a test is ordered.

Ventilators: The quantity of ventilators available in our region has been an area of concern for many. Please know in preparation of COVID-19, the region has significantly increased its ventilator capacity. We will also work together with the UnityPoint Health system and our rural Critical Access Hospital partners for additional support if needed.

We have prepared to the best of our ability. As a community we were given the gift of time to create solid work plans to ensure a coordinated and efficient response to COVID-19, before Webster County experienced its first COVID-19 case.

There is a lot of information available on social media and through regular media channels it can really feel like too much at times. Please be sure you are going to a trusted source for COVID-19 updates and sharing what is only factual. We recommend the following sites for COVID-19 information: Webster County Public Health; Iowa Department of Public Health; Centers for Disease Control; and the World Health Organization. By sharing only accurate and factual information it will help reduce anxiety and ease the minds of our family, friends and neighbors during this time of uncertainty.

Lastly, what we need now is the help of our community to ensure our healthcare resources will allow UnityPoint Health Fort Dodge to continue providing the best care possible. You can help to reduce and potentially prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following some simple recommendations:

Stay home whenever possible

Practice social distancing

Avoid community gatherings limit your activities to essentials, i.e. work, grocery store, etc.

Wash your hands

Words cannot express our deepest gratitude to all our healthcare professionals, first responders, and service workers for their tireless commitment to our community.

Together, we will get through this.

Leah Glasgo is president and CEO of UnityPoint Health Fort Dodge. Michael Willerth is chief medical officer of UnityPoint Health Fort Dodge.

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Together, we will get through this | News, Sports, Jobs - Fort Dodge Messenger

An experimental new study has recently tested the efficacy of favipiravir (Avigan) for treating COVID-19.

Recently, there has been much media speculation around the Japanese anti-flu drug favipiravir (brand name Avigan) being effective against SARS-CoV-2. This is the virus that causes COVID-19.

This is because Chinese officials announced in a press conference that the drug could effectively treat this virus.

Since then, the results of one of the two clinical trials that the Chinese officials cited have become available. We take a look at the findings and explain why people must interpret them with caution.

Stay informed with live updates on the current COVID-19 outbreak and visit our coronavirus hub for more advice on prevention and treatment.

Qingxian Cai, of the National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases at The Third Peoples Hospital of Shenzhen in China, is the first author of the paper, which now appears in the journal Engineering.

As Cai and colleagues explain in their paper, the need for effective antiviral agents capable of combating COVID-19 is dire.

In this context, an efficient approach for drug discovery seems to be to test existing antiviral drugs and see whether or not they are suitable for repurposing.

Healthcare professionals have previously used drugs such as ribavirin, interferon, favipiravir, and lopinavir/ritonavir to treat severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome. These are diseases caused by other coronaviruses. However, the efficacy of some of these drugs is questionable, warn the researchers.

That said, past studies that Cai and team cite in their paper have shown that favipiravir, the anti-flu drug, successfully inhibits SARS-Cov-2 in some cultured cells and protects mice against Ebola.

So, the scientists set out to test the results of treating SARS-Cov-2 using favipiravir, and to compare its efficacy with that of lopinavir/ritonavir.

Lopinavir is an HIV inhibitor that emerged as a potential treatment for the SARS outbreak in 2003. Manufacturers often add ritonavir to lopinavir to increase its half life and reduce its side effects.

The recent study was a non-randomized comparison of two treatment regimens across time. Participants were all patients at The Third Peoples Hospital of Shenzhen.

On day one (in early February), one study group comprising 35 people, all of whom had a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and met the trial criteria, including age and illness severity took 1,600 milligrams (mg) of favipiravir twice (in two separate doses), plus inhaled interferon.

On day two and beyond, this group reduced their dosage to 600 mg twice daily, and they kept taking inhaled interferon.

The control group comprised 45 patients admitted in the last week of January. They took lopinavir/ritonavir for 14 days at a dosage of 400 mg, then 100 mg, twice daily, plus the inhaled interferon.

Those who took favipiravir cleared the virus in an average of 4 days. Those in the control group cleared it in 11 days.

The favipiravir group also showed significant improvement in chest imaging compared with the control arm, with an improvement rate of 91.43% versus 62.22%, report the researchers.

Statistical calculations showed that favipiravir was independently associated with faster viral clearance. In addition, fewer adverse reactions were found in the [favipiravir group] than in the control group.

As Cai and colleagues conclude, In this open-label non-randomized control study, [favipiravir] showed significantly better treatment effects on COVID-19 in terms of disease progression and viral clearance.

They add:

[I]f causal, these results should be important information for establishing standard treatment guidelines to combat the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Although the health characteristics of the people in the two groups were statistically comparable at the start of the study, there were important differences between them that cast some doubt on these results.

For example, more participants in the favipiravir group were younger and leaner and had the treatment sooner after the onset of symptoms. On the other hand, fewer participants in this group had fever, for instance.

Because the study was so small, such minor differences as these can skew the results despite the scientists accounting for these factors in the analysis. In other words, the slightest error could bias the findings.

This small study provides some potentially exciting results, but the lack of randomization, the differences in severity of the disease, the differences in age of the two groups, and the lack of blinding of outcomes to the researchers all cast doubt on the findings.

Well-conducted randomized controlled trials are necessary before doctors can use this drug for this purpose in clinical practice.

For live updates on the latest developments regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, click here.

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Is the anti-flu drug Avigan effective in treating COVID-19? - Medical News Today

Quick Take

A viral meme suggests that children hospitalized with COVID-19 in the U.S. and U.K. cant be visited by a parent. Hospital policies have become generally more restrictive, but pediatric patients are still allowed visits by at least one parent.

A meme circulating on social media implores people to stay home in order to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. The message its trying to send is right, but the alarmist claims it makes are wrong.

The meme says: [I]f your child gets this virus their going to hospital alone in a van with people they dont know to a room they dont know to be with people they dont know You will be at home without them in their time of need Think about it Stay in.

It was shared on March 24 by a Facebook page called This is England and was then shared by several other British Facebook pages before it began to circulate on American accounts.

We are focusing on one of the claims the implication that there is a mandatory policy to separate parents from children who are hospitalized for COVID-19. That isnt true in either country.

Guidance from the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health in the U.K. says:

Many hospitals in the U.K. have eliminated patient visitation, except for children, who are allowed to have a parent or carer visit.

Guidance is similar in the U.S., with details varying from state to state and hospital to hospital.

In New York, which currently has the most cases of COVID-19 in the country, the state Department of Health recommended that hospitals suspend visitation except in cases where the visitor is essential to the care of the patient. One major hospital system, NewYork-Presbyterian, has used that guidance to end visitation, with some exceptions, including for pediatric patients who may have one visitor.

In the state of Washington, which had the first confirmed case in the U.S., the hospitals run by the University of Washington have suspended all regular patient visits. But patients under 18 are allowed to have visits from a parent or guardian.

Similar policies are in effect in other areas, too, including the hospitals of the Ohio State University and the University of Kentucky.

While the novel coronavirus can sicken people of any age, it is worth noting that those most at risk for becoming severely ill and requiring hospitalization are elderly people and those with underlying health conditions.

Between Feb. 12 and March 16, no patients under 19 years old were admitted to an intensive care unit in the U.S. for treatment of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Editors note: FactCheck.org is one of several organizationsworking with Facebookto debunk misinformation shared on social media. Our previous stories can be found here.

World Health Organization. Live from WHO Headquarters coronavirus COVID-19 daily press briefing 25 March 2020. YouTube. 25 Mar 2020.

Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health. COVID-19 guidance for paediatric services. Last modified 26 Mar 2020.

New York State Department of Health. Health Advisory: COVID-19 Guidance for Hospital OperatorsRegarding Visitation. 18 Mar 2020.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Severe Outcomes Among Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) United States, February 12March 16, 2020. 26 Mar 2020.

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Meme Misleads on Hospital Visits to Children With COVID-19 - FactCheck.org

The coronavirus pandemic has dominated the U.S. news since February. Since then, our clients have asked one common question, Will the coronavirus slow down an already slow hiring process? Will there be layoffs and hiring freezes? My answer? It depends.

Not every industry slows down in an economic downturn (if thats ultimately where we end upwe arent even certain if thats the case this year yet). And not every company within an industry slows down. The bottom line is people get hired during layoffs and hires happen even when things slow down.

Do you know who gets hired during economic shifts? Those who didnt stop job searching and, instead, kept going.

Will the search be harder? Possibly. But no matter what, its never a 100% complete halt. It just gets more competitive. So I think its time for job seekers at all levels to remain competitive and consistent.

Like investing, trying to time the market is futile. Successful investing comes from doing it regularly and consistently. The same is true with job searching. Trying to time when is the best time to get hired is pointless. Just start the search. Dont stop even in times when you think no one is hiring like the holidays or the summer. Many do that already and thats not the best way to go. So dont stop job searching as people get hired during these slowdowns all the time. And they will get hired during this coronavirus event as well.

One added benefit of continuing now is that it provides an edge over those who stopped. By just continuing, you are in front of potential employers where others arent. So continue on, but know that the landscape might be different. You might need to adjust accordingly.

Its important to note that the candidate market has always been competitive pre-coronavirus and companies have continued to take their time to process candidates and hire the best person for the job. Thats not going to change.

Hiring will speed up or slow down within an organization based on their strategic plans for the yearnot solely because of a virus.

That being said, now that companies are asking employees to work from home, not all companies and their employees are equipped to work remotely or from other remote offices where the virus hasnt spread.

A companys capacity to onboard new employees can shift the hiring managers priority of hiring new people for their open job to caring for the employees they already have working for them. What does that mean for you as the candidate? It could mean another delay just like any other delay that could happen. Be prepared and anticipate delays so you can reposition yourself, remain optimistic, and keep your pipeline full.

Showcasingyour accomplishments that demonstrate turning around challenging situations into profitable paths can makethe potential employersdecisioneasier to hire you. Be sure to highlight skills such as your experience working virtuallyto outline how you will assimilate into the organization faster.

Your job as the candidate is to follow-up consistently. Be politely persistent. Close by asking for the next steps on the interview. Ask for the job. Use LinkedIn to get noticed. Leave voicemails and send emails to ask for an update on the interview process.

Like any prior hiring obstacle you may have experienced, the key is to remain in control over what you can control. So be in control of the steps that you take virus or no virus.

Lisa Rangel, founder and managing director of Chameleon Resumes (a Forbes Top 100 Career Website), is a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Job Landing Consultant & 13-year Recruiter. Lisa is also a paid moderator for LinkedIns Premium Career Group, which has 1,300,000+ members. Chameleon Resumes reviews the goals of each client to ensure career documents serve their goals while meeting the needs of the prospective employers. She has been featured in Fortune, Inc., CNN Business, Fast Company, Business Insider, Forbes, LinkedIn, CNBC, Time Money, BBC, Newsweek, Crains New York, Chicago Tribune, eFinancialCareers, CIO Magazine, Monster, US News & World Report, Good Morning America, Fox Business News, New York Post, and other reputable media outlets. Rangel has authored 16 career resources and has an active YouTube Channel with great tips and recommendations.

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Will the coronavirus pandemic slow down hiring in 2020? - AZ Big Media

Analysis: as thousands of us face a period of quarantine or Isolation, here's what to expect and how to cope

Thousands of people on this island are in or facing a period of quarantine or Isolation as a result of coronavirus risk or infection. At the best of times, staying away from loved ones, peers and colleagues would be a challenge, but adding the spectre of a life threatening infection to the mix elevates this to a high stress experience. Thankfully, psychological research during other disaster situations such as SARS, Zika virus, Ebola andthe Boston Marathon bombinghas delivered some instructive insights on how we react to these situations and how best to manage them.

Those who have experienced quarantine or Isolation speak of a series of burdens that take their toll on feeling of well-being. The limiting of natural social contact, the cessation of a natural daily routine and the experience of a lack of control over one's life can be debilitating and exhausting. The consequences experienced include the following.

Fear and anxiety: Being in quarantine or Isolation means a loss of control over normal life routine. When we feel things are beyond our control our levels of fear increases because of the risk we perceive. Our anxiety is exacerbated by the worry, not just about one's own health and well-being, but also that of family, particularly if you are a chief carer or bread winner. Can I provide the natural nurture and care for my loved ones, how do I ensure my loved ones will have the everyday essentials? What will the future hold for me, my loved ones, for my community? The daily announcements of the bounce in numbers infected can heighten our sense of lack of control.

RT Brainstorm podcast on5 tips to mind your mental health during self-isolation, social distancing, quarantine and a national lockdown

Boredom to depression: our work roles form an important part of our personal and social identity and purpose. Being without work, or at least not having our normal rhythm, can lead to feelings of ineffectiveness. The lack of opportunities to use our abilities can dampen moods leading to a general sense of sadness. For many, being deprived of their natural physical activity regime, be that sport or gym visits, means unfamiliar lethargy and depressed energy levels which are not positive for well-being.

Frustration and anger:enforced confinement, restricted movement and not being able to engage in everyday activities elevates frustration levels. This frustration may spillover not just to loved ones in our environs, but also to those not heeding official guidelines, or others not subject to quarantine or Isolation

Stigmatisation: being identified as being in quarantine or Isolation, whether self-imposed or not, can lead to the experience of feeling stigmatised. Guilt and fear not just about the unknown but how others might perceive us now or in the future adds to the malaise.

From RT 2fm's Game On, Olympic sailor Annalise Murphy discusses what isolation at sea is like and gives some tips on coping with isolation.

Thankfully psychological research offers some insights on how to cope with the feelings associated with this adversity.

Making a plan and identifying what we can control is associated with sense of purpose and progress. Sketch a daily timetable or routine and post it where you and others can see it, as doing so increases our probability of sticking to it. Ensure variety in the schedule, work, leisure, exercise, learning, etc. Consider engaging in something new a project that sparks your intrinsic motivation and curiosity. We can manage our moods and feelings, so try to be aware of what you are feeling, and understanding why you are experiencing these feelings is the first step to putting one back in control.

Whether one is extrovert or introvert, we are a social species and connecting with friends and family has positive effects on our well-being. Whether it's text, video chat, social media or phone, just staying connected keeps us centred. In particular, it is good to share what you feel. While a problem shared may not be a problem halved, there is a host of research to support that sharing concerns with trusted others has significant positive psychological benefits.

From RT Radio 1's Ray D'Arcy Show, astronaut Chris Hadfield on dealing with isolation

While obvious, we sometimes fail to control what we can with reference to our health. Quarantine and isolation s stressful and stress weakens our immune system, so being proactive about staying healthy becomes even more important. Stick to regular meals with the correct nutritional variety and avoid snacking. Anxiety can sometimes prompt us to comfort eat, so we need to manage these urges. Daily exercise will help regularise sleep patterns all of which boosts psychological health. Needless to say,the misuse of alcohol and drugs will not help longer term adjustment despite howthe relaxing effect of alcohol may be appealing in a time of stress.

We have learned from the Zika virus crisis in 2016 that those who relied on social media sources such as Twitter recorded higher levels of stress and anxiety than those who depended on traditional media sources for their news updates. In fact, consuming too much media in a crisis situation is associated with increased levels of experienced stress. Restrict your consumption of news and avoid social media and depend on traditional national media with direct lines to the trustworthy medical decision-makers when accessing news.

If you are subject to quarantine or isolation, remember you are doing so not just for your own good, but that of your community. It is the ultimate act of altruism and it might be said you are among our nation's silent heroes.We owe you and thank you!

The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RT

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How to cope with self-isolation and quarantine - RTE.ie