JWR’s Recommendations of the Week:

43 Comments

1. Covid-19, March 3, 2020

   SGT Report:
   The Panic Buying Begins
   https://youtu.be/axR4mWZ5INs

   –
   WARNING: Highly thought provoking/speculative.

   Clif High
   https://youtu.be/qzq4kH6Bruk
   critical thinking – Feb 26/2020 – SARS2 – Bio-warfare manual – DECONTAMINATION

   U.S. Army Bio-warfare Manual
   https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fapps.dtic.mil%2Fdtic%2Ftr%2Ffulltext%2Fu2%2Fa523781.pdf&v=qzq4kH6Bruk&event=video_description&redir_token=yKe0cIhSiAad6WsbTJA9BpzyW9l8MTU4MzM4MjY3N0AxNTgzMjk2Mjc3

   –

   (Very stimulating. Lots of ‘F’ bombs tho. About Covid-19. Discusses information found on the Dark Web, and some ‘very high octane’ speculation.)

   March 2, 2020
   RoadtoRoota
   Part 1 – Roota’s 2020 Timeline (Clif High & Bix Weir)
   https://youtu.be/IuZEpAqK0S0

   –

   Drudge Report:

   WHO says death rate 3.4% higher than previously thought
   https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/03/who-says-coronavirus-death-rate-is-3point4percent-globally-higher-than-previously-thought.html

   –

   AP
   Tensions rise as US death toll from coronavirus reaches 9 (Seattle, WA)
   https://apnews.com/dcd130364f2bbec8142d0ae47f805cba

   –

   New York Post
   Video:
   Top US doctor says coronavirus now an ‘outbreak,’ possibly a ‘pandemic’
   https://nypost.com/2020/03/03/top-us-doctor-says-coronavirus-now-an-outbreak-possibly-a-pandemic/

   –

   Whatfinger:

   https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/no-masking-it-coronavirus-has-infected-chinas-economy-129052

   https://theresurgent.com/2020/03/03/are-we-panicking-too-much-about-coronavirus/

   –

   Chris Martensen
   An Official Emergency
   https://youtu.be/uagDnjplkOE

   –

   Zerohedge
   Covid-19, Doing the Math
   https://www.zerohedge.com/health/covid-19-risks-doing-math

   Zerohedge
   7th American dies in Seattle
   https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/washington-ramps-testing-beijing-adopts-new-travel-bans-globally-cases-pass-90000-live

   –

   From Matt Bracken’s Gab page:
   “Lies!!! Wuhan Virus is not defeated! We explain how China has dropped the ball.”
   “China has told the whole world that they have defeated the Coronavirus, the numbers are going down, it’s okay to go to work, everything is cool, but it’s NOT. Potential under reporting by 10 fold.”
   [These two guys lived, worked and invested in China until a few months ago.]
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MFoS-M4uF0

   –

   Infowars.com
   Seattle Caregiver denied Covid-19 testing
   https://www.infowars.com/seattle-caregiver-denied-coronavirus-screening-despite-showing-all-symptoms/

   –

   Dr. John Cambell on Covid-19
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zabxwzq_wfA

   –

   Ice Age Farmer
   https://youtu.be/oPqdH3OCcb4

   Ice Age Farmer
   Covid-19: How Far Will It Go
   https://youtu.be/qPGvWHf6iW4

   –

   Medcram
   Coronavirus Epidemic Update 29: Testing problems, mutations, COVID-19 in Washington & Iran
   https://youtu.be/XjEacUyp4vY

   –

   BBC
   Coronavirus: UK government says 1 in 5 workers could be off –BBC News
   https://youtu.be/OAijpT8naZk

   –

   1. Fifth case diagonsed in Illinois,symptoms-runny nose and slight cough. It’s a PANICDEMIC!
      What will be the fallout if China and Iran can prove this was bioweapon attack by US? They might use same criteria as false accusation of chem weapons in Syria/Iraq.

      1. Chris Martensen
         An Official Emergency
         https://youtu.be/uagDnjplkOE

         Martensen is analyzing the numbers available, and an ugly picture is emerging. The case fatality rate may be underestimated.

2. Essential medicines

   Here is my wish list of some of the basic drugs I would like to have in a long term grid down survival situation. Some require a prescription. I have no idea where someone would get some of this stuff, yet I would try to see what is possible. Any part of list would be helpful. Of course I am not prescribing anything, you are on your own. See your doctor about whether any of these items are appropriate for you, or not. This is not a comprehensive list, yet contains some of the essentials readers may not be aware of as useful, inexpensive medicines. It is a list that could be certainly be added to:
   Phenergen (Promethazine hydrochoride)
   Prednisone
   Benadryl
   Triamcinolone (10 times stronger than hydrcordozone)
   Cocusute
   Fluconazole (promethazine hydrochoride)
   Imodium A.D.
   Amoxicillin
   Cephaloxin
   Doxycycline
   Bactrim (sulfamethazone Trimethiprim)
   Lidocaine

   1. Part 2

      Sorry, I forgot to include a few other antibiotics. Get as broad and deep selection of antibiotics one can afford. Go heavy on the Azithromycin, Doxycline, Metronidazole, and Clindamymin. Also pick up some dewormer.

      Purchase the best quality possible. Competitive pricing and good quality here. Dr. Alton recommended: https://fishmoxfishflex.com/

      Other antibiotics that should have been included in Part 1:

      Augementen ( enhanced Amoxicillian)

      Ciprofloxacin (not recommended for persons with bad joints and weak muscles)

      Minocyline (shop around)

      Erythromycin (precursor to Azithromycin, and somewhat interchangeable.
      Different generations of antibiotics with the same name can be more
      effective on certain diseases.)

      Raw unpasturized honey. Good substitute for triple antibiotics. Good for second and third degree burns. Pack it in, cover the greater area, and cover with plastic wrap, taped at the edges as swelling will occur.

      Celox is more versatile than Quick Clot.

      This is a list help folks get started. Nurse Amy Alton has the best selection designed for the prepper at her store.

      https://www.doomandbloom.net/

      1. You do get around, TR. Keep up your good work.

         Carry on

         1. Thanks. I try not to let myself become tunnel visioned. I’ve found that exposure to many points of view can be stimulating. One can learn more faster that way. Many things I’ve learned would stretch the imagination of most folks. In these times, the ability to improvise, adapt, and overcome will be key to success. Those in a rut, are in a shallow grave.

   2. I know a gal who works as a Vet Tech – she was able to get me some antibiotics, even the ones that aren’t very commonly available online as fish antibiotics. They are manufactured in India. Previously, I have purchased fish antibiotics online that were manufactured by Thomas Labs, which I believe are the identical pills that are sold by pharmacies. I had occasion to use that FishMox amoxicillan and it worked wonderfully. I went to purchase more online at the beginning of this pandemic and by the time I got done researching what I wanted, they were sold out. So on to Plan B: the vet tech.

      She thought this manufacturer was also producing human-quality pills and their vet practice never had a poor outcome using them. If I am not mistaken, her family had taken them on occasion. She was able to get some uncommon respiratory antibiotics as well as those like amoxicillan. She was able to get small or large bottles of each and I was able to choose which dose strength each pill had. She ordered them for me and I received them in about 5 days.

      Granted, I know this Vet Tech very, very well but you might try asking questions at your vet’s office to see if they will help you. The time to order online has probably passed unless you want to pay exhorbitant prices. Considering that 97% of our antibiotic supply comes from China and our #2 supplier (India) gets their raw materials from China, don’t wait to buy antibiotics as the pipeline will surely be drying up soon.

   3. Tunnel Rabbit,

      One your list of essential medicines you need to be very careful what you are advising, as the majority of people have no idea how to use most of these drugs. For example, you list fluconazole and the have in parentheses (promethazine hydrochloride), these are 2 different medicines!! Fluconazole is an anti fungal, and promethazine is phenergan which is an antiemetic,(you already had phenrgan listed). Another example is lidocaine, which comes in many forms, which would be little understood by the general public on usage. I have seen people die from overdose of IV lidocaine.

      Be careful in what you are listing as essential medicines.

      1. TXnurse,

         You warning should help caution folks. Thank you. It is just a list, I am not prescribing anything and ask the reader: “See your doctor about whether any of these items are appropriate for you, or not”.

         And thank you for catching my late night, blurry eyed mix up. You are correct, I made an error. Promethazine hydrochoride is Phenergen, and is not Fluconazole. I’m sure that kind of mistake might confuse someone. I am only an aspiring self taught survivalist medic, not a professional… Any adult should know that antibiotics are not candy, and they can do more harm than good, especially if there is a severe allergic reaction. If a person does not have any experience with a particular medicine, only ingest or use a small amount, and wait for a few hours to see how the body reacts. A sick person does not need to get sicker, and there will be no doctor available. They should always seek modern medical services if available.

         1. Tunnel Rabbit,

            Sorry, I’m not trying to criticize you, I loved your advice on ham radios!
            All but 3 of those meds you listed all need an RX. And for your “cocusute” I think you mean Docusate (a stool softener).

            You give a lot of good advice ( And some not: Mike Adams), lol. Solely my opinion!

            I just think people need to be careful with medications and fully understand the differences in even the same Medication given different ways, like Lidocaine.

            A lot of people look to your advice, and I’m sure you are helping many.

            1. TXnurse,

               Please don’t apologize. I often push myself too hard and fast, and run very late, and make mistakes, especially on topics that I am not thoroughly practiced in. These corrections are absolutely warranted, and you have prevented the error from becoming duplicated, so I sincerely thank you. Peer review is good thing.
               I am much better when I stick to topics I know very well, such as the comment about the Swedish rifles I love so. However, if we do not broaden our horizons, and stretch ourselves, we would not learn anything new, and may not become self sufficient ‘jack of all trades’ we need to be. I am a master of none.

               Making mistakes is apart of the process. We should strive to learn together. This is what this blog is partly about, and I have been thankful for it’s existence since 2007. We need to support it anyway we can.

3. Seattle area update:

   27/56 test positive for COVID-19 with 9/27 deaths

   “56 people have been tested since March first according to a state health department spokesperson. As of Tuesday, 27 people have tested positive in our state for COVID-19.

   The state did more testing prior to Sunday, but those numbers are not yet available, and the state spokesperson said they were still working to compile those numbers per a request from KOMO News.”

   This is an excerpt from 3/2/2020 evening news.
   While driving to school this morning, the radio news sounded like a snowstorm had hit us, as they read off the list of schools and businesses that were closed, or going to close, except we didn’t get any snow. We got COVID-19 instead.
   I watched a news video put out to calm people. It showed the cleaning crew going into an elementary school to “thoroughly clean it of any COVID-19” out of an abundance of caution, and then it reopen the next day.Please let me describe to you what I saw:

   The “cleaning crew,” were 2 men in jeans, sweatshirt, tennis shoes and a surgical mask. No gloves, eye shields or mask or personal protection on as they entered the “at risk contaminated school.” I felt bad for them purposely being put at exposure risk…
   -On a similar note, 2 schools within a few miles of my home are also being closed for cleaning due to possible exposure.
   -Up north in Seattle at the UW, students have over 13,000 signatures asking to close
   down the UW campus.
   ——
   Prayers for you and loved ones in Tennessee.

   1. From your post and report: “The “cleaning crew,” were 2 men in jeans, sweatshirt, tennis shoes and a surgical mask. No gloves, eye shields or mask or personal protection on as they entered the “at risk contaminated school.” I felt bad for them purposely being put at exposure risk…”

      The complete and total failure to think critically and develop plans responsibly is almost beyond belief, except that it isn’t… We see this sort of thing all around us every day, although the usual events are annoyances or nuissances. Unfortunately those same failures are now part of the pandemic response.

   2. “No gloves” but “masks”?? Really? Masks stop two things–FLYING spit and snot. They are to keep health-care workers and patients from sneezing and spitting on each other.

      An empty building is not going to have a lot of large-particle flying liquid that would be stopped by a mask. But gloves would be first-line PPE!

4. How Sweet it is.

   https://elkcreekcompany.net/product/scarce-and-unusual-carl-gustav-arsenal-s/

   The featured rifle is essentially just like my own, but far nicer. Mine is in a custom walnut stock with 20 layers of hand rubbed linseed oil finish, and has a 22” barrel just like this one. The big advantage of the long eye relief scope is that it can be rapidly reloaded with stripper clips. This advantage should not be underestimated. The rifle is the best of both worlds. As it is a military rifle, it is designed for battle. Even as the barrel gets hot, it will retain it’s accuracy. I cannot guarantee that any particular commercial rifle is up to that kind of abuse, and at the same time can also extract hot and dirty brass. As this is so close to my own, I can provide a few choice hand loads that are accurate in most Sweds with this barrel length:

   Here is several accuracy loads for this 22 inch length barrel:

   1. 40.5 grains of IMR 4064 with a 123 grain bullet, 2,600fps

   2. 45.5 grains of RL19 with a 129 grain bullet, 2,625 fps.

   3. 46.5 grains of RL22 with a 140 grain bullet, 2,715 fps

   Load #3 is a tad warm, and may need to be backed off to around 44.5 in your rifle. Start looking for pressure at 44.5 grains and up.

   Go easy on these actions. The limit is 46,000 cup, or approximately 50,000 psi. There is no need to hot rod the 6.5 rifles as the very high ballistic coefficient easily compensates for the lack of speed. Throttling them back is actually preferable, if that is where the accuracy is at. Top pressures not only wear on the action and barrel, but also the brass. One big advantage of the lower pressure 6.5x55SE, is that the barrel lasts as long as .308 barrels, and hold accuracy much longer than the 62,000 psi 6.5 Creedmore barrel burner loads. Loads #1 and #2, are not on the pressure limit, yet are accurate in most Swedish rifles with 22 to 23” barrels that have slightly different harmonics that the 29” barrel. Slightly faster powders work better with shorter barrel. Recoil is also tamer with the lighter bullets. Load #1 is an exact duplication in terms of trajectory of the military’s 168 grain 7.62×51 match load. The ballistic coefficient of the 123 grainer is .510, and will buck the wind better than a 168 grain .308 bullet that usually has a B.C. of .475 at best. What more to you need? And the recoil is tamer than the 6.5 Creedmore! The barrel and brass lasts longer too. It is close to the 6.5 Grendel and .243 Winchester in recoil, and plenty good for social work, and powerful enough for deer at 600 yards with a remaining energy of about 925 ft pounds. This is not only a sensible balance of characteristics, I believe it an ideal balance for self defense work.

   Loads 2 and 3 can do better in the wind at ranges impractical for most. Load 3 is good for elk inside of 200 yards if shot placement is good. It is a duplication of the fastest 140 grain 6.5 Creedmore loads. Serria Gameking, or Matchking is perhaps the most accurate, but the 140 Amax is a close second to the Matchking, and a tad more affordable. The best brass I run is Laupau. There is none better, perfection par excellence. Laupau cases do not vary more than 0.1 grains. Unbelievable. However any brass will do if sorted by weight in groups that are withing 2 to 3 grains of each other. Properly prepped, and carefully loaded, it will be more accurate than the shooter, more often than not. Consistency is the key. Load #3 puts this rifle in the 6.5 Creedmore game, and given it’s age and history, is a much classier rig in my book, and a proven battle rifle.

   Try the Priv Partisan 120 grain match load. It might be an excellent combination and is very affordable. And the brass is very good for reloading.
   https://www.sgammo.com/product/prvi-partizan/500-round-case-65×55-match-120-grain-bthp-prvi-partizan-ammo-pp621

   Several boxes of commercial ammunition will net the more accurate and useful ammunition. A 140 soft point is a general purpose load. The 22” barrel is the ideal compromise, and is plenty handy in the woods. It is not only a Jeff Copper styled Scout rifle. There are very few antique Swedes out there, yet fewer at this level. It is unique.

   Chuck Hawks has more on the topic:
   https://www.chuckhawks.com/6-5×55.htm

5. I just bought the pandemic book, and I was going to suggest it today. Glad you beat me to it.
   A word of warning: this is a book that you do not casually read. Take time and go slowly. There’s much to learn.

6. Re: Number 14 on your list, run the HVAC unit more to get more “fresh air” may not be such a good idea.

   If the Coronavirus is airborne, adding air movement during a service spreads the virus further than coughs or sneezes would.

   Not sure additional air movement would assist in decontamination between services either. Most contamination will be on seat/pew armrests and backs. Either can be wiped down with disinfectant, but soft seat surfaces may be harder to disinfect than hard ones.

   I strongly encourage churches to go “online services only” once Coronavirus hits their city or county. Your production crew will need protective gear and procedures developed well beforehand.

   1. OldParatrooper– with all due respect, I believe you are underestimating the amount of nano-particulate that is exhaled with every breath. An average, sedentary person is breathing out several liters of air per minute, that is loaded with droplets. This quickly mixes with the surrounding air, multiplying the volume of contaminated atmosphere.

      In a congregation, if there is not adequate air movement, the oxygen saturation level drops, and people become groggy. Anytime this happens, there is a major risk of airborne pathogen transmission.

      With respiratory illnesses, an old maxim is that people will live in a tent, and die in a house.

      Sunlight is one of the safest, most powerful decontaminating influences available. It purifies the air. Then this purified air can be moved through a building, even bringing traces of ozone and other cleansing ions into the dark corners.

      Likewise, snow is a very good source of purifying energy. Formed at high elevation with relatively high exposure to UV and ozone-rich air, it holds impressive amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which is released when the snow melts. This peroxide is instrumental in helping seeds sprout quickly early in the spring.

7. JWR, thank you for recommendations.
   I just purchased PPE Book and Great Influenza book to add to my bookshelf.
   I also purchased the oxygen concentrator mentioned today as well as the one mentioned a few weeks back. I want to be able to have one at mom and dads as well as my own house too.

   For those of you looking for shoe covers (and if ones mentioned above are out of stock) I bought mine from Strongman Tools (Amazon), I got 6 packages of 100 each. They are still in stock today
   Sadly the protective disposable gowns that I bought two weeks ago are now out of stock. I was able to get several hundred of these.
   One other item that I bought is from Shellstom (Amazon) these are head fit face shields. The headgear for it has a ratchet feature so you can pull it up and down over your face. This allows me to wear my prescription eyeglasses underneath. They also have replacement Shields of which I got a couple dozen. And a box of anti fog wipes
   Disposable Surgeon caps are another item I got (keeps your hair/scalp protected .
   Cavicide hospital disinfectant spray and wipes
   Got 2 boxes of barrier film (used in Dental/Tattooing to keep instruments protected )

   Also look in the “Dentistry, Veterinarian, and Tattooing areas on Amazon, I got lots of ideas from those searches

   Trying to think outside the box on some of this PPE wear.

   Received and continuing to read my new set of Little House on the Prairie books, I loved them as a child and still do!!!

8. Of the thousands and thousands of people in photographs I have seen of individuals around the world who are wearing face masks, only medical professionals seem to be wearing any protection for the eyes.

   I have asked this question before, but I never seem to be able to get a direct answer.

   The coronavirus is often contracted because airborne droplets of saliva and phlegm are inhaled. It is often contracted because of physical contact with the eyes by fingers bearing the virus.

   Therefore, isn’t depending on a face shield to protect the moist membranes of the eye from airborne droplets inadequate, given that the droplets can circulate behind the shield and come into contact with the eyes?

   1. Safety glasses, face shields, etc. perform a crucial function–they HELP keep fingers out of the eyes. They also help keep flying particulate out of the eyes. In many cases, I’d guess that the protection given by a full face shield would be a significant fraction of what an N95 actually accomplishes. The other thing is to have plenty of fresh air.

      1. “I have asked this question before, but I never seem to be able to get a direct answer.” “cf” your answer does not give a direct response to my question.

         I believe that anyone who has been reading this blog understands that face shields and safety glasses help. The issue is whether or not a face shield actually prevents all airborne droplets from circulating behind the mask and infecting the individual via the eyes. If it allows only a few droplets to get through, then isn’t this like being “a little bit pregnant?”

         1. To answer your question directly–to achieve 100% stoppage of airborne particles, stop 100% of contaminated airflow. This is what hazmat suits are for. If you can go for a walk in a cloud of chlorine gas or anhydrous ammonia, or swim in fresh sewage with no problem, and then follow the proper techniques for decontamination and removal of the suit, you are protected. Anything less will result some in exposure.

            The goal of glasses, N95 masks, etc. is to reduce exposure. You can fight one dog, but 20 determined, coordinated dogs are another matter.

            Comparing infection to pregnancy is an interesting proposition. It might be a good analogy if you don’t mind killing babies any more than swatting flies. But, you do have a point–one virus passing your defenses equals exposure. It does not equal infection. To create an infection, the virus must penetrate the target cell, and replicate exponentially.

            The virus is approximately 120 nano-meters in size, which is about 0.12 micron, or 1/3 to 1/6 of the wavelength of visible light. The respirator filters I’m seeing are about 0.3 micron.

            HEPA filters work by electrical attraction, and this would help. But it would be like pouring 1/4-inch ball-bearings through a 1-inch mesh of magnetized screen.

            1. “It might be a good analogy if you don’t mind killing babies any more than swatting flies. ”

               I am scratching my head while I try to figure out where that comment came from in this discussion.

   2. No. Safety glasses are not doing much for prevention. They are too open. Same thing with just a flip down face shield.

      OSHA requires the use of both in order to protect your face from materials decidedly bigger than invisible air born pathogens.

      Safety goggles are better. Swim goggles are very good. But wearing sealed goggles like that for extended hours is pretty bad for your eyes. Since they can’t breath.

      If you wanna feel safe a paper n95 mask and safety glasses is enough. Especially since mostly they will be worn incorrectly any way.

      1. In my estimation, one of the big secondary advantages of masks and goggles is that they keep people from touching their faces–and that is a major source of infection.

         1. JWR: A very good point!

      2. While I understand that wearing goggles for hours is uncomfortable, many people will not exposed to the virus for hours. If the only truly safe approach is to wear goggles, no one in a position of authority is making that point with the public. A few clicks of a mouse will reveal thousands upon thousands of people in masks of varying type, but only a handful are wearing eye protection.

         Should this pandemic go the way I think it will, people will be hunkered down in their homes in huge numbers and, for many, this situation will continue for quite some time.

         If, out of desperation, they decide to risk a supermarket run, or take off on some very necessary errand, I would think that it would be callously indifferent to their plight not to tell them to wear goggles if they have them if the exposure of the eyes presents an actual risk.

9. Pardon the long post but I just got this in an email. This guy is one of the coronavirus research pioneers, MD, and virologist. I deleted a few paragraphs on PPE that everyone here is already aware of. His info on zinc lozenges was interesting. This is slightly dated, probably written back in early February (original papers were saying it originated in a snake, not a bat) so I’m guessing he would no longer be calling it “probable.” 🙂

   by James Robb, MD UC San Diego

   Dear Colleagues, as some of you may recall, when I was a professor of pathology at the University of California San Diego, I was one of the first molecular virologists in the world to work on coronaviruses (the 1970s). I was the first to demonstrate the number of genes the virus contained. Since then, I have kept up with the coronavirus field and its multiple clinical transfers into the human population (e.g., SARS, MERS), from different animal sources.

   The current projections for its expansion in the US are only probable, due to continued insufficient worldwide data, but it is most likely to be widespread in the US by mid to late March and April.

   Here is what I have done and the precautions that I take and will take. These are the same precautions I currently use during our influenza seasons, except for the mask and gloves.:

   1) NO HANDSHAKING! Use a fist bump, slight bow, elbow bump, etc.

   2) Use ONLY your knuckle to touch light switches. elevator buttons, etc.. Lift the gasoline dispenser with a paper towel or use a disposable glove.

   3) Open doors with your closed fist or hip – do not grasp the handle with your hand, unless there is no other way to open the door. Especially important on bathroom and post office/commercial doors.

   4) Use disinfectant wipes at the stores when they are available, including wiping the handle and child seat in grocery carts.

   5) Wash your hands with soap for 10-20 seconds and/or use a greater than 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer whenever you return home from ANY activity that involves locations where other people have been.

   6) Keep a bottle of sanitizer available at each of your home’s entrances. AND in your car for use after getting gas or touching other contaminated objects when you can’t immediately wash your hands.

   7) If possible, cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard. Use your elbow only if you have to. The clothing on your elbow will contain infectious virus that can be passed on for up to a week or more!

   What I have stocked in preparation for the pandemic spread to the US:

   4) Stock up now with zinc lozenges. These lozenges have been proven to be effective in blocking coronavirus (and most other viruses) from multiplying in your throat and nasopharynx. Use as directed several times each day when you begin to feel ANY “cold-like” symptoms beginning. It is best to lie down and let the lozenge dissolve in the back of your throat and nasopharynx. Cold-Eeze lozenges is one brand available, but there are other brands available.

   I, as many others do, hope that this pandemic will be reasonably contained, BUT I personally do not think it will be. Humans have never seen this snake-associated virus before and have no internal defense against it. Tremendous worldwide efforts are being made to understand the molecular and clinical virology of this virus. Unbelievable molecular knowledge about the genomics, structure, and virulence of this virus has already been achieved. BUT, there will be NO drugs or vaccines available this year to protect us or limit the infection within us. Only symptomatic support is available.

   I hope these personal thoughts will be helpful during this potentially catastrophic pandemic. You are welcome to share this email. Good luck to all

   1. Got the same info in an email today, good stuff, was going to post it myself until I saw this. Very commons sense and interesting how he says the masks are primarily to keep us from touching our faces, similar to what JWR said above.

   2. From the recommendations you’ve posted: ‘Stock up now with zinc lozenges.”

      Heads-up, everyone! This is an excellent recommendation, and supplies are selling fast.

10. The current rush to get Personal Protection Equipment points up the difference between real preparation and knee-jerk ‘prepping’. You should be buying all of the time with an eye to the future, not just reading the newspapers and buying the latest items to be on the shortage list. You need to have a strategy that determines the gear, food, and other items that you stock up on. After this particular crisis passes, remember that you need to buy before the items you will want or need are in short supply.

11. Oh….I guess I forgot to mention that I also DO have safety goggles to go with my face shields.
    I have also been accumulating some of these items for quite some tit, I didn’t just run out and get them this week. These items are just a small part of my overall preparation approach

12. Here is an excellent video regarding handwashing. It only takes a few minutes to watch and I will link it below.

    I want to issue a word of caution on shoe covers. I personally know of three different individuals that have torn their ACL’s in the OR with shoe covers. They can be quite slippery on certain floors, especially some of the cheaper made one. You should be fine on dirt/gravel surfaces, but be aware they can cause slippage. When we had the option of wearing them or not, I chose to not wear them for the above reason. Which brings me to the topic of dedicated shoes. That is what we wore in the OR when we did not wear shoe covers. What this means is you have a pair of shoes that you put on when you entered the dressing room and you took them off prior to leaving work for the day. So in addition to shoe covers you might think about a pair of shoes, that you left outside and never bought into the house. They would need to be a pair that you did not touch with your hands when you put them on. Another possibility for those of you living in colder climates, you might consider some form of boot that you could disinfect prior to coming into the house. Years ago when I went into Hurricane ravaged areas to help clean up, I bought a cheap pair of boots at Walmart and wore those. This would help when shoe covers become hard to find.

    The new MedCram video today talks about a low dosage of Vitamin D per day may help with personal immunity. You might check it out.

    Tx. Nurse. This one is for you. There is a lot of talk about oxygen usage in the home. I am not an ICU nurse, but I do know there are certain conditions where people don’t need high doses of O2. Maybe you could give a few tips for the rest about oxygen usage.

    Also, people please be careful with the usage of antibiotics. You can knock out your normal gut bacteria very easily. One of my house guest did that this winter from a one week dosage of a prescribed antibiotic and they are still battling diarrhea.

    https://youtu.be/1AGW3bbcb3Y

    1. Hi SewNurse,

       I realize you directed the O2 question to TXNurse, but if you will pardon the intrusion, I will be happy to add my humble two cents. Those of us of “a certain age” had it drilled into our heads to be cautious regarding administration of O2 >2L, particularly for our COPD patients, as we didn’t want to exacerbate the hypoxic drive mechanism. Unfortunately, the thing we weren’t usually taught is that not all COPDers are chronically hypercapnic… (Insert big exasperated sigh here.) In a critical care setting, when treating chronic respiratory disease, we’re often focused on “how do we avoid O2-induced hypercapnia” while still administering O2 to the hypoxemic patient. It can definitely be a balancing act and I’ve seen it handled successfully in a number of ways, including up-titration on O2 until we get sats to 88-92%. Of course, we have the benefit of ABGs to guide our treatment…and the option of putting a patient on the vent if needed. In a post-SHTF situation (and I pray that day never comes), we’ll have to rely solely on whatever oxygen concentrating source we have, a pulse ox, good assessment skills, and (good Lord willing) wisdom gained in years of clinical practice as we make treatment decisions.

       May you be safe and blessed as you care for patients…
       Warm regards,
       GIM

13. Re. Pandemic? Don’t Panic!

    I’ll pray for the families taking Dr. Madsen’s advice to “prep like you’re facing a snowstorm in flu season”. Also, this virus will be much more than a medical event.

14. March 4, 2020

    Poorman’s Guild to Making High Grade Nano Silver

    Many of us cannot afford to outright buy gallons of the good stuff, but we can make our own. Something is better than nothing, yet we can also make the good stuff.

    Perhaps I’ll have time latter to fully describe, yet the virus is now everywhere and panic will set in very soon, so get it while you can. So this is hurriedly put together, and requires that the person fill in the detail not mentioned. I am peddling as fast as I can in many areas, so apologize in advance if there are errors made. This still took 2 -3 hours to write up. There is much more in research time. This is only a guild to help the DYI guy get up to speed fast so he can purchase what he needs to make his own experimental rig. If you see where is can be improved, please let us know.

    Improvisation will be common place.

    One method of improving the minimal protection provided by the N95 mask might be use a dampened big bandanna or similar cotton cloth with nano silver, and wear over the nose, draped over the mask, and in some way snugly fit around the nose and mouth. I would not spray the N95 mask with alcohol, or nano silver and possible reduce it’s effectiveness. If this is going to help at all the virus must pass through an adequately moisten barrier. Perhaps we could wild and drape a moistened cotton pillow case over the head that has eye slits cut so we can see. Tuck the opening of the cotton pillow case inside a shirt. :O) We may have to get creative at some point. Something will be better than nothing. In Asia, they are already improvising with diapers, and everything else.

    Get one for following mechanisms to stir the generator.

    PartI BigBear Colloidal Silver Generator Reverse Polarity-Magnetic Stirrer-Constant Current
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdbjq_eYFuc

    Buy here, only $99.00:
    https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5574933636&toolid=10001&campid=5337839255&customid=&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eebay%2Ecom%2Fitm%2FColloidal-Silver-Generator-Dual-Powered-AC-DC-Emergency-Survival-Kit-PPM-Meter-%2F201575607911

    OR

    Make your own magnetic stirrer:

    How to Build a Magnetic Stirrer
    https://youtu.be/yaE_zzrVMvk

    OR

    HITOP Dual Outlet Aquarium Air Pump, Whisper Adjustable Fish Tank Aerator, Quiet Oxygen Pump with Accessories for 20 to 100 Gallon
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083952SBK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_8?smid=A2QUVHOUVV1SN6&psc=1

    (make one to four bubbles per second, or enough to break up the ion flows between rods. View with flashlight. Silver oxide will be filtered out latter. I prefer this method as one can use a propane stove to keep the solution at 30C during the process. Put the beaker, or quart jar in a heated pot with water in it. Or use a double boiler.)

    –

    We can make our own voltage and current regulator with resistors and a potentiometer, but this little black box will cost only a bit more, and do the job much better. It is very flexible, fully adjustable, and automatic. It will use any DC power source up to 45vdc, and step down and manage voltage, current, or watts. Start at 27 volts, and set the regulator to limit the current to 0.05mA. It will automatically maintain the current at the limit set by reducing the voltage. We do not need to switch polarity during the process. The Big Bear generator produces too much current, and produces large particles that might be adequate for bacteria, yet we need instead, the very smallest possible to combat a virus. Using the correct electrolyte, and reducing agent actually will greatly speed up the process, and more than compensate for the low current used.

    UCTRONICS DC 9V 12V 24V 4A Variable Power Supply 5-30V to 0.6-30V Adjustable Buck Boost Converter, Portable Bench Constant Voltage Current Stabilized Regulator Module
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZSGKTX5/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?smid=A2IAB2RW3LLT8D&psc=1

    –

    Other materials needed.

    Here are 14 ga silver rods. Larger 12 ga and thicker, and perhaps flat rods are better, but if can run two generators at the same time, this is more efficient use of time if one buys two sets instead of one. Stock up if you can.:
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QMVYHXC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 55 oz.
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029XNTEU/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

    Karo – Light Corn Syrup with Real Vanilla, 16 Ounce Bottle – Includes Karo Measuring Spoon
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C5XCMF2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=A2YD1L68H2K7UN&psc=1

    This item is necessary for make double distilled water. Use a pressure cooker and attach the line to the fitting in this kit that can be installed anywhere on the pressure cooker lid, preserving the primary function of the pressure cooker. We do not have to ruin a perfectly good one, and we can buy one cheap at the thrift store.
    Here is one efficient designed detailed on You Tube. There are many.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRB_NHz5JYc&list=LLEDjevYwYPjLaiuMaKqkQqA&index=30&t=0s

    This is the essential part to make the distiller.

    Eastman 48398 Copper Ice Maker Installation Kit, 15 Ft
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00838IC92/ref=ox_sc_act_title_7?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

    –

    With one exception, the amount of current used in this demonstrating that is 0.15mA that is good for silver plates also used, we should use 0.05mA at voltages between 14 and 28 volts D.C., that is suitable for all silver rods 14ga and up. Other wise, carefully take notes, and duplicated the process as closely as one can. The result will be a much better nano silver that may be close in quality to the very best commercially available nano silver products that will cost in excess of $100 per gallon with a 10ppm concentration. We can do many times better than that. However, if one can not duplicate this process, then they would be better off buying the finest quality nano silver possible while it is still available for sale.

    How to produce uncapped nano silver 60 ppm
    https://youtu.be/lyQRIqB0d8k

15. Here is a recommendation unrelated to COVID-19. Perhaps to brighten your day.

    https://www.npr.org/2014/10/09/354718833/the-rest-of-the-story-paul-harvey-conservative-talk-radio-pioneer

    I remember listening to him with my dad while we did the dishes.

    Carry on

16. https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2020/03/04/health/new-york-coronavirus-cases/index.html

    There is 1,000 people being quarantine in New York now.

    Total cases up to 11.

    That’s around 10 to 1. Quarantine to infected.

    I do truly hope that every one has built up thier food stocks and made some attempts to secure thier money flows and personal security needs.

    Don’t count on less lethal as the criminal element will soon blend in when wearing the PPE needed to defeat the less lethal options.

17. Here is a recommendation to bring you some joy when you take a break from preparing for corona-virus.

    https://www.npr.org/2014/10/09/354718833/the-rest-of-the-story-paul-harvey-conservative-talk-radio-pioneer

    I remember well listening to Paul Harvey while eating lunch and washing dishes with my dad back in the fifties.

    Carry on

18. In regards to nano silver generation, you do not need to order silver wire, just take a couple of 1 oz .999 rounds and use them for the cathodes and anodes. for faster results cut one into strips beat them into flat pieces of a size you need and you are good to go. One oz. of silver will make 1000’s of gallons of colloidal silver. Be safe.

19. May I ask, where is the “This week, the focus is on Oxygen Concentrators.” part?

    I was getting excited there, for a minute…!

    I followed the link to Amazon, and sure enough found an Oxygen Concentrator. But having been looking at them for the past week or two, I can tell you that this model seems to be sold under several different brand names, and the reviews on this one, in particular, are quite obviously fake.

    Also, it is sold for less money under some of the other names :/

    Is this one personally recommended by Mr. Rawles? I cant quite tell, as there doesnt seem to be much context given here.

    P.S. – Forgive my ignorance, if I was supposed to understand that an actual recommendation or experience with the product was inferred. I dont wander onto the site much, unless my wife points me here to look at something 🙂

Comments are closed.