What you need to know

After my last newsletter I reached out California's Laboratory Regulatory Services and attended a webinar on testing for COVID19. Current COVID19 testing has a positive predictive value of only 70%. The tests for past infection may have even lower rates of accuracy. We also are unsure if we get any information from finding out past infection. One may still be prone to reinfection. Only one lab has tested reinfection by using a monkey. That monkey did not get reinfected but we always need reproducibility of a clinical study. Staying hopeful but only time will tell us the full picture. Also in time we will have better testing available from trial and error versus the emergency approved tests on the market.

CLICK the box for the OC Numbers.

Recently we are seeing a decline in the number of new cases. If this is really so, we all deserve a pat on our backs. Although the below will correlate to delayed burst in ICU bed shortages, we may be seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Governor Newsome set criteria today that we will need to meet before we end sheltering in place. More time is needed before we get to return to normal but California seems to be leading the country in controlling numbers.

OCHCA Reported Numbers

Looking for a good kids mask?
Are you using an N95? Make sure you use it correctly! Putting a mask on wrong can truly increase your risk of infecting yourself due to air flow inside the mask and soiling the surface close to your face.
FAQs on masks

Coming in for testing:

I want to remind you that I am your child's doctor and as much as I am flattered that you may want to get care through me, I cannot offer that. I can however, test any of your children if you are suspicious they may be sick.

In 2 weeks, Alex can send out a blood sample to our local lab for the IgG and IgM blood test for past infection for your children. That test is 100 dollars cash paid to the lab, not me. In time this test will be available and more reliable so I do not think it is ideal to get tested unless you are very highly suspicious.

Want to learn more about the virus?

Here are links to the past AAP Townhall Meeting

The Webinar

The Slides

Tomorrow night I will attend the second in a series and will share notes soon after.

Are your young kids going stir crazy? Try Cosmic Kids Yoga .

CHOC'S FAQ PAGE CLICK HERE

Follow Dr. Vivi on Instagram and Facebook for more resources for the COVID19 outbreak - @ASKDRVIVI