Analysis

The Devastating Impact of Infectious Disease Outbreaks - ISSA The impact of having a simple conversation with another person is enough to spread diseases. Eleni Sakas ISSA

By Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner | July 29, 2020

As an epidemiologist or “disease detective,” a question I am frequently asked regarding SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 disease) is: “How does someone become infected?”

CHICAGO — The latest count of new coronavirus cases was jarring: Some 1,500 virus cases were identified three consecutive days last week in Illinois, and fears of a resurgence in the state even led the mayor of Chicago to shut down bars all over town on Friday.

But at the same moment, there were other, hopeful data points that seemed to tell a different story entirely. Deaths from the virus statewide are one-tenth what they were at their peak in May. And the positivity rate of new coronavirus tests in Illinois is about half that of neighboring states.

“There are so many numbers flying around,” said Dr. Allison Arwady, the commissioner of the Chicago health department. “It’s hard for people to know what’s the most important thing to follow.”...

Vitamin D helps the body fight coronavirus, major Israeli study claims 'Sunshine' vitamin is like a steroid, researcher says, urging public to head outdoors; another scientist urges caution, saying other factors may be at play timesofisrael

Good levels of vitamin D, the so-called sunshine vitamin, help people to fight the coronavirus more quickly and effectively and reduce chances of hospitalization, Israeli researchers have concluded.

However, others are cautioning broad conclusions, saying other factors may be involved.