Hydroxychloroquine: Is It Dangerous To Coronavirus Patients?

Author Brian Ives // Managing Editor, Beasley Media

May 22nd, 2020 3:21 PM

A study of hospitalized coronavirus patients who were treated with hydroxychloroquine found an increased risk of death, according to Fox News. Fox cites a study by The Lancet, one of the world’s oldest and most well known medical journals.

The study focused on exploring the use of hydroxychloroquine and other drug called chloroquine, both alone and in combination,  in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. While the drugs are deemed generally safe when prescribed for patients with malaria or an autoimmune disease, little is known about the potential effects they may have in COVID-19 patients. Hydroxychloroquine is generally used to fight malaria, as well as arthritis, according to the CDC.

The drugs have been touted by some as a possible cure for coronavirus; however, the researchers concluded that they were unable to “confirm a benefit of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine… on in-hospital outcomes for COVID-19.”

“Each of these drug regimens was associated with decreased in-hospital survival and increased frequency of ventricular arrhythmias when used for [the] treatment of COVID-19,” they wrote.

However, an article in Science News called “Politics Aside, Hydroxychloroquine Could (Maybe) Help Fight COVID-19” reports on studies that are trying to learn if the drug could prevent infection, or if it could prevent the illness from getting worse. There were promising findings there, and the article also points out one other positive about hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine: namely, that they are currently available. The article also notes that the drugs can be dangerous for some people, such as those prone to heart problems, or when taken in combination with other drugs that can alter heart rhythms. It further says, “Doctors and researchers worry that based on the president’s endorsement, people will take the medications without medical supervision and could do harm to themselves.” Of course, no medication should be taken without medical supervision.

No Moshing/Crowd Surfing and 7 Other Changes Likely to be Made at Concerts During COVID-19

• No Moshing/Crowd Surfing.

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  Per the Event Safty Alliance's (ESA) 'Reopening Guide for Event Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic,' "Patrons cannot all stand at the front of the stage like they are accustomed; moshing and crowd surfing are violations of social distancing per se and must be absolutely prohibited during this pandemic."

• No Merch Tables/Stands.

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  Instead of buying an artist's t-shirt at a merch stand/booth, it's recommended that "...items for sale can be posted on a web site or event app that allows for mobile ordering and on-site pickup." If there is a merch table/booth present, "Mark merchandise sales lines on floor, with barricade, or rope and stanchion, patrolled by guest services workers to provide information and enforce social distancing." It's also recommended there be no trying on of merch and to have contactless payment.

• Socially-Distanced Smoking Areas.

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  It's recommended that "... even hallways and smoking areas where patrons congregate will have to be monitored to enforce health policies."
• Restrooms will likely have strict person limits.

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  Per the ESA's guide, "Workers should limit occupancy of restrooms to ensure social distancing. Unless portable restroom facilities are added, this will likely result in patrons waiting outside the restroom doors. The area where they are waiting will require monitoring to preserve (a) appropriate space between patrons and (b) an easily discernible line to avoid conflict about where the line begins. 

• Any changes a venue makes needs to be very visible to the public.

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  If a venue makes any changes to policies related to how they handle health and safety issues, they are advised to make them as clear as possible and list them basically everywhere including on their website, social media channels, various ticket purchasing sites, emails/push notifications, their mobile app and signage in their venue. In other words: Get ready for A LOT of updates.

• If there’s an intermission, people won’t be dismissed all at once.

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  Per the ESA's guide, "Intermission presents the same social distancing challenges as ingress [entering a venue] and egress [exiting a venue], with the distinction that some patrons will remain seated. For everyone who chooses to get up, they will have to be led out from back to front, and patrons will not be allowed to congregate inside or outside restrooms or near lobby concession stands. Even with fewer people attending events during the early phase of reopening, intermission may have to be longer than before to allow time for socially distanced patron movement. Given these issues, including how to let some people out of a row while others remain seated, the path of least resistance may simply be shorter shows with no intermission."
• Getting a drink will be even more of a process.

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  In addition to there being a recommended worker for just ringing up drink orders, "At a self-service restaurant or concession stand, the number of counter staff should be limited consistent with social distancing. Workers should place food and beverages on the table, counter, or other surface rather than handing purchases directly to patrons...Bartenders should model safe behavior by wearing a face covering and gloves when they are behind the bar...Patrons should hold their own identification for bartender inspection. If a worker must handle a patron’s ID, the worker should then dispose of their gloves and wash their hands before resuming service."

• Musicians on stage may have to abide by social distancing rules.

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  Per the ESA's guide, "The authoritative guidance requiring not less than six feet (two meters) of social distance may have to be expanded for singers and musical instrument players. Musicians often breathe deeply and expel aerosols further than people engaged in non-physical activities. Their performance space, including on stage and in orchestra pits, should be arranged to maximize social distancing while allowing at least some of them to perform together."  

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Author Brian Ives // Managing Editor, Beasley Media

Category:

• Coronavirus
• WGAC

Tags:

Coronavirus