COVID Advisor

We know that while a large percentage of the population only experiences mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 and won’t require hospitalization, others experience severe symptoms and complications, require hospitalization, or may even die. The cytokine storm may be one possible way to explain the severe reaction of those in hospitals. This may also explain why younger people and those with a healthy immune system and without preexisting health conditions tend to have an easier time. Their bodies may release lower levels of cytokines creating just enough inflammation for healing. There are a number of things that you can do to improve your immune system, including using foods rich in immune nutrients that may help to calm a cytokine storm ( J Biol Regul Homeost Agents ,  The Lancet ,  Microbiol Mol Biol Rev ) . Image credit: ClevelandClinic            

As of February 1, 2021 masks must be worn by passengers on all forms of public transportation (e.g., airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, ride-shares) traveling into, within, or out of the U.S. ( CDC January 29, 2021 ).  Masks are also required while awaiting, boarding, and disembarking from public transportation. Transportation operators, such as crew, drivers, conductors, etc. are also required to wear masks. Masks can be bought or homemade, reusable or disposable, but must fully cover the nose and mouth. Clear panel masks are acceptable to facilitate communication with people who are hearing impaired or who otherwise need to see a speaker's mouth in order to communicate.  Medical masks and N95 respirators are also acceptable. In addition to fully covering the nose and mouth, masks should also fulfill the following guidelines: Cloth masks should be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light p