Infectious Diseases Physician, Molecular Biologist, Manila Bulletin Columnist, @TEDFellow, #HIV and #vaccine activist. No online consults, just useful info.
Aug 23, 2020 • 6 tweets • 2 min read
Ok people. You are smarter than the virus. It doesn't even have a brain. So why do people insist on visiting relatives and friends, even elderly ones, in person in the middle of the pandemic? #COVID19 1/6
I'm on my Nth patient who was infected from a social visit. Completely unnecessary. Elderly person/persons sheltering in place, never left the house, infected by visiting relatives for a birthday or whatever. 2/6
Mar 23, 2020 • 6 tweets • 2 min read
WHO this is CRIMINAL. You keep saying "test, test, test" in the midst of a pandemic. I appreciate the epidemiologic importance. But in resource-constrained settings at US$100/test , we will run out of money for #PPE and patient care because some idiots have no context. #COVID19
Not saying we shouldn't test but now we have more than 100,000 test kits and our docs are running out of PPE. Also, mass testing is great in theory, but BSL2 facilities don't grow on trees. These kits only work if we have the resources to run them.
Mar 21, 2020 • 4 tweets • 1 min read
Please don't take hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) plus Azithromycin for #COVID19 UNLESS your doctor prescribes it. Both drugs affect the QT interval of your heart and can lead to arrhythmias and sudden death, especially if you are taking other meds or have a heart condition.
There are instances in which doctors may use either or both in CONFIRMED COVID infection, but for compassionate use through a carefully monitored process.
There is data it MIGHT work but it is very early. DO NOT take ANY drug unless an MD prescribes it and monitors you closely.
Mar 8, 2020 • 4 tweets • 1 min read
Deep breath everyone. This virus is survivable, and CAN be controlled. It WILL be painful. It looks super contagious, and extreme social distancing CAN work IF we cooperate. There is no us or them. We are all in this together. Now is the time to help each other out. #COVID19
Things that you can do NOW: 1. Wash your hands. 2. Avoid crowds. 3. Stay home as much as possible. 4. Work from home if possible. 5. If you are sick, STAY HOME unless you need to see a doctor. 6. Older people >60 should avoid going out at all. 7. Don't spread misinformation.
