health department

Coronavirus: Lockdown's heavy toll on Italy's mental health - BBC News. What started as a physical health emergency is morphing into a psychological one: From BBC: "Italy’s coronavirus death toll is the second highest in the world, and its lockdown is the strictest and longest in Europe.Doctors say both things are creating a mental health emergency. The BBC has been given access to a psychological support centre run by the Red Cross, where staff say they’re overwhelmed by calls from people struggling. Psychologists are warning that Italy is not equipped to deal with the crisis, and that the rest of Europe must prepare. If you've been affected by a mental health issue, help and support is available. Visit Befrienders International for more information about support services in your country, or visit BBC Action Line. Film by the BBC’s Europe Correspondent Jean Mackenzie, produced by Sara Monetta, filmed and edited by Andy Smythe." Psychiatrist Jud Brewer offers help...

A subgroup of patients with severe COVID-19 may have a cytokine storm syndrome. A cytokine profile in severe COVID-19 disease includes increased interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, interferon-gamma inducible protein 10, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and IL-6. Mortality might be due to virally driven hyperinflammation. Anti-IL-6 antibody tocilizumab (IL-6 receptor blocker) has been used in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and elevated IL-6. Other agents, such as sarilumab and siltuximab, which also target the IL-6 pathway, are being evaluated in clinical trials. Wim Hof Method decreases IL-6, can it prevent IL-6-induced cytokine storm in COVID19? Traditionally, both the autonomic nervous system and innate immune system are regarded as systems that cannot be voluntarily influenced, hence the name "autonomic", independent, from voluntary influence. The mainstay of the Wim Ho...