- Are some populations less susceptible to (severe) infection?
- Is there a genetic, cultural, experienced condition that could be used to thwart the virus? What about dietary practices?
- Does a person’s specific pH level factor into infection and symptom risk?
- Should we expect latitude or altitude to help especially in regard to humidity and average temperature?
- How would a plumber fix a leak behind a wall without ripping down the wall?
- What counterintuitive action might aid treatment and recovery? Forced activity? Forced suppression?
- Is quasi-herd immunity the next line of defense—i.e., identifying those with antibodies or simply recovered people and having them be the non-social distancing economic/logistical conduits for a while.
THIS IS JUST A PARTIAL LIST! We need everyone adding to it and (responsibly) acting on it in the real world.
Imagine going back in time to 50, 100, 500 years ago and asking dumb questions:
- Are we sure we should drain the ill person’s blood to release the bad humors? (no)
- Maybe a severe sunburn will cure this fever? (no)
- Perhaps a small, very small, creature is causing this? (yes)
- Maybe interaction with lots of people including those in outlying areas is a problem? (no)
- Should we wash our hands between patients? (yes)
In the midst of COVID-19, we need lots of experimentation. We need to harness and leverage creativity and experimentation. The private sector working in a free market is unmatched in this capacity. Frankly, a catastrophe-risk, global threat is no time to rely on government. In the current context this includes everything from suppressing and replacing the FDA to “radical” ideas like not nationalizing supply chains.
For every challenge to a medical practice, prescription, and diagnosis we have to ask a critical question: Is this bloodletting or is this hand washing?
From truly dumb questions we can derive amazing successes.
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