If you want an in depth discussion around Covid-19 from someone who actually knows what he's talking about, this is the podcast for you. Long time CtB die-hard, Simmo, just happens to be a viral immunologist, and we saved up a couple weeks worth of questions and topics around Covid-19 to bounce off his brain. This is our least basketball-centric, and most educational podcast ever. Buckle up for Covid-19 homeschool.

We started out with an update on the homeschool situation, the TP situation, and the Covid-19 situation in Simmo's native Australia and what the response there looks like right now (with a sidebar on Australian History and Politics). Then we got into what the curve looks like around the world. Then we plunged into the weeds, man.

Transmission Rates (R values) and what the spread Covid 19 might look like and how our view of the virus could be changing.
The thinking has really changed asymptomatic carriers being major spreaders
The recommendation is to wear masks when out of the house now because of this.
What's the difference between the innate and acquired immune system?
For the ~20% who are symptomatic, the virus can be very dangerous. Why?
The Cytokene storm: what causes some people to get extremely sick when their immune system goes into overdrive?

Unfortunately, the answer to many of these questions, is we don't know because the virus is so new and that testing and recovery are really hard. But it's an absolutely educational discussion as Tom and I asked Simmo a raft of questions. Then we talked about some good news around the virus and treatment, including.

Convalescent Sera (antibody serum plasma) treatments
How antibodies work and how they lose efficacy over time
The BCG Vaccine (for Tuberculosis), could it really lower the mortality rate of Covid-19?
Chloroquinine, the antimalarial drug. Real promise or a hoax?
How long are we going to be in this situation?

After all that, we got into some less serious topics.

Could the NBA play in a bubble?
What's the latest the NBA could go?
How long would it take players to ramp up?
What's the stupidest thing you've done during quarantine?

Thanks to Simmo who put up with our questions like a champ. Stay safe. Stay educated. We're in this for the long haul. Go humans!

204: Ping Pong Balls, Hotcakes, & Beelines to Hot Takes

Cavs the Blog PodcastBy Cavs: The PodcastMay 15, 2019