Protect Yourself From The Corona Virus

As of March 11^th, 2020, the Corona Virus (COVID-19) has been recognized as a worldwide pandemic.

We have known about the virus ever since it hit China last month, but now that it is at your door you need to protect yourself. Here in the United States our President took initial action to limit our exposure and more is currently being done.

But we have personal responsibility too. Identifying symptoms is important so that you can get help and avoid infecting others, particularly the elderly whom seem the most vulnerable, and those with under lying health conditions.

Don’t Panic

It is important to stay calm and focused on reality. While this situation and the word pandemic are very scary, panic only minimizes our ability to think rationally.

One of the greatest ways to curtail panic is with knowledge and awareness. Be careful of the fear mongers all over the web and social media.

Prepare

First, let’s talk about what you need in order to prepare.

The main thing you might face is prolonged periods of quarantine. This has happened in China and Italy both, so it may happen to you. In the case of quarantine, you will have to stay inside your home.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) there are some key things you can do to prepare (just in case):

“Create an emergency contact list.” This should include emergency contacts for neighbors, friends, family, your health care team, employers, schools and your local health department.
“Learn about your employer’s emergency operations plan.” Find out exactly what your plan covers as to sick leave, work from home possibilities and how your employer plans to deal with this outbreak.
Most important, stay informed, look to credible sources for information about COVID-19 and reject gossip and hype, which only propagate panic and anxiety.

Precautions

Let’s talk about what you can do to prevent getting the virus in the first place.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), clean your hands often for at least 20 seconds each wash. Definitely wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.

It’s important to really clean under your fingernails too and an old toothbrush works great for this if you don’t have a manicure brush.

If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Soap and water are better than hand sanitizer if they are available, so please don’t stock pile hand sanitizer.

Clean your home well and regularly.

The CDC precautions continue, saying whenever possible avoid touching surfaces in public areas that are touched by many, such as doorknobs, handrails, and elevator buttons. Handshakes need to be postponed for now.

You can use your sleeve or a tissue when you touch these. Wash your hands right after contact.

It’s also easy to keep wipes in your purse or car to use anytime you need them. Most stores are providing wipes for shopping carts but they do run out. So be prepared. If your store doesn’t have what you need we bought these here.

Stay away from anyone you know who has a cold or flu symptoms. The World Health Organization recommends at least a 3-foot distance away from someone who is coughing or sneezing.

We are staying in as much as possible and being diligent with cleaning and washing hands as soon as we walk in the door. My husband is one of those with health issues who could be in trouble if he catches the virus.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), you should follow safe respiratory hygiene. When sneezing or coughing, make sure to cover nose and mouth with either a bent elbow or tissue. Throw away all tissues right after use. This is because droplets spread virus by way of spores.

Both the WHO and the CDC advise that if you are sick, stay home. Even when you don’t know if it is Corona or just a cold, it is better to stay home until you feel well again.

According to a medical professional who spoke with CNN on March 10, 2020, a 6-foot distance between people is a safe bet.

Dr. William Schaffner, an internist and infectious disease specialist from Vanderbilt University told CNN on March 9, that the elderly and those with existing compromised health are best served by staying away from crowds, so for now postpone going to concerts, philharmonic and other places where large crowds gather in small spaces.

As of March 11, 2020, the authorities recommend not gathering in large crowds of 500 or more for everyone, hence the cancellation of sporting events around the US, including March Madness, the closing of Disneyland and the cancellation of various conventions. Respiratory infection spreads faster in poor ventilated areas and closed in settings.

Based on this advice I cancelled attending a live event in Orlando, Fl. and do hope they reschedule.

Who Is At Highest Risk?

Older adults (Over 60) and those who have existing medical conditions including, lung disease, heart disease and diabetes will suffer the most and have the highest mortality rate if infected, according to the CDC.

This is the group my husband falls into so we are being very careful.

The director of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Dr. Nancy Messonnier says, the highest risk of COVID-19 is for those over age 80 who have other medical conditions.

We live in an area with lots of seniors so we are limiting physical contact with this group. But definitely stay in touch with them. There is a lot of fear people are experiencing so just reaching out through phone calls or social media to see how they are doing is so important.

If you or someone you know fits into a high risk category, stock up on groceries and any required medications, leave space between you and others, avoid crowds and travel, clean your hands and your house often, and stay home as much as possible.

Symptoms

Normal Symptoms:

The CDC lists the following symptoms to look for, which are much like a cold:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

If you have the normal symptoms, call your health care provider for an evaluation.

Emergency warning signs:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion or inability to arouse
Bluish face or lips

If you experience the emergency warning signs, seek medical assistance immediately.

Obviously, if you have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 you should see your doctor or seek emergency services immediately to get tested and do not come into contact with others to prevent spread.

More Information and Resources

General hygiene and cleanliness along with correspondence with your health care provider will go a long way.
Wash your hands for twenty seconds often, especially after touching things many others have touched.
Clean your house regularly, especially high use surfaces.

Protect yourself from the Corona Virus with these strategies. Stay strong and healthy and be the leader others need for all of us to get through this crisis. Your strength and positive attitude will reduce the fear and panic.