COVID-19, Tips to help you keep your head
Hello WA Community
I am writing here because I am slightly disturbed by the reaction of some to COVID-19 "The Corona Virus". For example, there has been a mass hysteria in my community and for some reason there is no toilet paper to be had anywhere. The store shelves are empty, Why is this? I don't want to be cavalier about it, but I am not going to be an alarmist either. COVID-19 is a nasty bug, but there are ways to reduce your chances of getting it.
1. Wash your hands often.
Anytime you touch a surface, especially outside of your home. COVID-19 is transmitted by droplets not air. So you can't get it if you are standing next to someone who has COVID-19 and is breathing in your direction. The virus is not airborne and therefore will not be transmitted in the air you breath. However, if the same infected person coughs or sneezes in your direction all bets are off. That same cough or sneeze could leave residual droplets on surfaces that you may touch and introduce into your body via eyes, nose, or mouth.
2. Don't touch your face (especially eyes, nose, and mouth).
For the reasons stated above (tip #1), keep your hands away from your face. If you must touch your face, wash your hands first. Remember, COVID-19 is transmitted by droplets which could live on surfaces after an infected person sneezes or coughs.
3. Wipe down surfaces with bleach, and 70% isopropyl alcohol.
Of course, you should always wipe down surfaces in your home, but more importantly with COVID-19 wipe down surfaces that are outside of your home (ie. surfaces at work, shared surfaces anywhere, personal objects exposed to others such as a cell phone.). Follow the instructions on bleach bottle for proper use, or us wipes, and use the alcohol for electronics.
4. Check yourself
Every morning I take my temperature to make sure I don't have a fever, and I hold my breath for 10 seconds to see if I can. If I can't I may have a respiratory issue called fibrosis, which is a symptom of the Coronavirus. If either is positive my awareness of my symptoms becomes heightened and I need to reach out to my medical provider.
5. Don't become part of the problem
If you are positive for COVID-19 stay home and away from others. Be part of the solution, take care of yourself and quarantine for 14 days. Don't be like the guy in the following link: https://www.kmov.com/news/st-louis-county-coronavirus-family-attends-villa-duchesne-dance/article_41ec34a4-6179-11ea-b3e3-6fbf809e7778.html
6. Don't Panic
I know this can be scary but we'll get through it. Panicking does not help much in times of crisis other than to heighten your awareness and stock you up with toilet paper for the next year.
Be well, be safe!
Glenn
Recent Comments
4
Great information, thanks so much for clarifying and bring to light a better understanding of this disease.
Great common sense post, Glenn!