COVID-19 Here we are. Still. Made to hault to the COVID-19 pandemic. You arrived here because you are either scared and want more information that you are hoping is accurate, or you are Self quarentined for Social Distancing. COVID-19 is sweeping the globe and we are all at its mercy.
First of all , Let me start by saying I am no expert ( none of us are with this virus) , but I am a Mother , and Grandmother, as well as a NURSE. I also want to say , that I know first hand that , knowledge is power. With that said , I will also remind you that sometimes knowing too much can be a bad thing , and just as bad as knowing nothing . So let’s all try to stay calm, be kind , and not lose our minds…. or tempers.
Media is not always accurate
There , I said it . I know that we have been programmed to think that we can believe things we see on the news, or that the media covers. That, unfortunatly is not always true. Please don’t blindly follow the masses that have been panicked by the confusing media content , and go buy the local stores out of toilet paper… for a RESPIRATORY VIRUS. Use your wit, your brain, and your common sense, and try to not get overwhelmed. Lets ask ourselves…. does that seem right? I myself know how easy it can be to get sucked into the hype. There are alot of unknowns, and what-ifs. Lets see if we can clear some of that up .
You need to Watch for symptoms of COVID-19 aka Corona Virus
From the CDC ; Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses).
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
Please Know How COVID-19 Spreads
- There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Clean your hands often
I know that seems like a no-brainer. Its not, and I will continue to remind you that you need to wash your hands. Friction does help the washing, not just the soap itself. Avoid Close contact. This is really important when you think it may not be. Social distancing IS really beneficial to us all , maybe you think “Nah…Im good , I dont care “. I will remind you that you may care if Grandma and Grandpa get deathly ill because you couldnt take precautions. Or … if that sweet baby stops breathing because you felt like it wasnt important enough to not spread, and or carry the germs about. Or if your friend who may be a workaholic and not take the best care of themselves has a weakened immune system and end up in ICU, or dead.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in humans and in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and now with SARS-CoV-2.
CDC also states
Published and early reports suggest spread from person-to-person most frequently happens during close exposure to a person infected with COVID-19. Person-to-person appears to occur similar to other respiratory viruses, mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths, noses, or eyes of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Although not likely to be the predominant mode of transmission, it is not clear the extent to which touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes contributes to transmission.
Clean& Disinfect, and clean some more
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. To disinfect, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. See CDC’s recommendations for household cleaning and disinfection.
YOU CAN GO OUTSIDE!
Yes you need to be careful that you are still doing the social distance thing, but YOU CAN GO OUTSIDE! Fresh air is soooo good for you , and everyone else as well. The sunshine has been proven to be beneficial to our daily health. Take a walk. Do some yard work. Sit and read to the kids , or toss the ball around . ( Yes , youll have to wash your hands! ) Take the radio out and have a little dance party . Clean the garage. Dont forget about our pets too , take them outside too , play fetch with them , let them sit in the sunshine too.