What is known today re: COVID-19
– highly contagious, not like the ‘flu’ those with other medical conditions as expected are more vulnerable
– contagious before becoming ill -prob. 4-5 days.
– this virus doesn’t discriminate – young and old succumb
– the virus is growing in your lungs well before dry cough and fever develop
– the virus is ‘killed’ at 145C and with >70% alcohol (WHO recommendations)
– your whole body feels fatigued, GI symptoms (sx) like diarrhea (seen in 1/3 of patients berry cough can occur. Those with GI sx appear to have the worst outcome.
– 1/3 US population will contract by July
– the death rate is approx. 3%
– duration of ‘outbreak’ likely 18 months
– vaccine development takes time approx. 18 months from onset
– decreasing exposure effects spread dramatically
– healthcare resources can’t treat everyone
– virus size is .1 micron N95 masks block .3 microns
– human coronavirus survives various times on inanimate surfaces for up to 5 days on metal, 1 day on paper. Recent info on COVID-19 revealed it was able to infect contact after 2 weeks on the Diamond Princess cruise ship
– there are not limitless health care resources for the expected number of seriously ill persons expected -yes healthcare rationing may occur
What you MUST do:
– stay well away from anyone, suspect everyone of being infected
– the virus has a different appearance in each person, some have extreme fatigue others who test positive yet feel fine
– wash hands frequently soap for at least 20 seconds, if you use hand sanitizer let them air dry *
– a mask is best but wearing a mask does have ‘some’ benefit, don’t forget your eye exposure -do not touch your face
– stay home – social distancing is critical
– wear a mask in public when going out – but only if you have do stay put!
– use known antiseptics for hands and surfaces, let air dry
– ask your healthcare provider if you should take Vitamin C and D3
*G.Kamp et al. Journal of Hospital Injection 104 (2020) 246-251
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