Protect yourself and others. Slow the spread of Covid 19.

by Joan Tucker

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID 19) is now considered a pandemic, and we all need to do our part. A pandemic is a disease epidemic that has spread across several countries and continents at an alarming rate affecting a large number of people.

COVID 19 is a new type of coronavirus that most likely jumped from a bat to human in Wuhan, China.

Symptoms generally include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. While symptoms are mild in most people, the virus can cause severe respiratory illness in others and may result in death. Usually older adults and people with underlying health issues can be predisposed to worsening illness. (Source: “Very Well Health” Colleen Doherty, M.D.)

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, thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet).
• Through 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.

According to the National Institute of Health, a similar virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detectable in aerosols for up to three hours, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.

What can we do? Stay calm, be mindful, and follow the CDC recommendations below.

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT OTHERS:

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
Learn what to do if you are sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick.
If you are sick, you should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
If you are NOT sick, you do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply, and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily: Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
To disinfect: Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface. To dilute your household bleach into a disinfecting solution, mix 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water, or 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Ensure alcohol solutions are at least 70% alcohol. Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants are expected to be effective against COVID-19, based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow manufacturers’ instructions for all cleaning and disinfecting products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

These steps can slow the spread of the coronavirus and flatten the curve. A rapid spike of COVID 19 would tax our health systems—particularly hospitals and supporting staff.

Bottom line: We all can make a difference by following the CDC guidelines. With the help of millennials (age group between 31 and 37), we can flatten the curve.

This uncharted territory can be extremely stressful for everyone due to anxiety, worry, and the fear related to your own health and that of family and friends. Financial worries, loneliness, boredom, and frustration can contribute to our stress. Here are a few things to do to decrease anxiety:

– Understand the risks.
– Stay up to date on what’s happening (CDC.gov, Michigan Dept. and Health and Human services are a few sites).
– Don’t watch the news constantly.
– Work with your employer to reduce financial stress.
– Connect with others (phone, email, Face Time or other social media).
– Discuss your feelings with friends and family.
– Talk with your doctor.
– Create and stick to a schedule.
– Walk outside, using social distancing.
– Participate in yoga, stretching, and other exercise.
– Engage in activities you enjoy.
– Above all, stay positive and calm!

(Source: SAMAHSA “Taking Care of Your Mental Health”)