I don’t have to explain to you what’s been happening in the world, I know that you already know. Personally, I’m sick of hearing about it. COVID-19 is all over the news and its all everyone is talking about. It has shut the world down and taken over our lives.
However, I am severally uneducated about it. Amid the chaos, I decided that I wanted to do some research on the virus while also finding other things to things that could bring me some hope for the future. So if you’re like me (badly out of the loop and craving some reassurance), then here are some happy thoughts and COVID-19 facts (sources and links included @ bottom!)
The Origin of COVID-19
2019’s coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that spreads from person to person. It was first identified in Wuhan, China in December of 2019. General coronaviruses originate in animals and are usually not transmissible to humans. If you have a dog, chances are that they’ve been vaccinated for some sort of coronavirus (such as canine respiratory coronavirus). Occasionally, a coronavirus can mutate and pass from animals to humans. This is why health authorities in Wuhan believe that the virus was transmitted to humans by contact with animals at a live animal market in the central city of Wuhan.
WUHAN TODAY
China has announced that it will lift the lockdown on Wuhan on April 8 after two months of being sealed off from the outside world.
How COVID-19 Spreads
COVID-19 is spread between people who are within about 6 feet of each other when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is also possible for a person to become infected by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or their eyes (but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads).
The World’s Largest Gathering of Smurfs
In the small town of Landerneau in northwestern France, more than 3,500 people in blue body paint crowded together in a parking lot on March 7th to dance in conga lines to disco hits chosen by a Smurf DJ. Although some of the biggest cities in Europe were going on lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the village of Landerneau was hoping to earn a spot in Guinness World Records for “Most people dressed as Smurfs”. And they did!
The event also garnered several comical quotes:
“We must not stop living. It was the chance to say that we are alive.” – the mayor of Landerneau, Patrick Leclerc
“There’s no risk, we’re Smurfs.” – Smurf gathering attendee
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THE SYMPTOMS
May appear 2-14 days after exposure:
- fever
- coughing
- shortness of breath
- tiredness
Emergency warning signs:
- 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.
HOW TO PREVENT IT
You can prevent the spread of COVID-19 and stay safe by practicing “The Five”:
Also:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When using hand sanitizer, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol (these kinds kill viruses).
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Practice social distancing! You may not be at risk of dying from COVID-19, but other people in your community are!
FREE TIME!
Obviously being stuck at home isn’t ideal, but it does free up enough time to finally complete tasks that you’ve been putting off. Read a book, watch a movie, or start a new tv show! The possibilities are as endless as they can be when you’re not allowed to leave the house.
Personally, I’d recommend going outside. Walking long trails, even just going for a lap around your neighbor, is a great way to get out of the house and still be practicing social distancing. And if going outside isn’t for you, then maybe Facetiming your friends might be! If your friends all have iPhones, then you can early have a group FaceTime from your group chat. If not, then apps like Discord and Skype allow you to see and talk to your friends and family from almost any device!
WHO is at risk?
Although everyone of every age is at risk of getting the coronavirus, people ages 65+ and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the coronavirus. People with weak immune systems and people who are in close contact with someone with COVID-19 (healthcare workers) are also at risk.
Below is a chart documenting cases from February 12 to March 16 in the US:
COVID-19 in the US
The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. As of March 23, there are 44,183 cases throughout the US.
Treating Covid-19
Vaccine – There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19
Testing – Every US state is providing testing for COVID-19
Treatment – There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.
WHAT NOW?
As of now, it can appear as though this coronavirus pandemic is neverending. I, however, don’t believe this to be true. People across the world are working hard every day to get the situation under control. Should you be worried? No, just cautious. Take this extra time off to take inventory of your life. What/who have you taken for granted? What can you improve or work on while practicing social distancing? If you’re struggling with isolation and the lack of social interacts, just hang in there and know that this won’t last forever!
Staying safe, stay connected, and stay informed!
Coronavirus 101: What We Do — And Don’t — Know About The Outbreak Of COVID-19
Coronavirus (COVID-19) from CDC
Coronavirus In China: Over 200 Cases, Human-To-Human Transmission
French mayor defends Smurf rally
I found this very helpful and informative. Thank you!
This relieved so much stress. It has been so difficult to keep up with every news article! Thank you for this!