I am not a medical professional. The information I am adding here is how I stay calm. I like to be prepared for the worst, and expect the best. It is how I remain stress free. Stress can be a killer… so don’t panic. The disease is not yet a problem in North America, but it may well become so. UPDATED: I have added some points and will continue to…
Do NOT listen to tRUMP or his administration loyal minions. They have already shown themselves to be totally unreliable and caring about the stock market before the people. (As a matter of fact, this could be a way to reconnect with MAGA family and friends and show them YOU care about them, not tRUMP… JUST A THOUGHT! Give them the gift of facts and truth)
I am going to add the CDC site and the WHO site, as they are [*were] reputable information sources that are updated often, but I will add more URLs later as well. Both have information and videos to keep you informed. *The CDC is kowtowing to tRUMP so do not listen to anyone but Dr Fauci. The frontline people there are likely working their butts off, but the “leaders” are tRUMP lackeys working with Pence to keep less transparent and keep the number down. Use guidelines from the WHO, your regional health authorities, the Doctors you trust, news sources locally you trust.
I am a senior. I have autoimmune diseases. I smoked for the first half of my life. I have scars on my lungs from an acute fungal infection. I also am from a family that gets pneumonia and bronchial pneumonia before most and my dad died of pneumonia. I am telling you this because I am going to be this virus’s main target, and one of the least likely to survive because of that and yet, I am calm … and will remain calm. How?
Staying informed for one. (I have more later) See that picture above? That is the virus. Its job is to replicate. And it needs a host to do it. So your job is to not provide it one. It is fortunately a large droplet virus. That means it can’t stay airborne for long and that’s a good thing.
You want to stay away from people who are sick, avoid crowds and if you are sick, stay home. The URLS I give you will continue to have more updated info, so I will just add a few points.
Corona-viruses can live on surfaces for 9 days, according to German scientists. Viruses can mutate and change their genetic structure, so that’s why reading updates will be important. That is ALSO why washing your hands well is so important at all times … to prevent colds and flu and viruses like this one. VIDEO HERE (They forgot to remind to use your towel to open the door handles though as a precaution)
Wash your phones down … a lot!
Wash your hands with soap and running water before and after the toilet, when coming in from outside, before eating or preparing food, before touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds and do both sides, and between fingers. (Sing happy birthday twice or do ABCs for children AND adults) Practice not touching your face. Some people do it up to 20 times a day. Your skin is a protective shield, but, your eyes, nose and mouth are the main sources of virus entry. (*remember the other orifices need you to maintain proper hygiene as well)
Wash fruits and vegetable thoroughly before using. (I add some apple cider vinegar to the rinse and let it sit for lettuce and other delicate greens. It removes soil and bacteria, but running water rinses flush away the virus, so rinse well to finish) Peel everything you can but be aware of cross contamination. If you have not been, it is time to get in the habit.
Keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer at your desk, in the car and and a few at home. (I buy a large one and fill small containers for travel, or, make homemade wipes and place in plastic bags to keep in my coat pocket. In flu season … its a good habit) Alcohol is an irritant, so whenever possible it is preferable to wash well with soap and running water.
Cough into layered Kleenex/tissues and dispose of right away in enclosed containers. Coughing and sneezing into your arm stops most of the droplets, but also be aware you are contaminating your clothes. If you are coughing and sneezing, better to stay home.
Forget about handshakes and remember fist bumps still require hand washing after. Use your elbow to open doors when you can, and to press elevator buttons (The opposite elbow you might have coughed into...) Hopefully most of you have been doing this dance anyway, but I seldom see people taking precautions. It is time everyone does. Remind your loved ones.
The incubation period for this disease to become symptomatic can be 4-5, but up 14 days. 9 (Some have it and don ot show symptoms at all) Transmission is known to be from droplets, sputum, so wearing a mask helps protect others from droplets. (Masks are not 100% effective so staying home when sick is better for all) Once you get it recovery times vary. For those who are sick or elderly, it can take weeks (4-6 weeks presently)
*Sneezing and coughing are currents means of transmission, as is close proximity (family) and touching communal areas. So, keeping bathrooms and counters clean is good hygienic practice at all times, but even more so in flu season. Disinfect communal surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, hand rails and toilet areas.
All original patients had pneumonia, most had a fever, three-quarters were coughing and more than half had trouble breathing. Very few had runny noses, sneezing* or sore throats. A fever, coughing and difficulty breathing are signs you will need to see a doctor. Remember to call ahead first. Tests are only available at certain locations and you need to know where they are.
Here are more URLS:
Some info/visual aids from Seattle, the current hotspot.
Dr Mike talks about the Coronavirus and common sense
VIDEO 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI90iqFqLXs
VIDEO 2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YscZRozTN9s
Community member ER Doc3111 has an informative new Post
This is an invaluable site. John Hopkins has made a chart and map of the number of world wide cases, deaths and those who recovered, HERE They update it 2 to 4 times daily HOURLY if new data comes in. To use the interactive map, click on the colour red, white or green numbers, or click on the left side for countries /regions to take you to a specific spot on the map. The lower right shows the numbers in charts, and the daily increase is heartening, being it shows that the recoveries are rising quickly. Their Data sources: WHO, CDC, ECDC, NHC and DXY
*UPDATE: The john Hopkins site above was showing the Nebraska and other military sites on its main map that had the confirmed patients repatriated from other countries that are in isolated quarantine. It is no longer showing their locations, but is continuing to add total numbers from the government sites and is updating even more often; hourly if the numbers change. I hope tRUMP isn’t interfering with the site as he has with the CDC and everything else… The CDC also does NOT include the now 45 in its total number of Americans..
**Further UPDATE: The site changed the map to exclude the numbers of confirmed expatriated from the map because a whistleblower complained untrained and unprotected staff met the Wuhan flights. Learning about this is disconcerting. Once again the administration response if alarming, especially as she was posted to another job for having told what occurred.
***UPDATE: Those 45 are not shown on the map but were added (sort of) in early March on the regional list as *unknown location* … and the same will likely happen with all air force base/quarantine locations. tRUMP doesn’t like to spoil what he calls “his numbers.”
This site is not interactive or as easy to use but, a good second choice.
VIDEO: How to wear a mask. They are hard to come by, may not be as protective as we hope (but recommended for older people to wear when out ) Proper use: white side in to absorb, blue outside as it is water proof. Hard strip on top to pinch to nose until it stays in place … place elastic over ears, then pull bottom down under the chin.
And here I come to the part that may frighten people. I don’t want to do that, because the virus is not spiking in North America and you really need not feel panicky about it. Everyone could get the disease. It is the recovery that is the problem. A lot of people are recovering in spite of no vaccine being available yet, but the already sick and elderly are having more difficulty in recovering. Scientists and medical staff are trying different new and old medicines to try to alleviate symptoms, and some people respond well.
if you are feeling panicky skip the next 3 paragraphs.
If you are older, a smoker, have immune deficiencies, or weak lungs, you will be more susceptible to the disease and subsequent pneumonia and have more difficulty recovering. You need to be especially careful to prevent getting it. Stay 6 to 10 feet away from anyone coughing. If the virus does start spreading in North America, wear a high grade mask when you are out.
Some patients have developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. Death seems to be from acute stress called a cytokine storm, overproduction of immune cells and their activating compounds (cytokines), which, in a flu infection, is often associated with a surge of activated immune cells into the lungs. Prevention is necessary… as there is as of yet no vaccine. Everyone else needs to use caution, but you need to be more diligent. Have a routine and follow the best hygienic practices without being fanatic or stressing. Make sure you stock up (not horde) on daily care items so you can stay home and isolate yourself for awhile if need be. And get medical help if you develop difficulty in breathing and/or fever.
Get your flu and pneumonia shots. This minimizes the chance you will be ill and more susceptible, reduces the chance you will get pneumonia and be more critical if you get the virus, PLUS keeps the hospitals freer of ill people so medical staff are not overwhelmed.
This fellow talks about the virus and trials of medicines in China, and can be a little frenetic, but his info about the virus was valuable. Watch it on a good day with no stress. Not today. People are too stressed today. With the “president” and his incompetent staff saying one thing and the CDC another, that is a pretty stressful situation. Stay calm. Stay informed via reputable sources and take good care of YOU! VIDEO
Next, I will add some dietary info…
Wednesday, Feb 26, 2020 · 6:46:33 AM +00:00 · List maker NOT List taker
Self-care and diet.
Inflammation from the virus may make the immune system over react, and bursting cells spill into the lungs causing inflammation, fever, pneumonia and can make it difficult for oxygen to get into the bloodstream.
Cut back or eliminate inflammatory foods like sugar, refined carbs/white bread, fried foods/trans fats, processed meats, sugary drinks, gluten, soybean oil and vegetable oils, processed snack foods, such as chips and crackers. Avoid alcohol. Control blood sugar. Exercise. Sleep well.
Drink lots of water.
Vaping, smoking and toking inflame the lungs. Cut back or hey maybe try quitting, again… as long as you don’t make yourself sick with stress.
* Omega 6 fatty acids are an essential fatty acid that the body needs for normal growth and development. The body needs a healthy balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Excess consumption of omega-6s can trigger the body to produce pro-inflammatory chemicals. These fatty acids are found in oils such corn, safflower, sunflower, grapeseed, soy, peanut, and vegetable; mayonnaise; and many salad dressings.
Being healthy may not protect you from getting the virus, but will help you in your recovery.
Try an anti-inflammatory diet
High quantities of vegetables, such as tomatoes, kale, broccoli, spinach, carrots, cucumbers, and onions.
Fresh fruit such as apples, bananas, figs, dates, grapes, and melons.
High consumption of legumes, beans, nuts, and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and cashews
Whole grains such as whole wheat, oats, barley, buckwheat, corn, and brown rice
Olive oil as the main source of dietary fat, alongside olives, avocados, and avocado oil
Cheese and yogurt as the main dairy foods, including Greek yogurt
Moderate amounts of fish and poultry, such as chicken, duck, turkey, salmon, sardines, and oysters
Eggs,
Limited amounts red meats and sweets
Around one glass per day of wine, with water as the main beverage of choice and no carbonated and sweetened drinks
Eat more of these anitiviral foods
(but don’t be fooled by companies selling capsules costing you an arm and a leg! Buy bulk spices and cook with them)
These are known antiviral foods, but again, they are unlikely to prevent you from getting the virus, but are healthy options to include , so I added them.
Onions, garlic, turmeric, ginger, curcumin, cayenne pepper, Oregano
Greek yogurt, coconut oil,
kale, spinach, Brussel sprouts, cabbage
Lemons, limes
Fermented foods
You might lose a little weight AND be healthier. Triple win! UPDATE: Make sure to stock up on non perishable foods and have at least a coupleof months supply available. STOCK UP, not hoard.
Wednesday, Feb 26, 2020 · 6:23:50 PM +00:00 · List maker NOT List taker
Research is ongoing: An American with COVID-19 who was repatriated form the Diamond Princess Cruise ship has volunteered to trial test Remdesivir at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.
“The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the launch of a clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an antiviral to help treat people hospitalized with a COVID-19 infection. This is the first clinical trial in the United States to evaluate an experimental treatment for this disease. Remdesivir is an investigational broad-spectrum antiviral treatment. It was previously tested in humans with Ebola and has shown promise in animal models for treating MERS and SARS, which are caused by other coronaviruses. Learn more our involvement in this clinical trial.
REMINDER: The WHO and CDC are where you need to go for more info. I am not a medical professional. For instance, the WHO has this great page on the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters (If Dr Fauci is removed in a loyalty purge because he contradicted tRUMP twice, consider using the WHO before the CDC as it means tRUMP’s minions have tainted the CDC, and find out where your local health authority is located) UPDATE: Dr Fauci has been muzzled and may not make public comments with out tRUMP’s response team...AKA VP Pence and his inadequate team … give clearance.
These pointers from a commenter are also worth mentioning:
Rattygirl:
As others have pointed out, sanitizer wipes will kills germs and bacteria but will not kill virus. This is a virus and it will just ignor the sanitizer.
I would recommend debit cards though, paper money and coins are filthy and can potentially spread things that have a long surface life like this virus.
Alcohol based wipes do cut through the proteins in the virus “crown” so those can be used, but handwashing with soap and water is best and far less irritating for the skin and will not damage surfaces like alcohol can Keep them handy for times you can’t get to a sink to wash up. Also a commenter reminded that ATM machines are also touched a lot, so remember to wash after using one. Highlighting this from Rattygirl, who sounds a lot less ratty than her name implies…
Masks are of limited help. Hospital staff are trained and tested (if you can smell a sugar solution when the mask is on) for getting a proper seal with masks, and the cheap paper masks don’t really accomplish that anyway so just putting on a mask without training is better than nothing but not as helpful as you’d think. They will help a sick mask-wearer to not spread as many big droplets but small droplets will still escape right around the mask. The main benefit though is a mask prevents you from touching your own mouth and nose with your hands if your hands pick up virus from a surface. That makes it worth wearing, just don’t think they protect you from someone sneezing on a bus or elevator.
Yes exactly, plus a mask does not cover your eyes.
Thursday, Feb 27, 2020 · 12:20:08 AM +00:00 · List maker NOT List taker
tRUMP needs to STFU about the virus, but no, he holds a press conference rather than just let CDC speak…
Feb 26th 2020 tRUMP said in a tweet that the country is "in great shape!" The unused White House briefing room is finally getting to hear from the king, and it is so that he can give Mike Pence the duty of taking the heat from the virus outbreak so it won’t hurt his reelection… He literally lied about the numbers of infected (15 when it is 60 he said it 5 times and will likely say it more) right beside the Doctors and experts that have been contradicting him as they understand tRUMP is down playing everything to prop up the stock market.
So, I repeat, Mike Pence is taking over for the post of ‘senior director for global health security and bio-threats’ on the NSC which was eliminated in May 2019. When asked about Mike Pence’s expertise on the subject, tRUMP said Pence is “very good at what he does...”
Pence does not believe in science, believes in conversion therapy, wrote an opinion piece saying smoking does not cause cancer or kill you, does not want women to be alone with him so may not be able to take important meetings with women experts, says condoms do not work and climate change is not real and as Governor of Indiana, let an HIV epidemic get out of control because he had to “pray on” a decision to provide sterile needles to addicts…
I asked this question last week in a blog. Why is tRUMP making statements about the Corona virus COVID-19?
Thursday, Feb 27, 2020 · 4:54:37 PM +00:00 · List maker NOT List taker
A woman in Japan has tested positive for a second time. She had been released as she was virus free and was self isolating with no contacts since returning home. It shows we do not yet know enough about the virus. She had been making antibodies , as she showed no signs in her blood stream, so they were enough to protect her at the time.
Yesterday a couple of commenters asked about vitamins, especially vitamin D and I was reluctant to say much because they are not regulated, but I feel more comfortable adding more now that this has happened.
Reminder, I am not a medical professional. Vitamins are not regulated and therefore may or may not contain what the package says it does. Vitamins can be toxic, so taking more than your daily requirement for age and weight can be harmful.
Having said that I will remind you that when you are ill you DEPLETE vitamins; especially ABCDE. It is difficult to get the nutrients you need in your diet, so supplementing is important. Take a daily vitamin, especially when you have been unwell.
Anyone not living near the equator needs to supplement vitamin D. If you have not made a trip to a hotspot this winter, your body will be depleted of vitamin D. (You body stores it for up to 3 months, which is why winter blues set in after 2 months of winter) I take a combo of magnesium and vitamin D for absorption, and extra D at the advice of my physician.
Do not go and gobble down vitamins in hopes that you will be healthier. See your physician or a holistic doc to check if you are actually deficient, if you wish to take more than a daily recommended amount. Eating nutritiously and following a healthy life style plan will have you better prepared than most to recover from the virus and stay well.
If you are on medication, try to get a couple of extra months worth to always have on hand, if you haven’t already been doing that.
UPDATE: Make sure you have fever reducers like ibuprofen available. Buy powdered gatorade or If you have children, child appropriate fever-reducing tablets and Pedialite. Children and the elderly show signs of distress and dehydrate much quicker with fevers. I make my own.
In 2019, tRUMP dissolved CDC's global pandemic response unit, got rid of the WH liason for pandemic preparedness, cut funding for the CDC and hospitals that need the funding to be prepared for threats such as this and announced he was cutting more for 2020 as the epidemic in China began. President Obama set up anti-pandemic programs in 47 vulnerable countries, as a way to protect against something just like Coronavirus breaking out across the world. Experts begged Trump to keep them open. He closed 37 of them. — Chris Murphy CT February 27, 2020. STORY
2020: Pence grabs his nose and does a prairie nose blow with his bare hand after being named the Numero uno liason for a possible pandemic… VIDEO of his disgusting display
There will be control of information. tRUMP is already doing it, and not for your benefit. Companies and trolls will also be doing it. Please be aware of that and learn to be your own advocate.
Friday, Feb 28, 2020 · 10:01:06 PM +00:00 · List maker NOT List taker
Wow, ExpatGirl has made a breathtakingly profound statement that has exposed the heart (or rather lack of) the tRUMP administration and his new “response team.”
China took draconian measures to halt the spread of Coronavirus because it played the numbers of the possible. Here in the United States, our leadership is more concerned with playing the numbers of the stock market. It is deeply concerning.
I am adding this wonderful comment from dagan68, I do not have permission so please tell me via the message system if he/she wants it removed. It was so perfectly said I need to pass it on…
I am a physician — and have worked with some of the best minds in Infectious Disease in this country.
I usually do not comment on the Internet — but it is clear that it is now becoming our physician duty as public health officers to begin commenting. My hope is to present facts — and not get caught up in the fever swamp of the Internet.
Whether we call it this or not in public — this is a pandemic. It has met all the requirements of that designation. Pandemics are as much a part of the biosphere as elm trees and caterpillars. They have been a part of humanity’s history on this planet since the beginning of time. They are Mother Earth’s way of introducing new infections to the human race. There were three great pandemics in the 20th century — Spanish Flu — polio and HIV. There were several minor ones as well — SARS MERS etc. And the thing I want everyone reading this to realize — THE HUMAN RACE IS STILL HERE. This one has every potential to be very bad — but it will not be The Stand or a zombie apocalypse — but it has every possibility of becoming very very severe. Pandemics by their very nature cannot be prepared for — they come out of left field. They often cause severe economic and political mayhem. There is not one thing that you or I or anyone else can do about that. This pandemic exists — and we are going to have to live with it.
Because our nation states here on earth are political animals — they are trying to politicize everything about this — That is not going to change a thing. We have very unreliable numbers — either because of being overwhelmed, being incompetent or being mendacious. So it is hard to know exactly what to make of this. It is very possible that 50% of our population will be infected — it is possible that 100% eventually will be. We just do not know yet. But the point is — the VAST majority of people — more than 90% infected either have no symptoms or minimal head cold/flu symptoms. The problem we are going to run into is the other 10% or so — many of them will be very very ill — and there will be fatalities. If this plays out in the USA like it did in Wuhan — like a bomb going off — then our health care facilities will be overwhelmed — and we will be in deep trouble instantly. If it is more a slow burn over many months — we may have a chance — again we just do not know what will happen.
I am hoping and praying we have minimal casualities. I am hoping that this burns out — but I doubt it. But it will absolutely lay bare the complete disaster of a health care system we have. I can go on about that maybe in another post if people want — but we are not prepared as a health care system for the scenario you have laid out above — which is very plausible indeed.
This is what I want everyone to do right now — this is what you can do. It is your civic duty to NOT PANIC — and remain calm. It is your civic duty to start immediate hygiene protocols — quit shaking hands, hugging or kissing people for now — use soap and water — use hand wash — start doing these things right now. It is your civic duty to be prepared — and not participate in panic in the stores. Today — go to your store — buy nonperishable items for a month — we may all be in quarantine very soon — BE PREPARED — it does wonders for your own panic level. Look out for those around you. Make sure your neighbors your friends your family — your church family — all frail elderly and handicapped in your sphere of influence are taken care of.
This is our generation’s all for one and one for all moment — people one hundred years from now will remember us by what we are doing at this very minute — and my fellow Americans — WE CAN DO IT. [emphasis mine]
Thank you for your diary [thanking ExpatGirl not me]— God bless you and God bless the USA and this entire planet.
Here is mosesfreeman with a great example of expertise to look for:
In the event that our CDC drops the ball… not through any fault of theirs of course, but because Trump and Pence may render them ineffective, pay close attention to foreign authorities and international healthcare agencies to fill in the gaps.
Here’s an example.
Via CanadianKitty: B.C, a Province in Canada, has tested more people than all of the USA. Use that statistic when you chat with your reps. And this is BC’s guideline for a pandemic, which was adapted to prepare for COVID-19. BC by itself have put your Federal government to shame.
Meanwhile, tRUMP said of Dems and coronavirus. “They tried the impeachment hoax … this is their new hoax.”
Saturday, Feb 29, 2020 · 7:43:07 PM +00:00 · List maker NOT List taker
tRUMP is still insisting only 15 people in the US are infected, and the other 51 are not on the map so that tRUMP cannot be blamed for his poor handling of the infected and not providing proper planning, directives, training and protective gear to HHS non medical staff greeting Wuhan infected passengers. Those people may have been infected, and returned to their homes and some to different states.
tRUMP is controlling the message and it is an incoherent and ludicrous one. VIDEO: As coronavirus cases surge worldwide, tRUMP tells his MAGA minions, "It's going to disappear one day it's like a miracle it will disappear.”
Given the lack of leadership, each individual needs to be prepared to take this on individually. Make lists of things you need and keep a diary/journal so you can restock and remember what you need on hand. Start out with the emergency items like medicines, cleaning supplies (bleach is disappearing off the shelves here already), rubber gloves, soap for hands.
Or do like me and buy castille liquid soap and mix your own as needed. I saved my old foaming dispensers, disinfected them, and then the stuff lasts years. Alcohol wipes are sold out here. I bought the large bottles of gelled were available and make my own before going out, in plastic bags or refill smaller containers. Don’t make too many as they will dry out. And only use if a sink isn’t handy. Don’t use to wipe light plastics, fabrics, leather.
You will be doing more laundry too and using more water, and more if someone gets sick. Try making your own dry laundry soap or liquid laundry soap. Did you know baking soda is an amazing cleaning product in its own right, but, when heated, it becomes washing soda? Now you do. Stock up on large boxes of baking soda. Yes it smells when baking, but saves a lot of money.
What have you always wanted to do, be, learn, read? Now is the time to prepare to do it. Buy a book and learn how. I have fixed my drier 4 times and made it last 40 years (knocks on wood for more), learned how to redo walls and ceilings in my 100 year old house, and do most of the repairs in it from a do it yourself book. (I leave major plumbing and electrical to the experts though) JUST DO IT. If you do have to self quarantine, you will may be lonely and a little depressed. You won’t be if you learn a craft or skill. I have never been bored. Ever. And that’s why. If you don’t have shelves of books to learn new skills from you have been missing out.
The other lists you have to figure out. I don’t know your needs, diet restrictions, preferences or storage capacity. Please do not be selfish. Stock up; not hoard. Leave out booze and junk food when stocking up, though, except perhaps a few to hide away, maybe in a lockbox. You know why, but I ain’t your mama…
Call your reps daily to complain about the lack of leadership, lack of straight information from the WH, ask why one of the the world’s most prestigious experts, immunologist Dr. Fauci, has been muzzled and not allowed to speak freely or publicly with out Pence approval.
Ask why experts are not the ones talking to the media … and why everyone, including experts, have to go firstly through Katie Miller recently married to White House senior adviser Stephen Miller CNN and then to the idiot in charge, Pence, before disseminating information about the virus.
Sunday, Mar 1, 2020 · 3:11:25 AM +00:00 · List maker NOT List taker
I am still in a bit of shock after seeing a woman from the Diamond Princess say everyone should just go on their holiday and not worry because SHE is infected and yet fine. This was on the same day that the WHO upgraded the virus global outbreak to its highest level - "very high."
She has no symptoms but has the virus. Know what that means? She is a very possibly super-carrier and could have been the reason so many were sick and now dying on the ship. (It is like Typhoid Mary who was asymptomatic and unknowing infected 51 people and killed 2) Most had it BEFORE quarantine. Why is she so ignorant she doesn’t realize it may have been she who was infecting them”
Her husband was released to return to the US as he tested negative, but now also has it and seems fine. Lucky them. It is stunning to hear the ignorance. Please do not be selfish a’holes like this woman.
Dr Dena Grayson is a Physician with a PHD working on Ebola and Bio-threat science. Here she is in a VIDEO HERE answering questions and calmly telling you what to expect as the virus surges.
DK-Preppers-Prepping-for-COVID19
This site has decent info and a Preparation list as well.
Wednesday, Mar 4, 2020 · 11:24:15 PM +00:00 · List maker NOT List taker
As the epidemic becomes more serious in the Americas, here is my best advice: Panicking yourself or others is never good. Panic and stress kills. You need to have a level head and use your pre-frontal cortex in any stressful event, or the fear and flight lizard brain, or amygdala, takes over.
Being aware of this is helpful… panicking is never helpful, ever. I have taught myself to draw on the pre-frontal cortex and stop fear in through the nose, out through the mouth in long breaths, whilst drawing thoughts to the front of the brain visually. (Literally think of your thoughts accumulating only above your eyebrows) Once you learn to do this, fear is pushed back and it takes only a few moments to do. Positive thought will begin to flow and you’ll be able to act, not just react.
There is a lot online, and other methods to try, and now would be a good time to exercise logical thinking to help yourself, your family and community.
While out shopping, think about getting the ingredients for protein bars. Here is a tasty one with 4 different add-ins. (I add whatever I have handy but the ones they recommend are really good). Be sure to read the helpful comments before making and freeze according to your family size, as it makes a LOT.
I also bought another large amount of protein powder. (Not soy though as that makes your thyroid work too hard and you need it to stay healthy) Using it in smoothies with some frozen berries and milk or yogurt is a lot like dessert … but will be more likely to help you lose weight if you use it as a meal replacement.
Friday, Mar 6, 2020 · 8:57:33 AM +00:00 · List maker NOT List taker
Wash your phones as often as you wash your hands. Cross contamination will be a huge problem as you touch your phone so often during a day. Not me though, I have no phone or TV and I am a happy dinosaur.
With the numbers rising in the US, there will likely come a time when you will need to self quarantine. Make sure you are prepared.
If you are already sick, nutrition and vitamins are a must so you are not more susceptible to the virus. Your body has to be able to make new antibodies and your immune system army of T-Cells needs you to replenish your strength. Stay healthy and your immune system may not be knocked for a loop.
Getting the COVID-19 virus is not a death sentence. Most will be able to cope with it if infected. I wish that for all of you.
My Mar 06 UPDATE did not publish for some reason.
Fever-reducing medication — should be on your list and people are forgetting … Toilet paper is flying off the shelves (it is just nuts, really, toilet paper wars ) while we are in flu season. Fever, along with a cough and difficulty breathing are the signs you need to see a doctor. If you can’t see a doctor, you need to take care of yourself.
Fever and lung inflammation are 2 huge problems that will get you hospitalized. Don’t take fever reducers willy nilly. Make sure you have a temperature that is high and follow instructions from the package and or your Doc. Remember the heat is your immune system reacting to the new virus. A little uncomfortable heat is fine, but not a high fever. It is wise, according to my Doc, to take it before sleep as your temperature can rise drastically and you may be too out of it or your head ache already painful to take them when necessary. If the meds aren’t working time to see a doc.
This does NOT apply to children. A high temperature can be very dangerous, especially for their brain. They need separate charts, thermometers and pediatric doses of fever meds, but remember that the temperature can change depending whether the temperature is anal or the ear. Please refer to a trusted medical site and/or your doctor.
Here is a simplified way to learn about viruses and antibodies. I love it because researchers and scientists speak a whole other language than we do. I learned that scientist discovered that some antibodies go INSIDE the virus to pull them apart. TRIM-21 was discovered 19 years ago, but I don’t feel badly because I am not in the medical field and I know a thousand times more than tRUMP.
Learning about something you are afraid of is half the battle. Knowing your immune system can do these amazing things will cheer you. VIDEO TRIM 21
CHEERS!
Saturday, Mar 7, 2020 · 7:51:10 PM +00:00 · List maker NOT List taker
The WHO made a separate site, in case their main one goes down for any reason. Epi-Win
I am a senior, and although a mom, I haven’t been adding info for kids for that reason. I am out of touch and sorry I have been no help to you, but there are many other resources, and this one reminded that children are going to be stressed from hearing about it from unknown sources and will likely be exposed to the trolls and misinformation online more than their parents.
It is your job as a parent to be their source of information and build routines and hygiene regimen. Just make sure YOU are level headed and informed first. (This is where I fear for the MAGA;s youngsters )
NEW URL: Corona-viruses can live on surfaces for 9 days, according to German scientists. Persistence of coronaviruses on different types of inanimate surfaces and a chart with surfaces is HERE
I have a few other diaries on the COVID-19 virus should you care to look:
The inept White House Coronavirus Task force
This one pertains to the 1918 FLU epidemic and how the President lied to the people…
If a MAGA Minion on social media says COVID-19 spread is Democrat's fault... show them this
This one is less important but reminds how much tRUMP is trying to control the message…
Monday, Mar 9, 2020 · 2:43:41 AM +00:00 · List maker NOT List taker
Older people have weaker and scarred lungs from past illness and infection, are more likely to have autoimmune diseases or several chronic illness, and increased hance of lung cancer and deteriorating effects of being longer term smokers (Asians more so — that may skew the figures in favour, if Americans smoke a lot less) and by simply aging, as starting at 35 and up, your lungs can start to deteriorate.
Your aging lungs
- Alveoli can lose their shape and become baggy
- The diaphragm can, over time, become weaker, decreasing the ability to inhale and exhale. This change will only be significant when exercising
- Ribcage bones become thinner and change shape, altering the ribcage so that it is less able to expand and contract with breathing.
- Nerves in airways that trigger coughing become less sensitive to foreign particles. When particles build up in the lungs, they can damage the lung tissue.
- As you age, your immune system may weaken, leaving you more vulnerable to infections like influenza (the flu) and pneumonia.
I added some tips above for healthy lungs and immune system (antioxidants listed above are best… food before pills and snake oil remedies) so that should you get the corona-virus , you will have a better chance to be among the huge percentage of even elderly survivors, need less care and recuperation time, and heal faster and not end up with more scarring. I wish you good health!
Wednesday, Mar 11, 2020 · 11:56:56 PM +00:00 · List maker NOT List taker
Having the full spectrum pneumonia shot may give you added protection should you get the virus and your weak lungs acquire it while you are fighting COVIC-19. Pneumonia is caused by bacteria. The shot will do nothing to stop the coronavirus, but could save your life, as your immune system is very busy trying to cope with the virus. (See Cytokine Storm in the main body above)
Polly wonk reminded me to remind YOU and has more advice here Please read it and STAY HEALTHY/
The VIDEO put out by CDC yesterday sounds as though they read this diary…
Friday, Mar 13, 2020 · 9:04:15 AM +00:00 · List maker NOT List taker
Damn. If you have not seen this video, you must. Please, go watch this woman lead for Americans. I am Canadian and she took my breath away and made me cry...hard…
Rep. Porter read the testing costs to CDC Director Redfield, who did not know them, and got him to commit to using his authority under existing law to make Covid_19 testing available for all Americans regardless of insurance.