Difficult Times

Rare Health Issue

The unknown is always the worst part of dealing with any situation, specially a health emergency like the Coronavirus, or Covid-19.  I have received a large number of inquiries about it and am presenting as much information for you as possible.  A reminder, I am not a doctor, I am just compiling the information for reference. I have also included the source of the data.

The Data

Let's begin with some sobering numbers: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates this flu season which ran from October 1, 2019 to March 7, 2020 to see up to:

• 51 million cases 
• 670 thousand hospitalizations
• 55 thousand deaths

The Coronavirus projections?
According to the Intelligencer, the CDC projects the U.S. could see in 1 year, between

• 160 million to 214 million cases
• 200 thousand to 1.7 million death

The worst Pandemic in recent history was the Spanish Flu from 1918

• The death toll is estimated to have been anywhere from 17 million to 50 million, and possibly as high as 100 million, making it one of the deadliest health crisis in human history.

The following info is from the World Health Organization (WHO)

What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.


What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. 

 
How can I be infected?
The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is coughing or sneezing.

What can I do to protect myself?
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions:

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with soap and water
• Maintain at least 3 feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Make sure you, sneeze or cough into your arm or tissue 
• Stay home if you feel unwell. 
• Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots

 

For more info from WHO Click Here

At times, all this can feel overwhelming. The bottom line is that experts say this strain of the Coronavirus is pretty new. 

We know more or less what to expect from the flu, we can treat it and doctors offer a preventive shot. But with Covid-19, there are many unknown factors.  So far we know that seniors, or folks like myself with a compromised immune system, need to really monitor the situation closely. Believe me after weeks of radiation and throat surgery, I am taking all precautionary steps.  

I am preparing as if we had a hurricane coming for us. We've all been there and know how to act. Just like tropical systems, the impacts will be felt for months after the initial strike. In this case it could be longer. 

If we follow the suggestions put forth by experts from the medical community, we will get through this.  

For more on what is closed, numbers of cases and fatalities, please tune in on-air and on-line to wsvn news.