Covid-19 What it is, what it isn’t, and what do we
do about it.
Olney EMS,
at the direction of Dr Aaron Purdy, would like you to know the most you can so
you can make smart choices for you, your family, your community, and your
country.
Covid-19
is a virus. Diseases like the flu and the common cold are
viruses and we are very familiar with their effects, incubation periods,
transmissibility, and basically when to prepare and how to prepare for the
seasonal “attack”.
Covid-19
is a virus. However, this virus is new
and we have much we don’t know. It is
generally understood that you may be exposed but not show symptoms (get sick)
for up to 27 days. That’s almost a month
that you can have it, don’t know it, and may be sharing it with others.
Covid-19
is a virus. However, unlike the common cold or flu, this particular virus is very good at surviving on cold, dry
surfaces like stainless steel, porcelain, and plastic. That means that if you touch a surface that
has been exposed to the virus, chances are that you have “picked it up” on your
hands, feet, etc. All you have to do now, is touch your mucus membranes. (Pick your
nose, touch your lips, tongue, eye lid, etc.
Covid-19
is a virus. Viruses are very VERY
small particles that are adsorbed (attached to), or
absorbed (held inside) of tiny water droplets that are present when a person
with the virus coughs, sneezes, and even speaks. (We all know that person that
spits when they talk!)
Even though Covid-19 is a virus, just like the flu, you don’t want
it. I don’t know anyone that WANTS to
catch the flu, or even the common cold. Covid-19 is such a strong virus, that persons with
other illnesses, like COPD, emphysema, and severe asthma, heart disease,
diabetes, or kidney failure, auto immune diseases like lupus, HIV, or Crohn’s
Disease, and people that have cancers or treatments for cancers, may not be
able to survive this virus without very aggressive treatments in Intensive Care
areas with ventilators and advanced medical procedures. Even persons with illnesses they don’t know
about yet, may have a bad outcome, simply because their body is too weak to
survive while the virus runs its course.
So, what
do we do?
Distance from the virus, specifically from
persons carrying the virus, is a good start.
Cleanliness is a great defense. Wash your hands with soap and water. Often.
Turn away
from, and leave any area where someone is coughing, sneezing, or spitting when
they speak. Even if it is Aunt Jo or
Uncle John. Don’t inhale while you walk
away, too.
Use
barriers to inhaling the virus like a mask.
Multiple layers of simple cloth is better than
nothing. (Guess who has trouble with that? Yep, people with medical problems like COPD,
emphysema, asthma…)
Clean
hard surfaces with a
mild (0.5% bleach solution) commercially available from stores, (Clorox Wipes)
or mix your own with 50/50 water, rubbing alcohol, and a dab of bleach.
Stay home if you get sick. Unless you have severe symptoms
requiring immediate medical intervention, call your doctor or clinic, call a
nurse, and ask family members to retrieve medications fluids (Pedialyte or Gatorade)
and protein rich foods for energy.
If
you do go out, wear a simple mask to prevent spreading the disease as much as
possible.
Stay
away from the elderly, the very young, or anyone you know has another disease.
Take
a vitamin to help build your immune system.
Don’t
smoke! Don’t VAPE!
Why is
everyone stocking up on toilet paper?
Americans
are soft. We generally forgot how to
take care of ourselves without the comfort amenities like toilet paper. If you are going to be isolated from going
out, most people know they can order a pizza, or Uber Eats, but who’s gonna bring you a roll or toilet paper? Right?
Just use common sense. No one is
going to be isolated for 40 rolls of toilet paper!!!
Take a
moment to look at your personal network of friends, family, and
co-workers. Build a network of support
for yourself and those you care about.
This is not likely the only time you might need it.
If you have
an emergency, call 9-1-1