COVID-19 Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
Background—A Brief History of Epidemics and Pandemics
Epidemics and pandemics have plagued humankind since biblical times. Here is a link to a video by Technology Networks on how the virus is spread and a list of epidemics and pandemics throughout history: Medical animation by Technology Networks
What Happened?
The Coronavirus had been spreading in China for weeks before Chinese officials alerted other nations to the outbreak so it had time to spread widely through the Muhan province where it was first detected, and those infected exposed themselves to thousands of other people who passed through the province. The U.S. is now the global capital of the coronavirus, surpassing China and Italy, with more than 86,000 cases as of Friday morning.
Why the U.S. has Largest Outbreaks?
The U.S. was slow in acting on the pandemic. As a result, vital protective gear and supplies (gloves, face masks, etc.) which are mostly manufactured in China, are in short supply nationwide, which puts people in hospitals, rehab centers and nursing homes at even greater risk. The CDC, hospitals and some corporations are developing millions of kits so the shortage will end in the next 15 days. All of America is not on lockdown, only 21 states voluntarily made the decision.
HOW TO THINK ABOUT IT
If You Are Found To Be Infected With Covid-19, Can You Be Cured and How?
In a word, no. There is no cure, meaning vaccine or medication that you can take that gets rid of the virus once you have it. The treatments doctors can administer are immune-system boosters to help your body's natural defenses stop the virus from spreading inside you. Once a vaccine is developed, which could take up to one year, the vaccine purportedly could trigger auto-immune defenses in the body to help overcome the virus. Research around the globe on antiviral treatments and vaccines continues.
How does coronavirus spread?
It seems to spread very easily from person to person, especially in homes, hospitals and other confined spaces. The pathogen can be carried on tiny respiratory droplets that fall as they are coughed or sneezed out. It may also be transmitted when we touch a contaminated surface and then touch our face.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Anyone ages 15 or older can get the virus. It’s not a death sentence if you get it. General symptoms appear to be cough, fever and shortness of breath.
CDC COVID-19 symptoms. Here’s what COVID-19 does to your lungs.
People most at risk.
Should I Wear a Mask?
The CDC first said No until 2 days ago. Given the rapid growth of the virus in the US. they suggest Yes, as it prevents you from touching your nose and mouth and if you go out to grocery stores and can’t guarantee to always be 6 feet away from another person and accidentally touch your face.
Know the type of mask difference. You don’t need a medical grade N-95 mask.
How Not to Get this Virus
We’ve all know these by now, but this is how you prevent yourself from getting it.
Listen to this frontline doctor in New York where the cases have skyrocketed.
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PRACTICE Physical Distancing, but stay social on phone, facetime and video
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WASH Your Hands and COVER Your Cough
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LOOKOUT for others who are at risk
Other things we can do. Self-checking every morning: Taiwan experts provide a simple self-check that we can do every morning: Take a deep breath and hold your breath for more than 10 seconds. If you complete it successfully without coughing, without discomfort, stuffiness or tightness, etc. It proves there is no fibrosis in the lungs, basically indicating no infection. Drink Water Frequently: Even if the virus gets into your mouth...drinking water or other liquids will WASH them down through your esophagus into the stomach. Once there in tummy...your stomach ACID will kill all the virus. If you don't drink enough water more regularly....the virus can enter your windpipes and into the LUNGS. When should I Go to the Hospital? If you feel shortness of breath for just walking to the bathroom, go to the hospital immediately. What Foods Should be a Part of My Diet? The immune system can fight back. Eating immune-system boosting vegetables and fruits are most important. Up your doses in foods high in vitamins A, C, D, E. Selenium, zinc, iodine, Humic Acid, plus calcium lactate as these minerals and vitamins are good for preventive measures. Make meals with immune boosters — garlic, ginger, turmeric, parsley, thyme, sage, okra, and bone broth. Natural herbal remedies like Echinacea, Probiotics, Ashwagandha, and Cat's Claw are strategies suggested by some functional practitioners to keep your natural killer cells at peak levels so they can engulf the virus like Pacman. The latest research shows enzymes make coronavirus deactivate and detach from lung cells. (Suggested products: Multizme or MarcoZyme from Standard Process, Premier Research Labs, Vital Nutrients, NOW, Biotics Research, Apex Energetics) Minimize or stay away from eggs, dairy, gluten and nuts. Drink at least 8 glasses of spring water or water that has been filtered correctly for lead and fluoride. Eliminate all alcohol (it depresses the immune system). Is there Anything Else I Can Do? -Get solid sleep each night (7–8 hours). -Decrease indoor air pollution: Smoking, frying foods or cooking without good ventilation. Mold, mice and cockroaches carry allergens that impact people with respiratory problems like Asthma. Now that many of us are cooped up at home, indoor air quality is even more important. -Reduce or stop smoking and vaping (it comprises your respiratory system’s defenses). -Watch a comedy show or YouTube clip, take deep breaths throughout the day, take an online yoga class, work on a puzzle, reach out to friends and family by phone, meditate, garden, clean out your closets, or whatever keeps you in balance and you will get through this with your health. |
Can I Go Outside?
Yes, you should get sunshine there’s evidence that virus is disrupted by the UV rays from the sun. Check with your local government to see if parks, beaches or trails are open to the public, if not go for a walk in your neighborhood during the day.
Reimagine Your Home
After a few weeks of social distancing, even — we hate to say it —Netflix is starting to get old. Same goes for all of the audiobooks and podcasts you've downloaded to cure your boredom. Luckily, there are countless museums, concerts, celebrity and Ted talks even Broadway plays to enjoy in these times. Here’s a few:
THE LOUVRE (My favorite: I’m obsessed with ancient Egypt)
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
Living the Video Life
Before you Dial In-Video Etiquette
How to stay sane working from home.
