Since my Coronavirus post two weeks ago, the World Health Organization has now confirmed COVID – 19 outbreak as a pandemic. So the question is, are you feeling the effects of the unprecedented national emergency?
Last week, I shrugged off Coronavirus and attended the Philadelphia Flower Show. However, with the novel virus quickly unfolding, I did cancel a Forever Fierce NYC Brunch MeetUp and no recreational shopping with my best friend at the King of Prussia Mall on Saturday. The most significant effect is that my annual black-tie soirée, held every May, is canceled this year.
According to online sources, an epidemic is an event that actively spreads disease. In contrast, the term pandemic relates to geographic spread and describes a condition affecting a whole country or world.
With the announcement of the pandemic, how am I feeling the impact? I say an even more unprecedented effect was when the pharmaceutical company I work for implemented temporary measures—the company’s direction was to work from home for the next two weeks.
It’s worth continuing the conversation about how we can all help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Social distancing is essential. That means we should limit our contact with people and avoid crowds.
Follow these basic guidelines for social distancing:
◊ Avoid going to places where 25 or more people may gather
♠ Go places where you can maintain at least six feet of distance from other people
◊ Keep in mind your risk: if you’re 60 years old and up and have a comprised immune system, you should stay at home as much as possible
Boost Your Immune System:
♥ Take Vitamin D and Zinc
◊ Sleep a minimum of 7 hours
♦ Limit Alcohol
◊ Avoid Stress, anxiety, and isolation
Practical Things to do:
♥ Wash hands a minimum of 20 seconds
◊ Hand sanitizer – use at least 60% alcohol-based
♣ No handshaking – fist or arm bump instead
◊ Avoid touching your face, mouth, or eyes
♠ Avoid public bathrooms (fecal matter)
People Most at Risk of Getting Coronavirus:
◊ Health Care Workers
♠ Smokers and Vapers
◊ Children
♥ People Over 65 and Immunocompromised (Examples: HIV/AIDS and Transplant Patients)
◊ People with Weakened Immune Systems (Including Respiratory Illnesses like Asthma, COPD, and Pneumonia)
Comorbidities such as heart and liver diseases are at a higher risk of developing severe pneumonia and dying from the disease.
The people that are dying are ones with complications like swelling of the lungs and pneumonia. The virus causes swelling of the respiratory system and makes it hard for the lungs to pass oxygen into the bloodstream, leading to organ failure.
Symptoms:
The following symptoms may appear 2- 14 days after exposure:
◊ Fever
♥ Cough
◊ Shortness of breath
Emergency warning signs:
♣ Difficulty breathing
◊ Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
♣ Bluish lips or face
What To Do if You Are Sick:
◊ Stay home from work (self-quarantine)
♥ Seek medical attention
◊ Call ahead before visiting your doctor, or call
♦ Wear a facemask
Now, what’s possible while the Coronavirus is causing these unprecedented effects? There is no excuse for not exercising, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy meals. I made a large pot of veggie soup for the last two weekends to eat and keep me from eating junk food.
Of course, you are feeling the effects of the unprecedented national emergency. Please share what’s happening in your world.
As always, thank you for reading. Have a fabulous, safe, and healthy week.
