This year will be known for the global pandemic caused by the virus, COVID-19. Fear and misinformation abound in light of the panic caused by the rapid transmission of the virus. However, if we can see through the media flurry and partisan bickering, the collective action of the world CAN and WILL bring this outbreak to a halt.

The facts and realities of COVID-19 are not cause for panic, but a call to collective action.

What do we know? This question allows us to get a scope of the event and make sound decisions. To begin, “coronaviruses” are common viruses named for the crown (corona) of proteins that surround them. You have probably had a coronavirus before! They cause many forms of the common cold.

The coronavirus that is currently impacting the world is a “new” form of this common virus.

To be specific, this form of coronavirus is known as SARS-CoV-2. SARS stands for Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome [CDC], meaning that this particular virus is known to cause acute (abrupt and progressive) symptoms with an individual’s respiratory system (lungs and associated organs).

The disease the virus causes is COVID-19.

COVID-19 is simply the disease that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause. This is important to note as many media outlets are not explicitly distinguishing between the presence of the virus and the disease that it can cause.

While the location is known, the host pathway to humans is not.

The epicenter of the breakout was an animal market in Wuhan, China [CDC], probably a live animal market that was known for its lack of cleanliness and meat preparation. The virus is related to a coronavirus in bats, but there was an intermediate host that isn’t exactly known yet. Essentially, bats had a version of the virus, passed it to another animal who then gave it to humans. Since then, it is present in over 100 locations across the world.

How COVID-19 can spread.

The virus is still in its early stages of transmission, and therefore, the details on many aspects of the virus are still being researched.

Person-to-Person

• The primary transmission of the virus is believed to be from person-to-person contact
• People within physical contact or that are 6ft or closer to one another
• Water droplets produced when sneezing or coughing
• People around the infected individual then inhale these water droplets

Surface Contamination

• Surfaces that have the virus on it are believed to be a possible contamination pathway
• After touching a contaminated surface, the individual would then have to touch their mouth, nose or eyes

Community spread

• Some viruses spread easily between individuals (think measles)
• The coronavirus seems to be spreading quickly within communities
• Viruses that spread easily can see an acceleration of contraction within communities

[CDC]

The symptoms of COVID-19

More people have the virus than have recovered from it. With this in mind, there seem to be a few symptoms that are prevalent among those with the disease.

The following symptoms could occur from anywhere between two days to two weeks after exposure to the virus:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

The CDC also warns of these emergency signs, in which case you should seek medical attention immediately.

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pains
• Confusion or inability to stand up
• Bluish face or lips

[CDC]

What to do if you are sick or have had contact with the virus.

It is our social responsibility to limit our exposure to the community and individuals around us if we are exposed or are experiencing symptoms of the virus.

Social Isolation

Social isolation is removing oneself from the vicinity of those whom you might infect. If you are mildly sick with the symptoms and are not in immediate danger, you should stay at home except to receive the needed medical care. This includes:

• staying home from school
• work
• other public areas (including public transportation).

Separate from household pets and other people.

If you live in a household with other people, it is wise to stay in a separate area of the house and utilize a separate bathroom. This will minimize contact with others. Don’t forget; you can transmit the virus to others without showing symptoms.

The details are currently unknown concerning animals in the house. The CDC recommends minimal contact until more information comes in about this particular issue.

Get medical help.

If you are experiencing mild symptoms, contact your doctor’s office and let them know ahead of time. This will allow them to prepare for you and give further direction.

Maintain hygiene standards and follow cleanliness procedures.

Staying hygienic will stop the spread of the virus to others around you. For those at home with the illness:

• Don’t share personal items
• Disinfect surfaces
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Monitor symptoms

When wondering about discontinuing isolation, seek help from your doctor. These calls should be made on a case by case basis.

For more information on these protocols and procedures, click here or continue in this article.

How to prevent COVID-19 and limit your exposure.

As of the writing of this article, there are no vaccines for the virus. In light of this, the best way to avoid being sick is to limit exposure. Follow these steps to limit risk and exposure to the virus:

Wash your hands

• Washing often after being in a public place or sneezing and coughing
• 20 seconds is the recommended time to wash your hands (guide)
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol

Avoid contact

• Avoiding people who are sick can limit exposure
• Follow all recommended local guidelines for community gatherings. This will be specific to your region/city/state.
• DO NOT wear a facemask if you are not sick. This reduces the supply for those working with individuals with the illness.

Clean and disinfect surfaces

• Disinfect surfaces that are commonly touched (phones, tables, doorknobs, switches, sinks, etc.)
• Clean them before you disinfect them. Use soap and water.
• Alcohol solutions with 70%+, bleach dilutions, and EPA-Approved household viral disinfectants

[CDC]

Conclusion and final notes.

There is quite a bit of social stigma and fear surrounding the coronavirus. Knowing the facts and becoming familiar with best practices can help to eliminate this fear.

Stigma causes mental harm and social rejection.

There is no reason to stigmatize those of Asian descent. Social rejection can cause lasting harm and possible physical harm to those impacted. There is no reason to verbally attack of socially reject those who are in our communities. This is an action performed out of fear and can cause harm to those in our communities.

[CDC]

Panic vs. Preparedness.

In moments like these, there is often an air of panic. There is a difference between being prepared and panicking. Buying a little extra food on your next trip to the store is being prepared. Buying out toilet paper and bulk goods through fear is panicking. Follow best practice, support those in your community however you can, and follow local and national recommendations.

Risk and its relationship to panic.

Plainly and clearly, the overwhelming majority of people who contract COVID-19 will be ok. High percentages of contraction rates, while initially alarming, should not cause us to panic. Those at the most risk are those with pre-existing medical conditions and those who are immunocompromised. Those who are in their 60’s, 70’s, and especially 80’s+ are at the most risk for a severe illness presentation. It is vital to realize our social responsibility in light of those at risk.

Our responsibility in response to COVID-19.

Knowing the facts about this virus empowers us. The extreme responses to this virus span from absolute panic (looting, stocking, etc.), to dissociation (“I’m not personally at risk, so I don’t care”). These responses are both incorrect. If we value those around us, we won’t panic buy and overstock on items OR expose others who are at high risk through neglect of best practice.

An opportunity to come together.

While many of us are physically isolated, we are connected through our immediate family circles or the internet. In times like this, we all have the opportunity and responsibility as humans to look after ourselves and our neighbors. Stay connected with friends and family and help those who need it.

It is in times like this that we get to remind the world what it means to be human.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: CDC