You’re Doing Great Avoiding Disease Spread! But Keep It Up!

While we are desperately trying to move on and get things back to normal, we still see “Coronavirus” and “COVID-19” and images of people in hazmat suits every time we turn on the TV or log-in to our computers. While we will establish some semblance of normalcy, eventually, for now, we are still in the very abnormal situation of having to distance ourselves from virtually everybody outside of our own families. The number of cases in the United States continues to rise, with the unique distinction of our having surpassed the very high numbers of cases in both China and Italy.

What makes COVID-19 such a big deal? After all, new viruses form and infect people every year. There are already several known Coronaviruses. There are flu pandemics across the decades that have occurred and didn’t receive this much publicity. What is different about COVID-19 that has created such a massive response? Here are some points to remember:

1. This is a new virus, and humans have no immunity to it. This makes it easy to spread, especially to those that have a compromised immune system.
2. Like other viruses COVID-19 is droplet spread; but what makes it unique is that the CDC states that the virus can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. That’s a long time! This means a person can cough or sneeze and two days later another person can touch the surface where those droplets landed and become infected.
3. The virus is not what it used to be—even just a few weeks ago. COVID-19 has mutated in Italy creating a new strand of COVID-19 virus that is even more deadly.
4. The Medical Surge means hospitals have a limited number of resources to care for patients. Normally, hospitals have resources sufficient for caring for admitted patients, but, due to COVID-19, hospitals have more patients than resources available.
The reality can be frightening. The best action for people to take at this time is to follow the self-quarantine recommendations from the CDC. This limits contact with those who may be infected even if they are not showing symptoms. In addition, people who have concerns about COVID-19 or possible exposure, health risks or complications should avoid going to the Emergency Room, but instead contact their Primary Care Physician (PCP) for direction.

As we move into another month of this pandemic, it is easy to become complacent. We’re tired of being cooped up. Children don’t understand and are becoming restless. However, as much now as in the beginning, we must remain vigilant. To stem the tide or, as they say, flatten the curve of this illness, we must wash hands frequently and thoroughly. We must cover coughs and sneezes with our sleeves or tissues that are discarded immediately. We must clean surfaces thoroughly. We really want to fully eradicate this disease as quickly as possible to eliminate sickness for those in our population least able to defend themselves.