🦠Coronavirus 101 ðŸ¦
How Worried Should We Be? We should be paying attention.
When we talk about wellness + healthy habits — we have to address the #1 priority right now which is the Cornovirus and public health.
What is it?
The Current Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a highly infectious respiratory illness that is currently spreading around the globe. The Coronavirus has officially been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
What are the Symptoms?
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. However, it’s important to remember that some patients infected with the virus won’t show any symptoms at all. Read more
How Many People Have Been Affected?
Currently, there are ~1000 cases in the United States with numbers expected to rise as more patients are able to undergo diagnostic testing. Worldwide, there have now been 120,000+ and more than “4,300 people have died. The vast majority of cases are mild, and almost half of those infected have already recovered.” Read More
Who is Most at Risk?
Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart failure, or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. Read More
How is COVID-19 Spreading?
This respiratory virus is known to spread from person to person by upper respiratory secretions, including airborne droplets after coughing or sneezing. “Coronavirus can also spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects. For example, a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.” Read More
How Do I Prevent the Spread?
Limit unnecessary public interaction and frequently wash hands after touching surfaces. “Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.” Read More
What About Masks?
The CDC doesn’t recommend wearing masks. Common surgical masks block the droplets coming out of a sick person from getting into the air, but they are not tight enough to prevent what’s already in the air from getting in. The N95 masks are better but require a more precise fit to be effective. Read More
How Can I Stay Safe?
The best thing you can do is stay calm and stay informed without stressing yourself out! Although experts can’t definitively know when the virus will peak, some are predicting it could last for the next several weeks. Plan ahead and make sure you have some savings + consider what your life would look like if you needed to work from home for two weeks. What if you were quarantined for 14 days? Develop the habit of washing your hands frequently for at least 20-seconds and carry hand sanitizer with you. Be conscious to limit touching items in public. Don’t freak out — but definitely pay attention! Read More 👀
What About My Immune System?
Being healthy is the best defense. Focus on a healthy diet and eating as clean as possible. Additionally, increasing your sleep and decreasing your alcohol consumption can help. Make sure you’re moving your body — either going for a walk or doing an at-home workout. Now is also the time to bolster immunity-boosting nutrients like Vitamin C (citrus fruits + leafy greens), Vitamin E (almonds + broccoli), Vitamin A (carrots + sweet potatoes), Vitamin D (salmon + sunlight), Folate (beans + greens), Selenium (garlic + brazil nuts), Zinc, and Elderberry. Read More or Here
There is a lot of hysteria in the air but it isn’t a reason to panic. You are only in control of what you can control.Try and be calm during these tumultuous times. Take a deep breath, wash your hands, and remind yourself that “All is Well”.
