Covid-19 What it is, what it isn’t, and what do we do about it.

Olney EMS, at the direction of Dr Aaron Purdy, would like you to know the most you can so you can make smart choices for you, your family, your community, and your country.

Covid-19 is a virus. Diseases like the flu and the common cold are viruses and we are very familiar with their effects, incubation periods, transmissibility, and basically when to prepare and how to prepare for the seasonal “attack”.

Covid-19 is a virus. However, this virus is new and we have much we don’t know. It is generally understood that you may be exposed but not show symptoms (get sick) for up to 27 days. That’s almost a month that you can have it, don’t know it, and may be sharing it with others.

Covid-19 is a virus. However, unlike the common cold or flu, this particular virus is very good at surviving on cold, dry surfaces like stainless steel, porcelain, and plastic. That means that if you touch a surface that has been exposed to the virus, chances are that you have “picked it up” on your hands, feet, etc. All you have to do now, is touch your mucus membranes. (Pick your nose, touch your lips, tongue, eye lid, etc.

Covid-19 is a virus. Viruses are very VERY small particles that are adsorbed (attached to), or absorbed (held inside) of tiny water droplets that are present when a person with the virus coughs, sneezes, and even speaks. (We all know that person that spits when they talk!)

Even though Covid-19 is a virus, just like the flu, you don’t want it. I don’t know anyone that WANTS to catch the flu, or even the common cold. Covid-19 is such a strong virus, that persons with other illnesses, like COPD, emphysema, and severe asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney failure, auto immune diseases like lupus, HIV, or Crohn’s Disease, and people that have cancers or treatments for cancers, may not be able to survive this virus without very aggressive treatments in Intensive Care areas with ventilators and advanced medical procedures. Even persons with illnesses they don’t know about yet, may have a bad outcome, simply because their body is too weak to survive while the virus runs its course.

So, what do we do?

Distance from the virus, specifically from persons carrying the virus, is a good start.

Cleanliness is a great defense. Wash your hands with soap and water. Often.

Turn away from, and leave any area where someone is coughing, sneezing, or spitting when they speak. Even if it is Aunt Jo or Uncle John. Don’t inhale while you walk away, too.

Use barriers to inhaling the virus like a mask. Multiple layers of simple cloth is better than nothing. (Guess who has trouble with that? Yep, people with medical problems like COPD, emphysema, asthma…)

Clean hard surfaces with a mild (0.5% bleach solution) commercially available from stores, (Clorox Wipes) or mix your own with 50/50 water, rubbing alcohol, and a dab of bleach.

Stay home if you get sick. Unless you have severe symptoms requiring immediate medical intervention, call your doctor or clinic, call a nurse, and ask family members to retrieve medications fluids (Pedialyte or Gatorade) and protein rich foods for energy.

If you do go out, wear a simple mask to prevent spreading the disease as much as possible.

Stay away from the elderly, the very young, or anyone you know has another disease.

Take a vitamin to help build your immune system.

Don’t smoke! Don’t VAPE!

Why is everyone stocking up on toilet paper?

Americans are soft. We generally forgot how to take care of ourselves without the comfort amenities like toilet paper. If you are going to be isolated from going out, most people know they can order a pizza, or Uber Eats, but who’s gonna bring you a roll or toilet paper? Right? Just use common sense. No one is going to be isolated for 40 rolls of toilet paper!!!

Take a moment to look at your personal network of friends, family, and co-workers. Build a network of support for yourself and those you care about. This is not likely the only time you might need it.

If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1