From the beginning they’ve been telling us to be prepared for disruptions but not to panic. Kailin sent me this link to ‘Don’t panic’ says US woman who recovered from coronavirus
Seattle (AFP) – An American woman who has recovered from the novel coronavirus has a simple message for people who are worried: Don’t panic — but do think about high-risk individuals and stay home if you feel ill.
Elizabeth Schneider lives in Seattle, the biggest city of Washington state, which has the most deaths in the United States from the disease sweeping the globe.
The 37-year-old, who has a PhD in bioengineering, said she was sharing her story “to give people a little bit of hope” through her own relatively mild experience with the infection, which she treated herself from home.
But, she added, “obviously, it’s not something to be completely nonchalant about, because there are a lot of people who are elderly or have underlying health conditions.
“That means that we need to be extra vigilant about staying home, isolating ourselves from others.”
This week, US health authorities citing Chinese data said 80 percent of cases have been mild, while the remaining serious cases that required hospitalization affected mainly people over 60 and those with conditions like diabetes, heart disease or lung disease.
OK, if Andy and I get the virus we’re not apt to have a mild case, but the article is still reassuring. That means there’s a good chance they will still have our utilities and food supply. I personally find that reassuring. And bless the internet when we’re socially isolated!
Thank you, Kaitlin!
March 14, 2020
definitely a good reminder that all isn’t for “panic mode” – I noted as soon as their was a rush on supplies, be it large supermarket or small pharmacy – that signs sprouted on sidewalks that “stock in…”
NZ gov’t has made two policies as far as incoming tourists people, all landing and staying – to isolate for 14 days with maybe more time, if that should occur. And no cruise ships are to try to come until June 30 when the situation will be re-accessed.
Our sixth case was via a man who had stayed with someone in USA who contracted the disease…as soon as our man heard the news he went directly to health people. Most are self-treating at home, unless underlying illnesses as this article Kaitlin has shared…
I just hope that doesn’t totally affect what is coming up for S/Hemisphere Winter time regular flu’ – I always get a jab but I still need to be more aware…
in regards to other issue I have here (currently) I must be recovering I’m sleeping better, in fact I kind of slept in this morning…and yesterday I napped in the arvo even though U2 repair people had an electric saw thing…
That’s good that you are sleeping better. Stay as healthy as you can! Here they say the virus situation might get better with summer, but may get worse again in the fall, so you might be right that your flu season might make things more complicated. I’m glad you got our flu shot. We get ours every year. The flu season would be a lot worse if it weren’t for the vaccine.
They’re working to see if drugs might help with the new virus, and they’re working on a vaccine, but it will take a year to eighteen months to test any candidates. They have to make sure the drugs and vaccines aren’t worse than the virus.
I am not panicking. But there’s that component of the virus that has me really concerned, and that’s what is causing my uncertainty and I’ll admit that’s what has me worried.
Stay well, my friend!
Thank you, you stay well too!
I agree, the uncertainty is unnerving. I’ve been doing a lot of puzzles and am trying to get myself psyched up to do something a bit more constructive with my time. Baby steps.
It is reassuring…I had seen others on TV say that theirs was easy to get over…but they were younger.
I’m guessing you are in the vulnerable category too. But the more people who don’t get terribly sick, the closer to normal the whole country will be.
I hadn’t had a flu shot or a pneumonia shot ever. and this year I had both.
especially when just having had pneumonia. I’m so glad I did. I feel it’s made all the difference. I’m still careful of course. but I don’t feel panic. I’m like you. I think the heat of the summer will help. but too early to tell for those of us in the vulnerable age range!
take care Catherine! I’m glad things are looking up for you. and you are soon moving into ‘my’ favorite season! xoxo
I’m certainly not panicked, but things could get a lot worse. Things got way out of hand in Italy and hopefully by acting now we can keep it from getting that bad here.
I’m not the least bit worried about the virus. What worries me is the panic that has been created and what the overall impact is going to be.
I wonder how many people are panicked vs. how many realize that we have to take strong measures now to keep it from getting here as bad as it is in Italy.
The start of a Boston Globe article entitled, A coronavirus cautionary tale from Italy: Don’t do what we did.
I have two relatives who work for the largest supplier of hospital beds in the country. They were told to work from home until June 30 because the company can’t chance procurement and sales employees being out on sick leave. They normally worked from home 3 days a week and only went to the office for two. They are flooded with orders to process and the company is busy dumbing down their normally high tech beds to basic beds that will be discarded after a year use. It’s not just people who are panicking. Looks like companies are too. Kind of ominous, isn’t it.
Good for them! That’s not panicking, that’s being prepared for hospitals being stretched, with not enough beds and equipment to handle the expected influx.
Peggy Noonan has a great article entitled ‘Don’t Panic’ is Rotten Advice. In fact, I think “don’t panic” is still good advice as long as it isn’t interpreted as being complacent. She writes that one doctor says,
Obviously panicking doesn’t help, but we want everyone involved in the health care system to realize what we’re up against and prepare as best they can. As individuals our main contribution is hygiene and social distancing and to take that seriously.
the panic is ruining our economy, I am concerned since we are both seniors, but not panic. we are taking precautions and waiting..
“the panic”?? How do you distinguish between panic and sensible precautions in the face of a crisis? The biggest misstep was not having adequate testing weeks ago, in spite of lessons learned in other countries.
I don’t remember where I got this link but it is worth sharing over and over again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=rkQXxqLNWzo&feature=emb_title
The main point to me is to do what you can do to help flatten the curve of infection so hospitals do not get so overwhelmed.
Yes! Thank you. I’m surprised that some people have been reading/hearing that it isn’t important to do that. There are a lot of reputable news outlets that have been covering the crisis honestly.
The Wall Street Journal (not a liberal source) says,
I’m surprised that some people think the problem is people overreacting rather than it being a serious crisis. The poll results are a relief, apparently most Americans are clued in.
I am 64, and Roger is almost 68 and diabetic…so I worry about him. I really want to stay home more from breakfast, but since his stroke he wants to go. And a psychiatrist told me it was important to get him out. So it is like I am going to be concerned for him either way.
You eat breakfast out and worry about him catching the virus? I know people with diabetes are more vulnerable. Are they emphasizing social distance where you are? In some states they have already closed restaurants and bars to on-the-premise consumption. That’s going to be hard on people who like to socialize.
Andy is 85 and goes up to the mountains by himself almost every day even though he’s had a few TIA’s (mini strokes). He even climbs on the roof when he “needs” to, to put up and take down his Christmas tree or check his solar heating panels. I’ve had years of practicing not worrying about him. I am glad he’s willing to wear the Garmin tracker we bought — he can call for help if he needs it and is able, and if he gets hurt so badly he can’t call, I know about where he is and get help for him.
We ‘re concerned that he has an appointment Tuesday for his macular degeneration treatment and it’s usually at least two hours in the sometimes-quite-full waiting room. He is going to phone about that tomorrow to see if they are doing anything to shorten the exposure times. I’m hoping they don’t completely cancel the treatments for a while.
It is what it is, no sense ruining our lives with worrying. That’s not always easy.