We have no doubt you have heard of COVID-19, the newest Corona virus. We have no doubt you have heard of COVID-19, the newest Corona virus. Because it is a new virus there is a lot of talk about it as we seek to understand it better. Let’s first acknowledge that this virus is seeming to cause a higher percentage of cases with complications, and potentially more people dying than from the flu. (Yes, the flu does cause thousands of people to die each year, we have just gotten used to it and understand it is typically older and unhealthy adults). Our hearts go out to anyone who has had a loved one die as a result of this virus, as well as from other causes. We don’t want to minimize those deaths we simply want to help you to have a better perspective of what’s going on so that you may embrace your life.
The fear this virus is causing is controlling a lot of people. To combat the fear, it is important to realize that if you contract this virus, chances are in your favor that you may not even realize you have it or you will have a viral infection that is annoying but not serious enough to be hospitalized. Yes, there is a percentage of people that get this virus who end up critically ill and there is a very small percentage that die from this virus. We don’t want to minimize those who are unlucky enough to deal with that, we want you to know that getting this virus is not a death sentence. It is important to understand this.
Keep in mind that the statistics the media is publishing are skewed. They give the statistics on the total number reported of COVID-19 cases, the percent of those that are critically ill, and the percent that die without Keep in mind that the statistics the media is publishing are skewed. They give the statistics on the total number reported of COVID-19 cases, the percent of those that are critically ill, and the percent that die without having had everyone who could have been exposed tested. To have accurate numbers, everyone that could possibly have been exposed to the virus needs to be tested. Just testing people with symptoms does not detect the people who have the virus that don’t know it. And often people with symptoms don’t bother getting tested or have no access to tests. If we don’t know the true total number of infected cases, we can’t accurately determine the percentage of people who will become critically ill, or even die. This means that the percentages of people (that could become critically ill, or even die, from the virus) that you hear in the media are made out to be higher than they actually are. This makes people feel that they are at a higher risk of critical illness or death than they actually are.
The Diamond Princess (Jan. 20, 2020 sailing from Japan) is the closest thing that we have to a scenario in which everyone exposed got tested. This The Diamond Princess (Jan. 20, 2020 sailing from Japan) is the closest thing that we have to a scenario in which everyone exposed got tested. This allows for more accurate data. From that “experiment” the CDC has reported that about half of the infected people had no symptoms. Of those with symptoms, about 9.7 % had critical illness requiring the ICU and there was a 1.3% death rate. Keep in mind that is the percentage of the symptomatic people. If we extrapolate that to the total number infected, those percentages would be reduced by about half. In addition, we need to remember that the average age on the cruise line is higher than the general population, which leads us to believe that the actual percentages in our society are even lower.
We are not minimizing the seriousness of the virus and we strongly advise taking proper precautions to stay healthy and minimize transmission of the viWe are not minimizing the seriousness of the virus and we strongly advise taking proper precautions to stay healthy and minimize transmission of the virus. We simply want everyone to have an appropriate perspective on this illness. Expect to hear about more new cases being diagnosed and some new deaths. It is going to happen for a little while before it starts going down. They are testing more people and as a result more people will be diagnosed. But the percentages of people that will be critically ill and that will die are markedly less than was first thought.
The media would almost have you think that it’s the end of the world and that you should lock yourself away or else you will face certain death. No The media would almost have you think that it’s the end of the world and that you should lock yourself away or else you will face certain death. No wonder fear is rampant and anxiety is commonplace. If you have gotten sucked into the drama, it is understandable. Our brains are wired to look for danger and the media knows this and they take advantage of it. They know that “bad” news sells and gets us to keep coming back to watch.
The fear and anxiety being created by this virus is greatly out of proportion to the threat. Fear has become the bigger pandemic at this point. We have seen it paralyze people to the point where they have stopped taking care of themselves and they are having trouble concentrating, sleeping, and overall The fear and anxiety being created by this virus is greatly out of proportion to the threat. Fear has become the bigger pandemic at this point. We have seen it paralyze people to the point where they have stopped taking care of themselves and they are having trouble concentrating, sleeping, and overall functioning. Many people have stopped exercising, stopped eating right, and in general have stopped staying on top of their health. Fear and anxiety can lower your immune system. Does living in fear make sense?? It doesn’t to us and hopefully it won’t to you either. It is better to acknowledge the issue and then figure out how to manage the situation appropriately.
Recognize that even with the improved statistics that we mentioned, this is a significant virus and just like with any infectious disease it is important to take precautions. This is a reminder to do things we should always do year-round.
Here are ten great things to do:
1. Practice good hygiene.
Wash your hands often, with soap and water. Especially before and after eating and using the bathroom.
Use a hand sanitizer often throughout the day to keep your hands clean.
Avoid touching your face. This seems to be the most important thing in reducing your risk of getting the virus. The use of a mask for people without symptoms is advisable if it helps to remind you to avoid touching your face—it can be anything, it does not have to be a special mask.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow
There is more info at the CDC site, and in my prior article about COVID-19, about proper hygiene to avoid contracting a virus.
2. If you feel unwell stay home. Again, something we should always do. This protects those around you and resting allows your body to recover properly.
3. Stay hydrated and eat healthy meals. This is also something we should be doing year-round. It is interesting to note that more people are going to suffer, and even die, this year as a result of their poor lifestyle choices than will ever suffer, or die, as a result of this virus. This is a wake up call to take care of our bodies so that we can be in optimal health with a strong immune system.
4. Turn off the news. News only promotes fear and anxiety. Read or watch things that are more uplifting. Get the facts from reputable sites like the CDC. Avoid the drama. Also, it is best to avoid or at least minimize logging onto social media sites as they are also propagating a lot of negative information. If you do log onto a social media site, go to positive and factual, non dramatic sites and on your personal page focus on posting positive things and empower those around you.
5. Avoid crowds and group events during this viral infection outbreak. Physical distancing reduces the rate of transmission of this virus. In the end most of us will most likely be exposed to this virus, “social” distancing of 6 feet will slow down the rate and allow our health care system to keep up with the percentage of critically ill people and be able to save more people.
6. Keep exercising. You can go on a walk or go on a bike ride. Start an at home exercise routine until the gyms open. Note: you can currently get free access to Beachbody.com programs online. Regular exercise helps your body and mind to stay healthy.
7. Start your day sitting quietly and calming your mind. Take deep slow breaths. Sit outside if you can. This trains your brain not to jump to fear and anxiety.
8. Have gratitude daily. By being grateful for what you do have it is difficult to live in fear and anxiety. There is always something to be grateful for no matter what is going on around you. Write three things that you are grateful for each day. Doesn’t it feel better to think of those things versus the things that are not “going right”?
9. Continue with necessary lab work and health care visits to manage medical concerns. You may be able to do these visits by phone. Staying on track will help you long term.
10. Continue taking your supplements. Vitamin C and D are especially helpful in boosting immunity. Ensure that your Vitamin D level is optimized. If you want an extra immune boost, get a Myers Cocktail (it has Vitamin C and B’s, magnesium, calcium), glutathione IV (potent anti-oxidant), and/or Ozone IV. Learn More About IV Therapy Here.
Most importantly, remember that you have an amazing body and mind. Treat them well and they will take care of you. We may not be able to control what’s going around us, but we can control what we do and how we react. Acknowledge what is going on and then take the steps to manage what you can. Embrace each day and live your life!!