Stay abreast with the disease of the 21st century : COVID-19
What a time to be alive...
What started as a simple flu strain has now become one of the most dangerous virus in modern day society. Early on, we were led to believe that this disease was not to be feared. Often compared to the flu, the coronavirus is an infectious disease that causes respiratory illness with symptoms like coughing, severe fever and difficulty breathing. Although, its symptoms are similar... it is clear that we are dealing with a whole different monster. We now realize that the media was not overreacting in preparing us for the inevitable so I think it would just be wise to gain some knowledge of the disease and how to prevent further contamination. It is actually pretty scary to see how fast it has spread across the world. In the United States alone, over 55,000 people have been confirmed with the virus and not even half the country have been tested, how crazy! It's more imperative than ever to educate ourselves and ensure that we are doing all that we can to prevent this pandemic.
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS -
How is the virus being transmitted?
Covid-19 is spreading mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes within close proximity of non-infected people (about 6 ft). You can also transmit the disease by touching surfaces/objects that contains the virus and then touching your face.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, fever, shortness of breath. Some patients also experience headaches, muscle aches, sore throat, pneumonia and diarrhea. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
How to protect yourself and others?
We can slow the spreading of the disease by doing everyday preventative actions like:
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before you eat.
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. It may help to have a hand sanitizer, a N95 mask and gloves, especially if you're handling money a lot.
(sn: I know hand sanitizers are pretty much sold out EVERYWHERE but you can actually make your own with item you might already have laying around)
The Quick (Gel) Recipe
Mix 3 parts isopropyl alcohol to 1 part aloe vera gel. Add a few drops of tea tree oil or any essential oil you'd like to add, to give it a pleasant scent and to align your chakras.
Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue and discard it in a closed container, or discharge in the sleeve of your arm.
Clean surfaces and objects touched frequently (door knobs, elevator buttons, etc.)
Stay updated on the latest news with CDC.
Most importantly, practice social distancing!
If you're sick -
Stay home!
Keep sick household members away from others.
Use soap and water, a bleach and water solution, or EPA-approved household products. You can make your own cleanser with a mixture of 1 cup of liquid unscented chlorine bleach in 5 gallons of water.
Avoid sharing personal items.
Anyone at high risk for complications should talk to their doctor for more information.
There is no vaccine or treatment available to cure this virus so it is vital that we each do our part. Take this time to recenter and bring focus to the things in life that truly feed your soul. During this period of isolation, it is a challenge for me to keep consistent and stay productive so if you have any tips to staying motivated, please don't hesitate to share!