Coronavirus
NOTE: I want to make it clear, I am not a doctor nor a medical professional. I’m simply providing you the information I have obtained and use for my own planning and protection. I look at the cause, the virus, and then evaluate the impact it could have on me now and in the future if the cause changes. Simply be prepared.
The Source: It is important to keep a few things in mind when evaluating the current status of the Coronavirus. They are:
1. The virus surfaced in a country with a Communist controlled government and with controlled media outlets. So, keep this in mind. Is or would the Chinese government suppress the most correct information to their people and to the world? It could be suppressed for many reasons. One being embarrassment to the world and panic to the citizens of the nation.
2. Keep in mind the virus originated in Wuhan, China. What is in Wuhan, China? A Chinese Weapons lab. This is where deadly bugs and plagues are created and tested for future warfare. It is unknown is something possibly was leaked or carried out of the lab to the local populace.
3. It is not certain yet what the accurate RO factor of the virus is. The higher the RO factor the worse the pandemic. Example, years ago in 2002 the SARS was a RO of 2-0 to 2.7. The Coronavirus is was originally reported at a 2.0 level but some, without medical proof is reporting the Coronavirus to be a RO of 2.5-3.1. To avoid panic, it is best to remain cautious and have a plan in place in the event the news is trailing the virus in level of human impact.
What is Coronavirus - A Coronavirus is a kind of common virus that causes an infection in your nose, sinuses, or upper throat. Most coronaviruses are not dangerous. But in early January 2020, the World Health Organization identified a new type: 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China. By late January, there were 300 confirmed cases in China and a death count that was still in the single digits, but rising. And despite airport screenings, a traveler had brought the first case to the U.S.
Coronavirus isn't Ebola or the Black Plague, it's this year's flavor of the flu. Before this strain appeared, the CDC says from October 1, 2019 to mid-January of this year there have been 8,200 to 20,000 flu deaths in the US. The average per year is about 36,000. As of now, the Coronavirus won't be all that special until we see numbers substantially above these. You have probably read this strain is exceptionally contagious. A person can pass the virus before symptoms surface in the carrier because the virus has a long incubation period.
One of the issues with the virus is several individuals who have died showed no signs or symptoms of the virus. Quarantine is important because a city or town doesn’t want these individuals to enter airports, subway systems or areas where mass gatherings take place.
Precautions - As in every flu season, your best bet is to take the precautions. Here are some suggested measures now:
1. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. When you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wearing a disposable face mask may help with this. Masks might also help with preventing exposure to the droplets from coughs and sneezes.
3. Avoid public places as much as possible. If things get bad enough, many places, including schools, will likely close to limit the spread of the virus. Airports in particular would be on my “don’t” go unless absolutely necessary list.
4. Stay away from people with symptoms, including runny nose, coughing, and sneezing. Of course, most people with these symptoms won’t have the 2019 –nCoV virus, but it still makes sense to be careful. Unfortunately, it appears that the virus is able to be spread before the person becomes symptomatic.
5. Like always, eat healthy, and get plenty of rest and sleep.
Remember, there is currently no vaccine, so prevention seems to be the only course of action.
Part of your readiness gear should already include the N95 or N100 masks and nitrile gloves. Consider taking extra steps to keep your surface areas around your home and work area clean. Also keep your personal hygiene elevated. For my own plans, I purchased the below gear several years ago. If it makes you feel better you may want to procure a simple Tyvek style suit that you can purchase for under $30. You can procure the one piece suit, booties, and with a hood. You can spend more to get better. Your choice. These are simply planning ahead suggestions.
Gloves - Gloves come with the suit above or you can buy separate. This may be wise in the event your gloves become punctured or contaminated.
I already have several of the helmet style face drop shields to cover my N95/N100 mask, face and open extremities of the face. This is simply a precaution. I purchased this gear as part of my pandemic plan in the event individuals living in or around my residence contract some form of contagious virus or illness. If a quarantine is required in or around my home this gear is to help protect the uninfected. It is simply a step in prevention to avoid spreading a virus or disease. I would encourage you to not get paranoid, but have a worst-case plan for long term isolation and the supplies to support it. The worst of the "worst-case" would have it mutating to a more lethal form. What is your plan?
If you frequent the internet several sites are voicing alarming stories of the virus being worse. The answer at this time is “it is not known nor can it be verified at this time.” So, prepare and be cautious, especially if you are elderly or have a weakened immune system. Like with all news, take the topic, digest and research it to determine how it could impact you at some point. Awareness is about 90% of Preparedness.
To date, most professionals who work and study viruses and past contagions are reporting this virus is not comparable to the 2002 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Just like with your other plans; food, water, and other resources, don’t wait until the other 95% of our populace races to buy the needed resources for personal protection. Identify your needs, obtain them, and be prepared in advance before the unprepared start hitting the stores.
My suggestion is simply a precaution at this point. Don’t get caught off-guard.
Blessings,
Bravo Echo Out
