Yes, covid 19 is here to stay.
Life happens. Viruses (non-life) happen. Viruses vary in how contagious they are, which human organs they prefer to attack, how lethal they are. It’s all in their DNA or, in the case of coronaviruses, their RNA (but we must remember that RNA mutates, a lot).
Even if covid 19 “goes away” in the Summer, it is extremely likely that it will be back next Winter. If it behaves like other viruses (1918 “Spanish flu”), it may come back mutated and more lethal. There are no miracles, only Nature. Eventually, humans will develop resistance to the virus, sooner than later if/when we get the vaccine. And let’s hope that the scientific and medical communities find or create suitable therapies, like antivirals that actually work for covid 19.
How can you get ready for a pandemic? Nobody is ever ready (although some countries have been shown to be more ready than others). As we gain information about covid 19, we learn more about what to do to stay safe.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.
Avoid close contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms (fever and cough)
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If you can get hold of hand sanitizer, use it while away from home, after touching surfaces you can’t avoid touching.
The virus will be killed by alcohol in a concentration higher than 60 or 70%.
Vodka will not do the trick: it is only 40% alcohol.
When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow (not hands!) or a tissue – throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands.
Update your flu-vaccination: this will not protect you against the coronavirus, but may protect you from getting flu-related respiratory symptoms.
… especially for people over age 70, covid 19 is highly, highly lethal (about 10%).
It’s not certain yet how long the covid 19 lives on surfaces, but preliminary information indicates that it may “persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days.”
Harvard Health notes that the virus is more likely to survive on hard services than softer ones like clothing fabric. Still, doctors suggest removing shoes and changing into clean clothes to prevent outside germs from coming into your home.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests washing clothing items using the warmest appropriate water setting and making sure to dry them completely. Also, clean and disinfect hampers and use a disposable bag liner if possible.
It is our personal duty to stay safe and avoid passing the virus to our loved ones.
It is our personal duty to avoid filling hospital beds and respirators.
Stay safe and take care. If you have to stay at home, take the time to take better care of yourself, your skin and hair. Watch good movies, read your favorite books and Skype your friends and family.
Hannah