COVID-19 is a big deal!

Remember that the vast majority of infected people get better on their own and many young people have no symptoms. Compared to some other viruses, COVID-19 is not that deadly. We know that the elderly, smokers and people with other medical conditions are at higher risk of pneumonia, pneumonitis and death as highlighted by many public health agencies.

Some useful sites include: WHO (https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen); the Public Health Agency of Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html) and provincial Ministries of Health, British Columbia CDC (http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19); CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html); Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-frequently-asked-questions) and numerous others. There are some insightful graphics at One World Data (https://ourworldindata.org/coronavirus#case-fatality-rate-of-covid-19-compared-to-other-diseases) and Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html;) that use reputable data sources.

Some media outlets have taken on a role of public service, stopped the hype and focused on clear, concise public health messaging. Thank you!!! But other outlets still fear monger which I hope stems from misunderstandings which unfortunately breed misinformation. Clear public health messaging by all media is a dream of mine in a time like this.

We have seen evidence of massive spread of COVID-19 across Europe and now in North America as it does its world tour. We’ve seen some successes in Taiwan, South Korea and China from which the rest of us can learn. We’ve seen the power of music and the arts to heal. And we’ve seen wonderful generosity.

Let’s work together and limit transmission. It’s the smartest thing to do. We’ll get through this. Now is the time to think about how your actions affect everyone.

What can you do?

• Stay home if sick which means any of the symptoms not only fever

• Go to a medical facility only if you need antibiotics or hospitalization or significant treatment for something else

• Avoid large gatherings – some people think they can’t get COVID-19….…….yes you can….anyone can… If you think you can’t you’re naive and dangerous to others.

• Most people don’t need to be tested. If you’re considering a test for COVID-19, do a self-assessment first. Go to https://covid19.thrive.health/ a survey website that assesses symptoms and likelihood of exposure and then recommends whether you should get tested or not. It also recommends when to self-isolate. In British Columbia we are testing those people whose course of treatment will be changed or who are being hospitalized. People without symptoms should not be tested since a test won’t change what will be recommended. If your symptoms are mild and you can stay home – stay home – phone public health if you need advice. Remember that people with heart attacks, renal failure, chronic lung disease and diabetes will still need healthcare resources.

• Take 4 mindful breaths and let go of panic. There’s no good reason to buy masks and extra hand sanitizers. Take 4 more mindful breaths each time you have the urge.

• Never touch your face in public, ever. Picking your nose is a bad idea since most respiratory infections enter your body that way. Hands below shoulders. Think of your hands as contaminated. Don’t shake hands.

• Stay 6 feet away from others even if you are well. There is evidence that younger people can have no symptoms and we don’t know if they can pass on the virus. Without symptoms they should be less likely to do so. A virus in a body fluid likes to move to another host. All it takes is wiping your nose then touching a door handle. Then someone else opening the same door.

• Wash hands 30sec before eating or touching your face - remember under nails and cuticles. That’s where viruses hide.

• Disinfect surfaces that are commonly touched e.g. keyboards, counters, door knobs. There are recipes for this http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/testing-isolation.

• Cover your mouth with a tissue or elbow if you sneeze or cough AND stay home unless you are positive your symptoms are only from allergies

• And you already know that washing your hands more frequently helps. Soap and water is fine.

Have a beautiful day!