Is this real life, or is it just fantasy?
Coronavirus, COVID-19, quarantine, travel restrictions, Wuhan, school closures, presumptive cases - these are some of the buzz words that I have heard in person, read on npr or nbc.com, or seen on passing social media posts and memes. As an aspiring researcher for vector-borne diseases and microbiology, I have been researching the facts and science behind the pandemic - which means there are lessons for everyone to take from it and apply going forward - as long as we remain calm during this ordeal.
I do feel that COVID-19 is much more publicized than I remember H1N1 being in 2009/2010, when the flu strain had affected my age group more than what is predicted currently. Compared to 10 years ago, social media is more widespread - with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, so many others. Everytime I go onto a social media site, I see posts related to the pandemics, including school closures and events cancelled. Also, being in the sciences, I know the biotechnology is way more advanced compared to a decade ago. When I went onto Google Scholar and typed in COVID-19 I saw articles recently published and discussion of using RT-PCR to diagnose infections. But where is the balance of managing the pandemic but also educating the public without fear. I have heard in several biology courses, the public will likely be overly concerned or not care... So, I would like to focus this blog on what I do know and think after discussions with many people about the impacts of this current pandemic.
First off - coronavirus - not to be confused with the beer or panic - is a group of viruses. I have read 25% of colds are caused by coronaviruses, along with adenovirus, rhinoviruses, etc. The coronavirus have four subtypes, this strain is the betacorona virus. Interestingly enough, it can clue people into why children may not experienced symptoms or may have it mildly (Without any underlying immunodeficiencies or chronic health conditions) - anyone who has worked with kids, like myself, knows young children constantly seem to be getting sick with colds, flus, and stomach bugs. This means their immune system may have antibodies that are able to attack the virus more readily. It also to remember that not everyone who coughs, sneezes, or sniffs has coronavirus or stereotype Chinese/Asians as being carriers. We are also in throes of allergy season (and continuing with cold/flu) - I have had lots of looks from just having a cough from post nasal drip that make me uncomfortable with dealing with normal allergy/sinus issues. Plus those who have asthma or other illnesses can have a dry cough (which is not always evident in those infected).
This particular strain came from exposure to animals, just like Swine flu, bird flu, west nile, eastern equine virus, and so on, that we don't have immunity to. When I was reading a paper for my term paper on Legionnaire's disease, Isaw that people who worked at sewage treatment plants came down with the infection because of not wearing adequate protection versus acquiring it elsewhere. This is no different with those who are working with animals, including China. I know OSHA has regulations that are put in place to protect those in occupations, such as lab research, to be safe from illness or exposure to chemicals.
COVID-19 jumped to humans and was able to spread very quickly. Especially among those who were congregating in one area or traveling. This virus also spread very rapidly on cruise ships and airplanes - and many cases were travel related. I do feel we need to be aware the impact of travel, especially with many diseases and invasive species. We do not have malaria, cholera, or dengue outbreaks in the USA but many people become infected without knowing at the time and come back treated by their doctors. These are reportable to the CDC but are not of concerns to most of us because they are not easily communicable. However, many people who travel are more apt to develop cold or flu like symptoms - because of traveling to different areas, lack of sleep, or not practicing proper hygiene - more on that soon. Based on the invasive species concept - coronavirus, along with cholera and bird flu are invasive because they have been introduced all around the world. Which is similar to mosquitoes, mussels, and burmese pythons.
From the health psychology side, I have noticed there is a lot of panic surrounding the coronavirus. It is understandable to an extent because it is new and unknown. Yet many fail to see how this could happen. I have seen stores with hand sanitizers, wipes, masks, toilet paper, and food wiped out. I recently put in an online grocery order - and noticed delays in what would be next day delivery and other items, such as cheerios being sold out. I find this interesting, because we live in a day we can order groceries and food onlines and through apps on our phones, which can reduce potential of spreading germs throughout our country. Many have not thought about the repercussions of buying a lot of lysol wipes, masks, and soap - there are people who do need it for health reasons. There are people who need to be clean to protect a child who is medically fragile, they have inject themselves with medications, or change feeding tubes (among other situations). Even for minor things - like the fact I can't clean my bathtub at home - because I know I would not be able to get a mask to deal with my allergy to mold.
This leads me to my next point. We live in a society where there is pressure to work and not all jobs have sick time/PTO. I have gone to class and work in the past sick - and yes, ended up with secondary infections on many occasions. I particularly remembering getting abridged flu symptoms when working at the call center - because of close proximity and the fear of losing PTO. I have seen students in ELEMENTARY school fight going home because they may miss something or their parents bring them to school. One week, I went to my co-op and literally several kids were getting sick with the stomach bug each day. Adults should be setting examples by taking time off when sick, stress management, getting enough rest, eating health, and exercising. They have guidelines on when to keep kids home. Same goes with making sure you cover your mouth and maintain proper hygiene.
This virus is concerning but ultimately there are lessons that can be learned. I think everyone should make more of effort to prioritize self-care and be considerate of others. You don't know who may be older than they look, have underlying health conditions, or immunodeficiencies. Many people my age have parents who are 60+ and have other chronic health conditions or others may have a relative with cancer or some of the issues listed above - so lets be considerate. If you are feeling ill, be considerate and tell the person and let them know. I try my best to let my parents know if I am sick because my dad is on methotrexate and methylpredisone - he can't fight off stuff as easy. Most of the time they want to see me and I make sure to be mindful of my germs.
Keep calm but use caution! This will pass...
I do feel that COVID-19 is much more publicized than I remember H1N1 being in 2009/2010, when the flu strain had affected my age group more than what is predicted currently. Compared to 10 years ago, social media is more widespread - with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, so many others. Everytime I go onto a social media site, I see posts related to the pandemics, including school closures and events cancelled. Also, being in the sciences, I know the biotechnology is way more advanced compared to a decade ago. When I went onto Google Scholar and typed in COVID-19 I saw articles recently published and discussion of using RT-PCR to diagnose infections. But where is the balance of managing the pandemic but also educating the public without fear. I have heard in several biology courses, the public will likely be overly concerned or not care... So, I would like to focus this blog on what I do know and think after discussions with many people about the impacts of this current pandemic.
First off - coronavirus - not to be confused with the beer or panic - is a group of viruses. I have read 25% of colds are caused by coronaviruses, along with adenovirus, rhinoviruses, etc. The coronavirus have four subtypes, this strain is the betacorona virus. Interestingly enough, it can clue people into why children may not experienced symptoms or may have it mildly (Without any underlying immunodeficiencies or chronic health conditions) - anyone who has worked with kids, like myself, knows young children constantly seem to be getting sick with colds, flus, and stomach bugs. This means their immune system may have antibodies that are able to attack the virus more readily. It also to remember that not everyone who coughs, sneezes, or sniffs has coronavirus or stereotype Chinese/Asians as being carriers. We are also in throes of allergy season (and continuing with cold/flu) - I have had lots of looks from just having a cough from post nasal drip that make me uncomfortable with dealing with normal allergy/sinus issues. Plus those who have asthma or other illnesses can have a dry cough (which is not always evident in those infected).
This particular strain came from exposure to animals, just like Swine flu, bird flu, west nile, eastern equine virus, and so on, that we don't have immunity to. When I was reading a paper for my term paper on Legionnaire's disease, Isaw that people who worked at sewage treatment plants came down with the infection because of not wearing adequate protection versus acquiring it elsewhere. This is no different with those who are working with animals, including China. I know OSHA has regulations that are put in place to protect those in occupations, such as lab research, to be safe from illness or exposure to chemicals.
COVID-19 jumped to humans and was able to spread very quickly. Especially among those who were congregating in one area or traveling. This virus also spread very rapidly on cruise ships and airplanes - and many cases were travel related. I do feel we need to be aware the impact of travel, especially with many diseases and invasive species. We do not have malaria, cholera, or dengue outbreaks in the USA but many people become infected without knowing at the time and come back treated by their doctors. These are reportable to the CDC but are not of concerns to most of us because they are not easily communicable. However, many people who travel are more apt to develop cold or flu like symptoms - because of traveling to different areas, lack of sleep, or not practicing proper hygiene - more on that soon. Based on the invasive species concept - coronavirus, along with cholera and bird flu are invasive because they have been introduced all around the world. Which is similar to mosquitoes, mussels, and burmese pythons.
From the health psychology side, I have noticed there is a lot of panic surrounding the coronavirus. It is understandable to an extent because it is new and unknown. Yet many fail to see how this could happen. I have seen stores with hand sanitizers, wipes, masks, toilet paper, and food wiped out. I recently put in an online grocery order - and noticed delays in what would be next day delivery and other items, such as cheerios being sold out. I find this interesting, because we live in a day we can order groceries and food onlines and through apps on our phones, which can reduce potential of spreading germs throughout our country. Many have not thought about the repercussions of buying a lot of lysol wipes, masks, and soap - there are people who do need it for health reasons. There are people who need to be clean to protect a child who is medically fragile, they have inject themselves with medications, or change feeding tubes (among other situations). Even for minor things - like the fact I can't clean my bathtub at home - because I know I would not be able to get a mask to deal with my allergy to mold.
This leads me to my next point. We live in a society where there is pressure to work and not all jobs have sick time/PTO. I have gone to class and work in the past sick - and yes, ended up with secondary infections on many occasions. I particularly remembering getting abridged flu symptoms when working at the call center - because of close proximity and the fear of losing PTO. I have seen students in ELEMENTARY school fight going home because they may miss something or their parents bring them to school. One week, I went to my co-op and literally several kids were getting sick with the stomach bug each day. Adults should be setting examples by taking time off when sick, stress management, getting enough rest, eating health, and exercising. They have guidelines on when to keep kids home. Same goes with making sure you cover your mouth and maintain proper hygiene.
This virus is concerning but ultimately there are lessons that can be learned. I think everyone should make more of effort to prioritize self-care and be considerate of others. You don't know who may be older than they look, have underlying health conditions, or immunodeficiencies. Many people my age have parents who are 60+ and have other chronic health conditions or others may have a relative with cancer or some of the issues listed above - so lets be considerate. If you are feeling ill, be considerate and tell the person and let them know. I try my best to let my parents know if I am sick because my dad is on methotrexate and methylpredisone - he can't fight off stuff as easy. Most of the time they want to see me and I make sure to be mindful of my germs.
Keep calm but use caution! This will pass...
Great post! Thanks!
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