Regular readers are probably used to my light hearted approach to recent health issues but that doesn’t mean to say I don’t take them seriously.
There is growing concern regarding coronavirus aka Covid-19 and the UK Chief Medical Officer has raised the status from Low to Moderate after twelve more people have tested positive, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to 35 (01-03-2020).
I know a lot of people will be thinking ‘It couldn’t happen to me’.
Well, ‘it’ has to happen to someone, and that might well be you (or me).
So, I am taking this very seriously.
The WHO advises us of precautions we can take like
1. Washing our hands regularly with soap and water or an alcoholic handwash:
2. Disinfecting working surfaces like kitchen counters or work stations:
3. Educate yourself about COVID-19, making sure your information comes from reliable sources (local or national public health agency, the WHO website, or your local health professional). Everyone should know the symptoms – for most, it starts with a fever and dry cough, not a runny nose.
4. Don’t travel if you have a cough or fever. If you become unwell on a flight, tell a member of the crew immediately. Once home, contact your health professional and tell them where you’ve been.
5. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or sleeve if you don’t have one. Dispose of the tissue immediately in a covered bin, and clean your hands (see 1)
6. Over 60 or have an underlying condition like cardiovascular disease, a respiratory condition or diabetes? Your risk could be higher and you may wish to avoid crowds or places where you come in contact with a lot of people.
7. If you feel unwell, stay at home and call your doctor or local health professional. They will ask questions about your symptoms, where you’ve been and who you’ve had contact with.
8. If you are sick, stay at home, and eat and sleep separately from your family, do not share flannels or towels, and use different utensils and cutlery to eat.
9. If you develop shortness of breath, call your doctor and seek care immediately.
10. It’s normal and understandable to feel anxious, especially if you live in a country or community that has been affected. Find out what you can do and discuss how to stay safe within your community, workplace, school or place of worship.
Hubby and I are anxious.
Nothing has been declared in our area, though there was an instance some 20 miles away which didn’t come to anything.
However, we live in a holiday resort. We are surrounded by holiday parks and other resorts plus there are places of historical interest within a radius of 40 miles.
A lot of people visit throughout the year, staying in holiday lets, touring caravans/campers, or local B&B hotels. Some also come here on a coach trip for the day.
I know of several residents who have had holidays abroad recently, some in countries that have had confirmed cases of this disease. They have been in airports, on flights, public transport and therefore exposed to the unknown.
Hubby and I are both over 60 and our health is crappy. I’m diabetic and on post cancer meds, whereas he is on a cocktail of medication for various ailments, so our immune system is weakened.
In the supermarkets, shops and pubs people are openly coughing and sneezing as there is a flu type bug going round (I had it a little while go and it knocked me for 6 so I kept away from everyone) with no thought to reducing the spread of germs.
We come in contact with a lot of people, either shopping locally or in bigger towns, socialising or more recently, the vet!
We are trying to be sensible but three films stick in my mind:
Outbreak (1995)
Right at your Door (2006)
Contagion (2011)
The numbers are frightening.
pensitivity101 
I read this Di, and imnediately burst into tears. It has troubled me a lot too, and it felt like we were the only ones worried about it. At this moment I too feel very very vulnerable for similar reasons to you. I have been very weepy about it today becayse they are saying that if such as us get it, they may not necessarly treat us. This is very worrying and very frightening. We have a diabetes problem too, abd you know of my cancer etc. Please let us stay in touch over this. I so felt the beed of support today, but no one takes it seriously. We need to though, as you say. Xx
It is upsetting Lorraine, but you are sensible. I’m glad you found the post useful and informative. I can’t say don’t worry because we’d all be silly to ignore it, but at least you’re aware you’re not on your own with your concerns. X
I have ceased worrying about it today. After not sleeping all night I decided not to worry any more. Like you, we have been following everything on the internet, and knew everything that was being said about how to tackle it. It doesn’t stop it being scary. I will be interested to hear what they have to say after today’s meeting of COBRA. Our town too is very vulnerable but for different reasons to yours. But at this moment we are going to carry on as normal.
Likewise, though I am not going to SW tonight, nor the darts finals tomorrow as there will be too many people I don’t know in a confined space which is not the cleanest of venues to start with.
I don’t blame you. Best be safe rather than sorry. There is something that I desperately wanted to go to in a ciuole if weeks time but thenpeople keading it are coming from London. I am bith upset abd angry because I have been syffering from such bad depression at being isolated for sonlong, and had intended to try and break it. Then this happens. It had all been put in place for people to help me because of blindness, but the best laid plans of mice and men and all that!
How awful for you! A lot can happen in a couple of weeks, but the incubation period is confusing, some saying isolation for two weeks, others saying four. Hopefully the organisers can let you know what is happening nearer the time perhaps?
Not sure but I might risk it anywat. Apparently it can be passed on before symptoms show. But my need to break my isolation mught ivercome any fear lol. Tgey are Friars that are coming and they feed the homelessnun Canning Town, and they run siup kitchens three times a week. I am very impressed and would love to talk with them. But, mixing asvthey do in London mught be ducey! However, I might decude just tobtake thevrisk 😀
Take care and weigh up the odds nearer the time Lorraine.
I wil Di. Xx
This is very frightening indeed, especially as there are now a couple of cases in the US where there has been no known contact with anyone who has it. I am being careful and also trying to avoid crowds as much as possible, but one cannot help but worry.
It is Fransi, but common sense plays a major factor in keeping safe.
Absolutely Di.
I think we all have to use good sense like you stated. But some folks no matter how sick won’t stay home
Don’t I know it! Years ago if you had a cold you still went to work. My last few bosses didn’t tolerate that and sent us straight back home again.
Good information.
Thank you
Reblogged this on .
thanks for the reblog on an important issue
You are welcome. I feel we should talk about this mire and not keep our feelings hidden.
Anxiety doesn’t help, but misinformation is worse, so it will pay to keep abreast of the situation on the official sites. Take care
That is EXACTLY what we have been doing. Anxiety is natural.
I know and we can’t help it either. I’m a born worrier so you can imagine how my mind is working.
Lol I know. I do think though that the newspapers etc have caused some of the ussues and panic. They make me so angry. I kept seeing scenes from those miviesnlast nught and coukdn’t sleep, so in the end thought Shit, this is no good!
Oh Lorraine! I’m so sorry if my post generated this! It was certainly not my intention.
Dont worry. It us ok. I had already thought about thise movies lol xx ❤️
And there are more cases every day. Yes it is frightening. But I am an unrepentant optimist and I am sure we will get through this. Stay well.
Thanks Pam. Bring on the sun! Apparently it doesn’t like the heat.
Getting sick with any of these new and mysterious viruses is scary, and especially if health isn’t 100% to start with. Hopefully you and yours can stay clear of anything serious.
We are aware of our surroundings so that’s half the battle I think.
There’s nothing wrong with taking sensible precautions.
🙂
stay out of crowds when possible. wear a face mask. we’re praying you and yours will be okay.
Thanks Suze. We have a full kit just in case.
Right At Your Door is a powerful and underrated film. I never understood why it didn’t do well at the box office. Perhaps it depressed Americans to think about dirty bombs?
I try not to worry unduly. If it gets me, I can’t really do too much about it. And ‘normal flu’ kills far more people of our age every year anyway.
Best wishes, Pete.
Right at your Door was scary, especially with the end scenario.
We can only be aware and cautious. Thanks for commenting Pete.
I totally understand the need for caution, with your immune systems already compromised, and living in a holiday area that is going to be more at risk for these types of disease.
I don’t suppose you could wear masks like in Asia, but maybe you can wrap a scarf round your face, to provide some sort of shield to the bugs!
Here in SA drug-resistant TB is rampant and for years I have got into the habit of holding my breath when I walk past someone who coughs – though it is difficult with asthma! 😀
We have a full kit so are prepared if things develop gastronomically
Good 🙂
The film’s you mentioned are very scary. A pandemic, which has not happened yet, this time. Unfortunately is due, all we can do is be vigilant, sensible . We can survive all of this. 💜
Common sense and additional caution will give us all a fighting chance.
Yes indeed and as Boris said Nah! Burr! Nah! Sing happy birthday twice while washing your hands in hot water …. I think we had already heard that Bossa 😁💜💜💜💜👍
I sigh and hang my head………
Painful isn’t it 🥴
🙂