COVID-19 Coronavirus and Lung Health: What can you do?

Posted by Merry, Alumni Mentor @merpreb, Mar 1, 2020

Good morning- I have hesitated to post anything about this new and dangerous group of viruses because I am certainly not qualified to discuss any science. And certainly not about genetics and viruses. But I can discuss how we can lessen our fears, be as prepared as we can and very simply if we get it, what do we do?

First of all the COVID-19 is the name for many similar viruses. It's not just one. It is believed to have started by bat guana in Wuhan, China. Wuhan is the very large capital of Central China’s Hubei province. It is a commercial center divided by the Yangtze and Han rivers. This virus spread very quickly, perhaps like the flu. And because of travel. it is spreading throughout the world, and it is here in America. This is a group of very dangerous viruses has the potential to kill and has. Many of us with breathing problems must be very diligent to protect ourselves as much as we can.

You can help protect yourself by doing these things:

Keep your hands clean. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover your cough and sneezes to keep germs from spreading to others. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces routinely. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick.

If you have these symptoms please see a doctor: Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath

I know that a lot of us have at least two of these symptoms already. So if your shortness of breath or your coughs become worse and you feel ill then it is time to seek medical help.

Here are several sites that have addressed the Coronavirus for more information.

If you know of anyone who is ill please stay away from them. Passing along the facts about this group of viruses is the best that you can do to help others avoid getting ill.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 18, 2020

In reply to @merpreb "@johnbishop: I think that the beach isn't as challenging. How sore were your legs? It looks..." + (show)

@merpreb I can feel it working my calves more than my elliptical does and it actually feels good on my numb feet and toes. My mind is running 100 miles an hour 🙂 Research helps me pass the time and of course Connect helps me personally a lot. I retired at the end of December but my wife still works full time at the post office and part time at the local restaurant (which is done for awhile now that they are all closed for dine-in). I normally start my day with a cup of coffee and watching shows I like that were recorded the night before since I go to bed early and pretty much the same time every night - a tip from Dr. Edward Creagan at one of his speaking engagements I had the privilege of hearing. After the coffee is gone, I jump on the elliptical for 30 minutes or so while I'm watching the boob tube. Then I mix in house cleanup projects from my honey do list when I need another mental break. Probably too much information 🙂

JK | @contentandwell | Mar 18, 2020

In reply to @mayofeb2020 "So true, love thy neighbors! Before this whole thing exploded, I have been taking my 80..." + (show)

The mention of "the right sources" by @mayofeb2020 reminded me of a text I got from my son this morning. It says:
"Malicious emails are being sent disguised as COVID-19 relief/assistance/information. Be cautious on what you open (especially attachments) even if it looks legit. Stay safe"

@bibiliverbut The reports out of Italy have been that doctors are having to choose who to treat and who not to treat because they are so overwhelmed. Is this untrue?

@johnbishop. All you need is a video of the beach in the background!
JK

spudmato | @spudmato | Mar 18, 2020

In reply to @spudmato "Hydrogen peroxide 3%: It is generally available and will do the task of any wipe for..." + (show)

Since some are concerned with their car; an alcohol solution (isopropl) of 70% will clean/disinfect most surfaces without damaging your car, the hydrogen peroxide and the like will damage leather, and screens, etc.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 18, 2020

For those of us with cancer, or have recently had chemo or radiation, or are going to have treatments in the near future you might be interested in this video. There still isn't a lot of information about the things that we want to know about this mysterious virus; Things like how long this will last, how long the virus lasts in a patient and about its long term effects. I don't consider anything news about the virus until I see it on several newscasts and CBC and WHO and of course Mayo Connect.
Did you know that Mayo Clinic has it's own youtube channel? It does and it's fabulous. Here's a video about can cancer and COVID-19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDe217UvW5s&feature=em-uploademail

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 19, 2020

Good morning everyone. There is a lot of fake information going around about COVID-19. There are a lot of reliable sources that have been posted and they are reliable with science-based facts. The last thing that we need in this country is more confusion so getting your news from unreliable sources can be very dangerous.
One such example is taking Ibuprofen with COVID. There hasn't been any research about this but please be cautious because there has been no research done about ibuprofen and other viruses. Doctors are encouraging caution.
https://www.bbc.com/news/51929628

Also https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4WA51th7aU&feature=em-uploademail
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/category/covid-19/

fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Mar 19, 2020

I was cautioned not to take any NSAIDS because of Stage 3 CKD so read the BBC article with interest. I will be sticking with Tylenol, as nephrologist recommended, if the need arises.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 22, 2020

Good morning everyone. I'm sorry to have been away for a few days. I was ill and am feeling much better now. By now so many people have isolated themselves to their homes and are probably going stir crazy. I came across this great article in the NYT. And who better to discuss this than Scott Kelly? !

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/21/opinion/scott-kelly-coronavirus-isolation.html

I love the idea of setting up a schedule. I need this right now too. Do you? What is your schedule?

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 23, 2020

The Surgeon General has just asked everyone to stay at home. Too many people are not taking COVID-19 seriously. Even if you feel good please do what he asks because the virus just won't die out if we mingle.

JK | @contentandwell | Mar 23, 2020

In reply to @merpreb "Good morning everyone. I'm sorry to have been away for a few days. I was ill..." + (show)

Thanks, @merpreb Good article.
I have not set up a schedule other than getting on the computer first thing in the morning while I have my breakfast. I tend to be more of a spontaneous type of person.

I have reached the point where I do not want to go out to the store but we are quickly approaching the point of needing some things Many of the stores in my area that normally do delivery or where you can order and pick up are suspending those services. They are needing to use those personnel to stock shelves. I presume that must mean that they are short of help. I know I sure would not want anyone in my family working in a supermarket right now.
JK

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 23, 2020

This is an update from Mayo Clinic on COVID-19 and Cancer.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/hematology/newsfeed-post/covid-19-cancer-faqs/

Has anyone come across anything unusual or different other than loss of smell and taste and sore throat in early symptoms of COVID-19?

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