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.

@sundance6

I know my opinion may not be popular, but, my question is how many of those who have "died" have only been caused by the virus? I know many countries don't keep statistics like we do, but I have a question how America has more deaths than 99% of the rest of the world!
Richard (Sundance)

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@sundance6, the whole answer to your questions may never be fully known. As you point out, every country track statistics differently. And yes, as @spudmato points out, some places intentionally to not report data.

I would ask that everyone consider the community guidelines regarding politics and respect, as well as the guideline to stay on topic. See https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/

Let's return this discussion to the topic of Lung Health and what we can do to stay safe. Discussions about statistics are welcome in this discussion:
- Daily Statistic and Graph of US and Worldwide cases and deaths https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/daily-statistic-and-graph-of-us-and-worldwide-cases-and-deaths/

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There is more information regarding testing for COVID-19. Mayo Clinic laboratories have launched serology testing and it is being used in the lab. More explanations about the tests being administered are explained.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/podcasts/newsfeed-post/mayo-clinic-laboratories-launches-serology-testing/

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Good morning- One major topic right now is when will our country open up so we can see what is normal. There will certainly be changes. But since the US was late in responding to COVID-19 it will take longer for us to recover. Dr. Poland has some very insightful ideas on what needs to happen. I am hoping that this video will go viral because someone, somewhere who has some clout might just help put these changes in place. What might your suggestions be?

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Dr. Poland amazes me! He answers questions and makes suggestions with such ease. I don't know though if this podcast will make you have more questions or fewer answers!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/podcasts/newsfeed-post/news-briefing-with-mayo-clinic-covid-19-expert-dr-greg-poland/

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@sistertwo

We (from MN) are booked to be on a cruise in two weeks to the Mexican Riviera. It hasn't been cancelled yet, but not sure what we should do because of husband's COPD.

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sistertwo........ I personally would not go on a cruise anymore. If he gets sick , they can't deal with those kinds of illnesses so the first port you get too he would have to go there. My cousin had that happened and he ended up down in columbia. Good luck to you and its all your decision........ I just put in my two cents worth.

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If you are wondering if you can become immune to COVID-19 WHO says that there is still no evidence to support this claim
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/25/us/who-immunity-antibodies-covid-19/index.html

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@merpreb

If you are wondering if you can become immune to COVID-19 WHO says that there is still no evidence to support this claim
https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/25/us/who-immunity-antibodies-covid-19/index.html

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@merpreb I have read that also. If that is so, that having it does not give you immunity, then that eliminates that "herd immunity" could be effective.
It also has not been determined that having it does not give immunity. There is so much that is not known about this virus, it's a long learning process.
JK

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All true so far JK, nothing so far shows any signs that there is immunity. COVID has shown that there are bodily connection scientists haven't see before.

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Good morning- As great questions come up I look for additional, reliable, and sound information. Here's what I found: This is from the Infectious Disease Society of America. I'd never heard of this group. There are many topics about COVID-19 on this site, as you can well imagine but the one I have posted I thought applicable today.
https://www.idsociety.org/news--publications-new/articles/2020/emphasizing-need-for-more-information-idsa-releases-antibody-testing-primer2/

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