COVID-19 and MAC: What are you doing differently to protect yourself?

@ajp2019 COVID-19 gets spread in a number of ways and is not limited to your touching your face. Here is a simple and really good article from the Center for Disease Control.

How COVID-19 spreads https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html

Here's an excerpt from the article:
"1. Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

2. Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Also see this from Mayo Clinic
- COVID-19: Older adults have higher risk of serious illness https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19-older-adults-have-higher-risk-of-serious-illness/

I encourage everyone to read the whole article. You'll find more helpful hints of how to stay safe, ideas to keep you connected while being socially isolated, and more great discussions with members in the COVID-19 group on Mayo Clinic Connect here:
- COVID-19 Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/covid-19/

@ajp2019 I would think those things you listed will certainly help to minimize you getting exposed. As dangerous as this virus is, I am not taking any chances in any way. Six feet is still too close for me! I am staying well isolated

@sueinmn It sounds risky to me as you can be carrying the virus and have no symptoms for several days or even never; But you can pass it on.

@sueinmn You can have the virus and never know it but can infect others. I think gathering is ignoring the science. Why take such a chance. Bree

@flib Nine days later, and I will amend our previous precautions somewhat. We have had noone ill in our community so far, but are becoming more cautious. There are no gatherings here any longer except very small close groups of friends. There are about a dozen of us who are a defacto family, having been together every day here since October. We are all isolated together here, not in the larger world. We haven't even been to church in almost 3 weeks, nor to any other outside activities except to walk in the deserted state and national parks here.
We are outdoors and maintaining safe distances as we socialize. We prepare and eat food separately, except for the occasional foray by one or two to get takeout and bring it back. Anyone new to the park is not part of our group - we talk to them from the road as one would a neighbor, and apologize for not being our usual inclusive selves. A neighbor had a larger gathering on Saturday that includes people we did not know, and we all chose not to go to avoid introducing anything new to the small group. We shun the common areas, including the pool, except the laundry, which I use in the morning immediately after it is sanitized. We have washed hands and sanitized everything short of drinking the stuff. Everyone must make their own decision about how to protect themselves, this is ours.
Stay well and stay safe everyone.
Sue

I agree Terri. Had a nerve wracking experience in my yard today. My dearly loved elderly next door neighbor walked over to visit as I was weeding. As she kept stepping closer, I found myself backing up and finally told her i wasn't good, which is true, at judging distances but was just wanting to keep some space between us for both of our safety. We usually hug but times are different now. Neighbor looked surprised but I pray was not offended...I'm just working hard to stay well by staying home. I know she is aware of the virus and her adult daughters are doing her shopping. One daughter visited from AZ and just left Friday after 2 weeks; the d. was ill while here but neighbor said:" just a cold"...We just can't know that for sure some people have lighter symptoms.

I am not even trusting the take out food. I have worked SO hard over the years to get my health back. I am not chancing anything concerning this virus. We have well over a two month supply of everything, so we are staying put.

@ajp2019 Hi there! I am curious about your thoughts on social distancing since you last posted this. The fact that some countries and New York are spraying streets and sidewalks with disinfectant makes me wonder just how contagious is this? I know they are doing the spraying in heavily populated areas, but still....

Our group is surprisingly quiet. I think we are all feeling a bit fearful given our lung conditions. All I can say is, BE OVERLY CAUTIOUS! Do not under-estimate this virus. I hope you all will come back online to this group. We need support now, more than ever. I think of all of you every day. Hugs all around!

I feel like the drs and staff should be the ones wearing a mask and gloves. They are exposed to a lot of people and shouldn't be breathing on you!