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COVID-19 Coronavirus and Lung Health: What can you do?
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.
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/27/what-is-covid-19
- https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/qa-on-covid-19-from-mayo-clinic/
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
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.
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Good suggestions.
I would like to point out that most of the members of this group are now in the high or the very highest risk group.
My infectious disease doctor advised me to immediately stop attending: group functions, going to hospital except when absolutely required - and to wear a mask when in the hospital, and unnecessary doctors visits until this threat is passed.
I am aware that at his stage, and most other stages, of our lives sociability is a key ingredient of a healthy life; still one must survive in order to enjoy life at any level.
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4 Reactions@spudmato- I've been thinking about whether I should stop PT. There are a lot of people there. I'll have to ask my Pulmonologist. We have a first case of the virus in my state.
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2 ReactionsMerry,
It is always a risk benefit call. Odds are universal, but they don't work individually.
It is possible that you can do many of the PT exercise at your home.
It is a crucial question, and likely should be posed to your doctor.
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2 Reactions@spudmato- This is part of it of course but if you are infected then it does become very individual.
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1 ReactionThey said here on TV to call your primary doctor before going into his waiting room (you don't want to expose others). He might be able to tell you what to do by hearing your symptoms.
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2 Reactions@nene22- Yes Nan, I just read that in the NYT. Don't just show up at your doctor's office. Another thing is to wash all of the high "touching" places that you come in contact with; e.g. phones, remotes, TVs; screens, countertops...anywhere that this is a high chance of people touching surfaces.
https://mashable.com/2014/06/29/household-items-to-clean-phone/
How often do you clean your phone screen?
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1 ReactionWe (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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3 Reactions@sistertwo- Good morning. This is a very tough choice. To go or not to go! I have a trip to MN, actually, in June and am wondering the same thing. But I have some time to see where it spreads. Do you have insurance for your husband so that he's covered due to illness? I had to use mine to cancel a trip to Israel a few years back and it saved us a ton of money. I was to have radiation on a lesion in my lung. My doctor said no to my trip! But he helped us get all of our money returned!
Whatever priorities that you have set to go on this trip or considered ones for cancellation you will have to weigh very heavily. Also, if you have cancelation insurance I would suggest reading the fine print and see what your options are with that information.
Many companies don't want to lose people and might suggest that anything can happen in the future. But you know how affected your husband's COPD is if he becomes ill.
This was recently published by a cruise liner:
https://www.inglegroups.com/svabinsurance/en/resource/view/9602
I think that you have to weigh whether you want to take a chance that the virus will find it's way on the ship or any places that you will visit on day trips or not.
I know that you might have been looking for pat answers. I am sorry that I can't give you any. There are no pat answers unless the trip is canceled by the company, itself. What might your priorities either way?
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2 ReactionsI am selfishly wishing the cruise would be cancelled or that they (NCL) would find out we won't be able to port and allow us to postpone. I would be fine staying in our cabin (balcony) when we stop in Mazatlan or Puerto Vallarta, but booked a private fishing trip for Cabo. It is the one thing he can't wait to do.
As of now, we would lose the cost of cruise/air/and fishing deposit if we canceled. Which would be insignificant if he were to get sick. On the other hand, we would lose more than that with our minimal investments if everyone starts to panic and stays home.
Regardless, in addition to his VA, Medicare (he is 70) and supplemental insurance, I did take out a travel policy that covers any medical or emergency evacuation for the two of us, long before this virus was known. He has had AFIB, but had a successful ablation one year ago and usually breathes better on vacation than he does here in cold MN. We cruised in December and January, practicing all the safety precautions: never go in a pool/hottub; always use sanitizing wipes (and I'm still stocked up) on plane and dining; etc.. We have done quite a bit of traveling during the past few years and neither of us have gotten sick. But.......
I wish there was a clear answer! What would you do?
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2 ReactionsBTW, did the radiation help your lung? I hope you can reschedule your trip to Israel once the travel scare is past us.
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