1. < Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19

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.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 2, 2020
In reply to @sistertwo "I am selfishly wishing the cruise would be cancelled or that they (NCL) would find out..." + (show)
@sistertwo

I 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?

Jump to this post

@sistertwo- Honestly, with the virus? I wouldn't go. But I have stage 4 non- metastatic lung cancer and would never do a cruise. You really need to speak to your husband. I do understand what you are saying. What do you think about calling them to see what they are planning on doing?

REPLY
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 2, 2020
In reply to @sistertwo "BTW, did the radiation help your lung? I hope you can reschedule your trip to Israel..." + (show)
@sistertwo

BTW, did the radiation help your lung? I hope you can reschedule your trip to Israel once the travel scare is past us.

Jump to this post

@sistertwo- Yes, the radiation killed the lesion. I have no plans to go to Israel now. I'm not sure that I could handle it any more!

REPLY
1 reply
sistertwo | @sistertwo | Mar 2, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@sistertwo- Yes, the radiation killed the lesion. I have no plans to go to Israel now...." + (show)
@merpreb

@sistertwo- Yes, the radiation killed the lesion. I have no plans to go to Israel now. I'm not sure that I could handle it any more!

Jump to this post

It is hard to want to travel when a person isn't feeling well. I am so sorry about your cancer. My heart and prayers are with you. Special prayers for many more good days!
Husband still wants to go on the cruise, although I know he would never want to get sick away from home. I'm the one that has to drag him to doctors even when we are home!

REPLY
1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 2, 2020
In reply to @sistertwo "It is hard to want to travel when a person isn't feeling well. I am so..." + (show)
@sistertwo

It is hard to want to travel when a person isn't feeling well. I am so sorry about your cancer. My heart and prayers are with you. Special prayers for many more good days!
Husband still wants to go on the cruise, although I know he would never want to get sick away from home. I'm the one that has to drag him to doctors even when we are home!

Jump to this post

@sistertwo- I don't blame him. Maybe there will be answers from the company in a week or so. I bet that you aren't the only one asking questions about whether the ship will sail or not.
I feel very well, thank you. And thank you for your heartfelt prayers! It's been nice meeting you.

REPLY
gbcapecod | @gbcapecod | Mar 2, 2020

If you do decide to go on a trip, be sure to take extra meds - more than 14 days’ worth, maybe much more - in case your cruise is quarantined. or your own country quarantines you because you’ve been to a place that suddenly became a hot spot. Never hurts to be prepared.

REPLY
1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 2, 2020

@gbcapecod- Excellent suggestions. And plenty of hand sanitizers and cleaning cloths with sanitizers too. But you said you already are familiar with a lot of this!

REPLY
asdf | @asdf | Mar 3, 2020

I appreciate your information. I have a group of relatives and, in particular, young grandchildren flying in in three weeks. I'm a little bit concerned as I've got health issues. Again, thanks!

REPLY
1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 3, 2020

@asdf- I'm sure that you are. What do you htink about talking to their mother and tell her about your concerns?

REPLY
1 reply
asdf | @asdf | Mar 3, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@asdf- I'm sure that you are. What do you htink about talking to their mother and..." + (show)
@merpreb

@asdf- I'm sure that you are. What do you htink about talking to their mother and tell her about your concerns?

Jump to this post

My son called last night worried about us. Very considerate! We will all watch and monitor the national & local situations as the visit date approaches. Then, we'll make a final decision. Everyone purchased refundable tickets! Thank you for your good suggestion.

REPLY
sistertwo | @sistertwo | Mar 3, 2020
In reply to @gbcapecod "If you do decide to go on a trip, be sure to take extra meds -..." + (show)
@gbcapecod

If you do decide to go on a trip, be sure to take extra meds - more than 14 days’ worth, maybe much more - in case your cruise is quarantined. or your own country quarantines you because you’ve been to a place that suddenly became a hot spot. Never hurts to be prepared.

Jump to this post

Exactly what I was thinking. Thank you!

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.