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.

@asdf

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!

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The children appear to be least at risk, you the most.
I'd ask your PCP directly for your individual advice..
Your family will certainly respect the advise from your doctor.

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Good morning -
One of my mentor friends, @johnbishop, sent me this link. This is the best and most practical info I have seen on coronavirus.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/~/media/934B29A088B146D2AA7D41AB02EA12EE

The CDC has issued a plea that all people who are elderly and infirm stay home. Although there are attempts to isolate people who have been exposed and/or have the virus it is still spreading daily. So be careful, please!

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Amounts to self quarantine for the elderly & infirm. Most "infirm" require visits to their doctors - "catch 22." Take precautions, wear a mask.

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@spudmato

Amounts to self quarantine for the elderly & infirm. Most "infirm" require visits to their doctors - "catch 22." Take precautions, wear a mask.

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@spudmato- The CDC is asking everyone not to use masks. They really aren't very useful as they aren't tight fitting at all, for example. And some masks just can't be worn for long periods of time. And you have to change them every couple of hours. And what are you going to do when you have to eat, or drink something? Yes, it is self-quarantine! Not only does it help protect yourself but protects the community. Also, if anyone suspects that they are ill with flu-like symptoms please call the doctor's office before going there. Then they will direct you to what needs to be done to be tested and treated.
I can only pass on the facts. I'm not telling anyone to do anything. But if you are infirm and elderly than, in my opinion, you are taking unnecessary chances for your community and your own health.

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Good morning. Someone mentioned that it was very difficult to find a hand sanitizer anywhere.
HOMEMADE HAND SANITIZER:
Mix 3 parts hand soap or aloe gell with 7 parts ethylalcohol (which is easier to mix with something and our pharmacist recommended.) Use every couple of hours if you are out and about.

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My response, to wear a mask, was at the specific direction of my infectious disease doctor. I am at the highest risk level. Your comments are appreciated, but wrong in this case. Each case is dependent on the individual not on the general information given out.

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@merpreb

Good morning -
One of my mentor friends, @johnbishop, sent me this link. This is the best and most practical info I have seen on coronavirus.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/~/media/934B29A088B146D2AA7D41AB02EA12EE

The CDC has issued a plea that all people who are elderly and infirm stay home. Although there are attempts to isolate people who have been exposed and/or have the virus it is still spreading daily. So be careful, please!

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Good information. Thank you. Here in San Antonio we have/had people who were quarantined and kept here at Joint Base San Antonio. Most are all right now. Those who are are ina special motel that has been bought by Joint Base San Antonio. On a woman who tested negative twice for the virus went via bus to a major mall here and then it was found the third time, she tested positive for the virus. Even with that, we have had no cases here. We seem blessed that the virus hasn't nit here. We hall see what happens.

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@spudmato

My response, to wear a mask, was at the specific direction of my infectious disease doctor. I am at the highest risk level. Your comments are appreciated, but wrong in this case. Each case is dependent on the individual not on the general information given out.

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@spudmato- You should always pay attention to your infectious disease doctor. My information was from the CDC. They were not my own. I just stated that I agreed with them. As I am not a medical professional all I can do is give out general information so that people can make choices themselves. I was not dealing with you personally. I wish that you had stated that your infectious disease doctor had told you to wear a mask. I would have responded to you much differently. If you do wear a mask I urge you to google the best way to protect yourself. What type have you chosen to wear?
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks

I am also at the top of the food chain for risk level. I have stage 4a lung cancer.
I wish you well, always.

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Merry,
It is nice to visit with you. I'm happy with your comments, and satisfied with my doctor's directions aimed at me specifically.
My thought is similar to your in that each of us should try to get advise from our PCP who knows our situation, not from the influx of good but general information.
No disagreements.
Best

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