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.

alamogal635 | @alamogal635 | Mar 7, 2020

@merpreb Know you are not a doctor or a specialist, but this is good information. You are in the top tier for safety from this virus and its mutation strain. Please take care of yourself and also all of us who have weakened immune systems and other conditions that make us more vulnerable take care of yourselves as the CDC and WHO suggests. Also, follow your PRimary doctor's advice.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 7, 2020

@spudmato- It is nice to meet you too. Thank you

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 7, 2020

In reply to @alamogal635 "@merpreb Know you are not a doctor or a specialist, but this is good information. You..." + (show)

@alamogal635- This is such a hot topic. I would love to debate all of this but that is not my position as a mentor. Take care of yourself.

alamogal635 | @alamogal635 | Mar 7, 2020

In reply to @merpreb "@spudmato- I've been thinking about whether I should stop PT. There are a lot of people..." + (show)

I probably err on the side of caution. With mild COPD--found this out from my oncologist, and a weakened immune system, plus pushing 70 years of age, I have been avoiding being among others--especially groups since this virus (viruses) appeared. It may be overkill, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. My advice to you is to skip PT until the Corona Virus settled down--it will stop, especially with warmer weather coming.

sistertwo | @sistertwo | Mar 7, 2020

We decided last week when the virus reached LA that we would not be going on our cruise. I like to live by, "if I can live with worse case, go for it." We are not willing to risk my husband's health, nor getting stuck in isolation. Everyday I check the NYTimes Coronavirus map and sure pray there will be an improvement soon.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 7, 2020

In reply to @alamogal635 "Good information. Thank you. Here in San Antonio we have/had people who were quarantined and kept..." + (show)

WOW- Three times?

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 7, 2020

In reply to @alamogal635 "I probably err on the side of caution. With mild COPD--found this out from my oncologist,..." + (show)

@alamogal635- Stopped everything. I am now an inside person along with my inside husband and inside cat!

alamogal635 | @alamogal635 | Mar 7, 2020

In reply to @merpreb "@alamogal635- This is such a hot topic. I would love to debate all of this but..." + (show)

@merpreb It is a hot topic and I am NOT trying to debate with you. Just saying what I"m doing. Have. CT scan coming up in a week--it's been a year--and I"m scared waiting for what the results will say. Guess I might be overreacting. Know I'm am no debater, and not an expert. Stay safe.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 7, 2020

In reply to @sistertwo "We decided last week when the virus reached LA that we would not be going on..." + (show)

@sistertwo- Wow, great thoughts! I might have to steal that from you! I am a stage 4 lung cancer patient. I have had very few illnesses like a cold or flu since my first cancer. They were awful then. I don't want to test out this virus.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 7, 2020

In reply to @alamogal635 "@merpreb It is a hot topic and I am NOT trying to debate with you. Just..." + (show)

@alamogal635- I know that you aren't trying to debate! I'm agreeing with you! I think that you err on the side of caution is very sensible. So am I. Why take a chance? We have made homemade hand sanitizer and Dave is taking great care when he comes home from the store to sanitize his hands. That's all we can do at this point. The few people who have it in my stae are confined to a different part of the state but the last person just found out and has been around a lot of people unknowingly!

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