COVID-19: Let's Stick Together Virtually

Yesterday I had an appointment in Mpls (90 miles from Eau Claire). As long as I was there I decided to do DINNER and a MOVIE. The Landmark theaters have Independent productions which I enjoy. I tried to work in two films as many only stay a week. The first began at 4 and was out by 6:30. When I got to the second theater it was closed for COVID-19. The Mayor of Mpls ordered them closed. He also ordered restaurants and bars closed at Noon the next day (today = St Patty Day for the Irish pubs). I see the wisdom of his decision.

@colleenyoung- We now have COVID-19 in our small town.
@bob270- There is some sanity left in this world! It's just too much of a risk being so close to people.

@bob270, Things are happening very quickly as we are navigating the uncharted waters of this new health risk. We will have an interesting story to tell our grandkids someday.
If you, or anyone wonders why our gathering places are being ordered closed, there is an article: COVID-19: Flattening the curve
in the post that is referened at the beginning of this discussion - Mayo Clinic News Network COVID-19 Special

PS. I like that you used the word 'wisdom' to describe this event.

I have a question. I am not feeling well. I am not concerned about Corona being the cause. I am very dizzy even when sitting and having balance problems. I do have neuropathy which certainly influences my issues. I do not feel well and am concerned. I had a doctor's appt yesterday and I cancelled believing the threat of going to a doctor's office was more concerning. I woke up this morning and had difficulty getting from my bed to my dresser to hold on. This is the first time in years that I did not take a shower right after getting up. I had to sit for a bit, took medication and had a half cup of coffee. I then felt a little more stable and took a shower. My throat is sore. Anyhow I called back to the doctor and have an appt today which I will go to. Do we just put aside all other issues during this time and not leave the house. I live alone. My husband died 2 years ago. I am 74 years old. I am afraid that I will die from falling or other illness before the corona virus may hit me. Happy St PADDY'S Day. This will be one to remember.

@summertime4- I hate vertigo is. I had it about 2 months ago. You don't have to avoid the doctor's office at all. You should call him and tell them what your symptoms are and that you live alone. Also with out a test no one can tell if they have COVID-19 or not. Although I haven't heard of anyone feeling dizzy with it, I'm sure that it's possible. So I'd call the dr. right way. We might have a pandemic but there are other illnesses too!

Hi, Summertime4, I have orthostatic hypotension and know what that dizzy, off balance feeling is like. If I'm not very close to something to hold onto or can sit down quickly, making fists seems to help circulation a bit. So glad you were able to feel more stable and will go for the new appt. today.

I am concerned about keeping a 6mos nephrologist and lab appt in a couple of weeks and will probably cancel that mostly because my annual labs 2 mos ago showed stable kidney values. It will be a situation by situation decision for many of us going forward I suspect as we decide which appts to keep and which to postpone. If a new/different health issue presents itself for me, I'll make an appt. but this particular one, I feel safe in postponing.

So glad Ginger opened this COVID-19 forum for members to share about ways we are coping with these uncertain times.

I have found selenium offers a level of protection against viruses. Search on "virus selenium" or "coronavirus selenium" We are using 800 mcg of Selenomethionine a day. It's the same form of selenium found in Brazil nuts. I came to learn this while following up on a search on "canine Brazil nuts cancer" for a pet.

I heard Trump at his Task Force news conference. He reminded us we have never attempted such a nation-wide effort before. FEMA and others are well prepared for tornadoes and hurricanes, but this challenge is new. He is proud of their efforts and stated that all they put in place will be readily available if such an event ever occurs again.

@onamission Staying healthy and doing things to keep your immune system strong is a good idea. This article from Harvard Health offers some evidence-based advice.

- Helpful ways to strengthen your immune system and fight off disease https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
On selenium it states "There is some evidence that various micronutrient deficiencies — for example, deficiencies of zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E — alter immune responses in animals, as measured in the test tube. However, the impact of these immune system changes on the health of animals is less clear, and the effect of similar deficiencies on the human immune response has yet to be assessed." Research is ongoing and looks promising. However, selenium deficiency has not been tested with COVID-19 yet.

Staying healthy is important. Social distancing and washing your hands are key to helping the community spread.

Hi @summertime4, it sounds like you did the right thing. You canceled your appointment when the threat of going to the doctor's office out weighed the benefits. However over the past 24 hours it seems like your health situation has changed. I assume when you called back at your doctor's office you informed them of your symptoms and they advised you to come in to be seen. You may wish to confirm that they are following safe protocols or to find out if there are new protocols for you to follow when coming in to the office.

Other than your appointment today, you're right. It is time to stay home except for groceries and pharmacy needs. Staying connected with members here on Mayo Clinic Connect can help keep you socially connected and come up with ideas to minimize the boredom and anxiety. I'd like to hear how the appointment goes and what you learn from the doctor.