COVID-19, the fear of the flu

@robbie1956 Has your wife ever been tested for COVID-19 antibodies? She might consider talking to her doctor about this to see if it might be helpful in determining whether her flu symptoms might have been COVID-19 or not. Her doctor could probably give her good advice about that.

@hopeful33250, Thank you Teresa for your post. I had no idea that 4 diff. strains of the Covid virus have been detected. I'm completely relying on the information coming from our leading infectious disease experts. Opinions and actions shared by non-experts in the field are not only dangerous, because many are desperate to try anything, they are also creating shortages of meds proven to help specific-only conditions and needlessly putting vulnerable people in jeopardy of their lives.

@fiesty76- Hi. This might help with this subject:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/podcasts/newsfeed-post/covid-19-news-briefing/

@team4travis

I do agree with most of what you say, but it is important for us to rely on the medical/scientific community for guidelines about COVID-19. While even doctors have changed their opinions about what to do in this situation it is because this is a more complex virus than it was first thought to be. For example, at one time the elderly or those who are immune-compromised were considered to be the most vulnerable. Lately, however, children are found to be extremely vulnerable as well.

This very complex virus has many different strains. Here in Michigan, we have at least four different strains of COVID-19, which makes this virus different from all the rest. Some of these strains appear to be super-spreaders. In other words, they can spread to others and infect a greater group than other strains.

I have a great deal of respect for state and national leaders who make policies based on scientific-based knowledge. Prayer for wisdom is certainly not be to negated. I believe, as I think that you do, that we need the help of the Creator in this matter.

@hopeful33250
Hello Teresa, I think we're singing 2 slightly different choruses of the same song. I think we can agree about following trusted members of the medical/scientific community, but realizing even their opinions may change due to the fact that even they are learning new things daily about this very dynamic situation. As you said, in your state, there are now at least 4 strains.

I guess one of my biggest wishes (other than prevention of further deaths from the virus) is that people avoid frenzied panic created by sensationalistic media.

As your user same states, you are hopeful. That is a good trait from which we all benefit.

Be well,
Allison

@hopeful33250
Hello Teresa, I think we're singing 2 slightly different choruses of the same song. I think we can agree about following trusted members of the medical/scientific community, but realizing even their opinions may change due to the fact that even they are learning new things daily about this very dynamic situation. As you said, in your state, there are now at least 4 strains.

I guess one of my biggest wishes (other than prevention of further deaths from the virus) is that people avoid frenzied panic created by sensationalistic media.

As your user same states, you are hopeful. That is a good trait from which we all benefit.

Be well,
Allison

@team4travis- I don't think that anyone is panicking. I think that people are acting fearful, the way as they should be about this virus. Cautiously entering society is the best way. Areas, where there are no restrictions, are seeing an upswing in the number of cases. The media might exaggerate some things but the number of people lost or seriously ill and their mourning families are not some made-up hyped event.

@team4travis- I don't think that anyone is panicking. I think that people are acting fearful, the way as they should be about this virus. Cautiously entering society is the best way. Areas, where there are no restrictions, are seeing an upswing in the number of cases. The media might exaggerate some things but the number of people lost or seriously ill and their mourning families are not some made-up hyped event.

@merpeb
Hello Merry, certainly the number of deaths and the impact on grieving families are very real and very tragic. I do not suggest it is a made-up hyped event. Any loss of life is truly heartbreaking.

When watching some news sources, their reporting style seems intended to whip up panic or sensationalize the political side of the virus. Maybe this is just my oversimplified, idealistic opinion...It should be about mourning the dead, caring for the sick and all who support and care for them, and fighting like crazy to find a resolution to preventing the virus from becoming more devastating than it already is. It should not be a vehicle to divide our country.

I encourage everyone to stay safe, employing equal measures of social distancing, good hygiene, common sense and kindness.

Be well,
Allison

@team4travis Hello Allison,

Your response was beautiful! Well-thought-out. When you said, "find a resolution to preventing the virus from becoming more devastating than it already is. It should not be a vehicle to divide our country" I could not agree more. I do hesitate to support your statement that, "When watching some news sources, their reporting style seems intended to whip up panic or sensationalize the political side of the virus" and cannot agree with you there. The news sources are just reporting the truth.

I reminded of the movie/play The Music Man where the actor sings the song, "We Have Trouble, Right Here in Virginia City," From my vantage point our trouble is not with the news media, but with leaders who want to muzzle science/medical opinion. The news sources are just reporting what is happening. It takes great courage to go up against the powers that be.

Thanks again for posting, you offer a very thoughtful opinion and it helps me to clarify my thinking.