CORONAVIRUS

 

Times are uncertain, times are angst-ridden and panic levels have reached an all-time high as we are facing the most monumental public health battle of our generation. We have been thrown into a position where we have to struggle to survive and to protect ourselves and the ones that we care for.

 

Covid-19 is accelerating at an alarming rate, make no mistake. The news is saturated with advice, statistics, data… it's horrendously overwhelming. Social media news feeds and timelines are flooded with just about every type of post imaginable about it; informative, misleading, panicked, downright frenzied… it is deeply troubling knowing what to believe, what to think and, more importantly, what to do to prevent and minimise your chances of becoming infected with coronavirus and shielding your vulnerable loved ones as much as you can.

 

There is literally no escaping from the speculation, assumptions are rife and you need to know concisely what it is, what are the signs and symptoms to look out for and measures we should be taking.

 

Knowing what to look out for will give you the best shot at defining what you've come down with. I guess it's tough with us being in the flu season, but take no chances. Be extra mindful. Even if it's flu, you'd still take heed wouldn't you? You'd be scrapping visits to your elderly relatives, you'd knock the night out on the heed, you'd swerve that concert. Common sense should prevail.

 

We already know it's primarily a virus that results in a cough, a new continuous cough, which is accompanied with a high temperature. Anyone displaying these symptoms should self-isolate for 7 days and if they live with others, the whole household needs to stay indoors for 14 days. This is current government advice which, we are starting to see, is changing and evolving, as the situation is escalating.

 

We know there are certain groups of people more at serious risk and they are:

 

• Those over 70
• Pregnant women
• Those who have an underlying health condition
• Those who have a weakened immune system

 

We absolutely must do all that we can to protect these people. No doubt they will be very scared, anxious, distressed. If you know of anyone vulnerable, do check on them. Even if it's a quick call or a text. Offer to get them supplies if they are unable to get out. Knowing they will have the basics in will do them the world of good, because imagine how stressed you'd be if you were constantly thinking about where your next meal is coming from as the tins in your pantry are vastly reducing.

 

So, what can we do to eradicate risk and make ourselves safer while we are out and about?

 

• It's been hammered home to wash your hands. I mean, come on, this is basic hygiene and if the world needs a full-blown pandemic to remind us to give our hands a scrub then something's not quite right here. Ordinary soap and water will do the job. Do it for at least 20 seconds. Sing or hum whatever tune you want to or just do a count in your head. Wash your hands when you come in if you've been out, and if you're about to go out. Especially if you've been to the shop. Who knows how many grubby hands have been on those food boxes or cartons of milk. You can also use hand sanitizer but good old soap and water is just as good.

 

• If you can't hold it in and feel the need to let out a cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve. Don't be using your hands to catch your sniffles. Absolutely not! Put your used snotty tissues in the bin as soon as you can and, again, wash those mitts.

 

• If you know anyone who has been displaying symptoms, steer well clear. Don't be crossing the street to give them a hug and a kiss when a cheery hand wave from afar will suffice. You can always message or call them at a later date to see how they're doing.

 

• Use buses, trains, ferries, etc, only when you absolutely need to. Public transport can be a potential hotspot for anything nasty. Think of the underground in particular… all that hot air blowing around, circulating goodness knows what. Also, consider the handrails when on buses, again breeding grounds for viruses so avoidance where possible is key.

 

• I know this is a toughie, but avoid social activities and gatherings of people where you can. It's hard, especially with Mother's Day on the horizon. You want to spoil your mum and take her for that lovely three course meal and treat her to a bottle of something delicious. But isn't it more vital to have her stick around to celebrate next Mother's Day? You can put the meal on hold, if it means that vulnerable people aren't unnecessarily exposed to the risk. Same with regular nights out. You can have those drinks and that chinwag any time.

 

• If possible, definitely work from home. Your place of work might have a policy and should have their own contingency plan.

 

Now, it's all very well having to endure a period of self-isolation. It's crucial for your physical health. But spare a thought for mental health too, this needs to be taken into consideration. Just imagine how the person feels who has OCD and already has a hand-washing or scrubbing compulsion – imagine how they're trying to cope. This will be hell for them. Think of those with social anxiety who become totally overwhelmed with the need to avoid other people. Imagine those who have fears of crowded spaces anyway. Their mental health will deteriorate. Think of those who isolate themselves already through depression and anxiety. Think of those who mostly stay home alone and they rely on social interaction to keep them mentally well and functioning.

 

In short, think of others too. Be considerate and compassionate. If you know someone is struggling through these turbulent times, reach out because they might not have the capacity to do it themselves. Be on the lookout. Be kind – this was the widespread message we were spreading not so long ago. Let's not go back on our work. Let's all be in this together. Let's not panic-buy just for the sake of it.

 

If your eyes are glued to the news or your finger is sore from constantly refreshing Twitter and it's making you feel anxious or mentally unwell, try and stop. Have designated periods of shortened time when you do keep up-to-date with what is a rapidly altering situation. Get the facts. Don't believe all the hype, the doom and the scare-mongering. Too much of that will end up controlling you and you will easily get sucked into taking misleading and false information as gospel.

 

Let's help one another. This thing will pass. Let's not surrender to it. Love and support is key to combatting this almighty mess. We can get through it. No-one is alone. Help those who need it and understand your own body. You know when something isn't right. It's better to be safe than sorry. Eradicate any risk you can, you'll be thankful that you did in the long run. The only thing which can't be cancelled or postponed is loss of human life. Do your bit, pull together and let's connect as a community to pull each other onwards and upwards.