Thoughts on covid 19?

[Treed12]

I know this is a popular discussion at the moment. I'm curious of what your thoughts are about covid 19. I was cautious but not worried. But now it's in the county I live in and my doctor has said I should be worried, I'm worried! I'm working part time in a school. My husband works in a bank serving many people, my children go to school. I feel very exposed. I dont want to hide away, but also I do! We've got a plan in place at home and with our kids to keep good hygiene but other than that I'm stuck at what to do. Or should I ignore my doctor and not worry? It's a rubbish situation.

[sassy59]

It is a worry I agree. Cases in the UK stand at 36 now. Pete and I needn’t go out but our eldest son is a police officer based at Gatwick and our son in law travels all over the country with his work plus grandkids at school.

Just remain vigilant, hand hygiene is a must, I’m wiping trolley handles or wearing gloves. It’s just crazy but I don’t know what else to do. Xxxxx

[Inamoment in reply to sassy59]

Couple of cases in West Sussex is not calming. My daughter does domiciliary care so the carers have to be particularly cautious

[sassy59 in reply to Inamoment]

No I know, we live in West Sussex and Pete attends Worthing hospital. We just have to be really careful. Xxxx

[Caspiana]

Hello Treed12 , 👋

Of course you are worried. I think even for healthy individuals it's on everyone's mind. In what capacity do you work in school? Do you teach or administration? Could you take some leave until this thing blows over?

I am guessing like all of us , you have your "outings regimen" like hand wipes, alcohol gel etc.? Just keep that up diligently and wash your hands frequently. Nowadays when I am out and about I was my hands at least every hour which means ducking into every toilet I find . 😑 Don't use the hand drying machines here's why (see link below) Do your up most not to touch your face. Wear gloves.

healthunlocked.com/blf/post...

Always bring a few clean hand towels with you. Don't share the towels with anyone. Always change all the clothes you've been out in as soon as you get home and have a shower as soon as possible. Gargle with mouth wash when you get in the door. Eat healthily , drink enough water and get enough sleep. And as much as possible this should go for everyone you are cohabiting especially your husband who has to meet many people every day and probably commutes by public transport (?). Don't attend any big gatherings of people. Stay away from rush hour. Wipe down your family dining table every day with disinfectant.

All we can do is do our best . And yet we have to live. Let's look forward to spring and warmer weather. 😊 We will make it through this.

Cas xx 🍀🌿🍀

[Treed12 in reply to Caspiana]

Thanks for your reply, some really helpful advice 😊 x

[golden-retriever]

> “Should I ignore my doctor and not worry?”

I‘m allowing myself a healthy amount of fear. Fear keeps you on your toes.

Your doctor is right, I believe. Something is coming that we don’t fully understand and we know that we are its target.

[R1100S1]

I will try not to worry in the packed waiting rooms for my weekly blood tests and chemotherapy sessions 🙏

[HungryHufflepuff]

This is something to worry about but it is definitely being dramatised by the media. It's very hard to find out any facts. This morning on the radio a presenter was interviewing someone from the NHS. The presenter asked: Are we going to see routine procedures being cancelled given the number of coronavirus cases. The NHS person said: We are nowhere near that situation! The number of cases, at the moment, is low.

It's all being sensationalised. I guess it's something different to talk about after the same old news story for four years.

[Cateran in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

We are in danger of immersing ourselves in a carapace of paranoia HH. I definitely second you about your comments on the media and sensationalising Covid-19. As i pointed out in a previous post, we are on the verge of falling into a moral panic of hysteria and personal hygiene (not that these precautions don't make sense, they do at any scenario of a supposed pandemic), but we simply add to the alarm by being alarmist ourselves in this forum. there is nothing to fear but fear itself. I can't recall who said that but it does make sense just now.

[O2Trees in reply to Cateran]

Franklin D. Roosevelt - sorry just seen Kevin got there first!

[COPD123491 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Hi

Try and tell that to the 2000+ peoplewho have died. I have severe COPD and unstable angina and I simply follow the instructions as issued by the authorities. I am by no means paranoid. I am simply being sensible. How can it be called sensational when people are dying and it is spreading faster in Europe than in China (that is if you believe the Chinese government - which I don't). Just to enlighten Cateran - it was Franklin D Roosevelt who used the" nothing to fear speech".

Regards

Kevin

[HungryHufflepuff in reply to COPD123491]

I’m not saying the virus isn’t sensational. It’s the manner in which some people in the media are dramatising things. I am very concerned about the virus. I have respiratory and other health problems and am travelling today and tomorrow through 5 airports. I’m worried for myself, for all of us with pre existing health problems, and I can’t help but think of those who’ve passed away and their families who are left to deal with their loss. But personally I’d prefer to hear facts about this virus and the people affected or at risk.

[COPD123491 in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Well, I wish you all the best. Just be careful.

Kevin

[Cateran in reply to COPD123491]

Thanks Kevin, of course it was FDR.

[golden-retriever in reply to HungryHufflepuff]

Sorry to disagree with you, but I don’t believe it‘s being dramatised nearly as much as people think it is.

We are at the very beginning of the pandemic. People need to know what to do, and how careful to be for the height of the pandemic, when it is in full swing. If the media talk about it only when it is in full swing, it’s too late.

Sure, there’s a ton of misinformation on Facebook and Twitter. And sure, some people are hysterical. But dramatised by the media? I don’t see reputable media doing that. In fact, I suspect they are showing restraint.

[Hellodolly]

I live in London and am now no longer using the tube at rush hour.

I am seeking advice about my job in the nhs as I have immuno deficiency . It’s all a bit unclear tbh!

[madonbrew]

My cousin is manager of a big London Hotel and has 6 of his staff in quarantine. My uncle ...his dad, has recently moved into a nursing home so my cousin cannot visit him at the moment. The home was closed to visitors this weekend as many residents had chest infections and they had to close as a precaution!!! It’s getting more real now!

My sister said at the hospital where she works there is a pod that has been made outside for Corona and there are signs everywhere telling people if they have any symptoms’DO NOT ENTER the hospital’ but go to the pod.

[Perrythomas]

Flu kills a lot of people, this new virus is flu like - just wash your hands, keep away from crowds- even shop online if necessary- hopefully this 🦠 will have a “season” , like flu 👍

[hypercat54]

Yes I think it's being sensationalised as more people die of the flu each year. I had the unpleasant and nasty situation yesterday of being out to lunch with 4 friends. I still have the remnants of a chest infection with a cough plus a bit of a smokers cough, and 1 'friend' immediately pulled her scarf round her nose and throat every time I even gave a very small cough looking terrified. This was despite me using a tissue and turning my head away. It made me feel like a leper and wondering if I am expected to isolate myself at home alone for the next few months.

[Cateran in reply to hypercat54]

Yes hypercat54, if you are made to feel like a leper then that's the moral element of the panic scenario. Leprosy is historically linked to the outsider and deadly infection, therefore as a social threat to the community. Your speak of "self-isolation" is exactly the kind of "shunning" which you are expected to apply to yourself as a moral act. The look of fright which you experienced from your friend is a visible sign of repulsion. The masked folk become symbolic of the scapegoating which is in danger of becoming rampant if we are not careful.

[Schmicter]

Thoughts: Corona is a novel virus is "new" Even known virus are really uncontrollable to any certain degree....like the cold or flu. It appears more deadly, however we really don't know the real number of those infected, so the percentage of death is unreliable for now. The current panic will definitely help reduce the spread. As a percentage of infected to the population, Britain and the US have done a great job of initial containment .

[Janzo54]

I travelled all over london on underground and main line rail on Friday ( wasnt a choice i would have chosen-but another story) only to find theres a Teacher 1.2 miles away from The Wilink School thats just closed as shes contracted the virus here in Woodley!

Just goes to show how near and far the virus is! I think unless weve been exposed then take all necessary precautions as listed on WHO site and remain calm x

[Maricopa]

I’m of the mindset of an Eastwood movie. “ Do ya feel lucky.” Well, actually with my health, NO I definitely do not feel lucky. I feel the need to isolate as much as possible. If I contract this virus I will die! The virus is out there lurking and I don’t know exactly where. But it’s out there! Is this fear mongering? No! It’s self preservation! Each one has the freedom to do as they see fit. I’m laying low!

[Simonpete]

This new threat only serves to underline the gulf I experience between treatment and care for HIV which I get in London where I used to live, and the treatment and care for severe COPD which is available in east Kent, where I now live. In spite of all the cuts and harm the Tories can devise, my HIV care continues to respect the fundamental principle of 'continuity if care', which is entirely non-existent in east Kent. I can pick up a phone any time and sconsult experienced professional health care providers concerning any aspect of my HIV care . By contrast I feel that I am without any reliable NHS safety-net to consult in relation to my worsening COPD, let alone to visit. The advent of covid 19 only serves to reinforce my sense that I am quite seriously unsafe within the NHS here in Kent, and that alas only private medicine can help me out, which is the only move left to me, though hard to pursue as I am a pensioner on a low income. Any advice?

[R1100S1 in reply to Simonpete]

Would you qualify for private health insurance with your existing COPD

Agree that the NHS is stretched but can give expert care. In my case it chemotherapy- could not ask for more.

Strangely in waiting room and the ward yesterday getting treatment that this virus wasn’t high on list of topics. We all are very highly at risk because of the treatment!