Covid-19 stands for corona virus 2019.
The Covid 19 is a novel virus discovered in December 2019 in China. Novel means it is completely new and so any predictions that are made are purely speculative and based on what we know about the Corona virus family. There have been other Corona viruses like SARS and MERS which gives us an idea of how this one might behave but there are no definite answers. Because it started in China 3 months ago we can also look at how it behaved over there and what techniques were used to reduce it. It still hasn't been conquered there however and we don't know if it will recur.
So let's look at known facts. It is transmitted by large droplets in the air mostly, these droplets can fall on surfaces and people can touch these surfaces and spread them with their hands. These droplets contain the virus which has to get into your airways in order to make you sick. Airways means nose and mouth mainly. Apart from inhaling the droplets the second commonest cause is introducing them to your face and airways with your hands. The virus is not generally transmitted by food.
- Stay at least 6 feet way from other people so that if they introduce droplets into the air, they are too far away for you to directly breathe them in.
- Wash your hands religiously with soap and water
- Use hand sanitizer after touching public surfaces
- Avoid touching your face, mouth, eyes with unwashed hands
- Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces with disinfectant or bleach (4 teaspoons per quart of water)
The incubation period based on other corona viruses from the time you get exposed to the time you get sick is thought to be from 5 to 14 days. This however is a guess based on history, it could be longer. The people who have been asked to self quarantine are asked to do so for 14 days based on this assumption. Remember people do not have to be sick to carry the virus. This is why large groups have been canceled to reduce exposure to people in general since anyone can be a carrier.
You are more likely to die if you are over 60, male and have chronic health problems. That tells us that people's general state of health is critical as to whether the virus will kill them or not.
There is no vaccine and there will not be one (non-experimental) for at least a year. Maximize your health now.
- Take your vitamins. Good ones to take are B complex, Zinc, Vitamin C (2000mg)
- Supplements Echinacea, Elderberry, Acidophilus
- Take our viral mix at the FIRST sign of respiratory illness
- Control your diabetes
- Stay hydrated
- Do regular exercise
- Manage your mental health
I believe that this pandemic is going to get worse before it gets better so hang in there for the long haul. Focus on your general health as well, don't run out of your medicine and eat well. Fast food quite frankly should be out!
- My office is open, we have protocols in place to prevent any exposures in the office.
- Everyone will use hand sanitizer before signing in.
- If you prefer to wait in your car until it is your turn to be seen we will call you.
- Many issues like follow ups can be handled by telemedicine such as phone, Skype, FaceTime and other video platforms
- I don't want anyone to neglect their health because of fear.
- If in spite of our precautions you are still afraid to come to the office then call and we will accommodate your needs.
- I want to make sure no one has to access an urgent care or emergency room with any extra risk of exposure.
- Plus we need to allow the acute care facilities to care for those who really need it.
A lot of information to digest for now, more next time. Be healthy.
Dr. Tuakli
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