by Michelle Delaney, SOUTH LAKE TABLET
Presently life as we know it is changing by the minute. Central Florida, the epicenter of tourist attractions, has reached an all-time quiet. Major attractions including Disney World Resort and Cruise Line, Universal, Seaworld, Busch Gardens, have closed. Tournaments and other public gatherings, canceled. Public Schools are taking a break and local entertainment such as festivals, shows, ribbon cuttings, all canceled or postponed. The ever-changing list goes on and on. The only way anyone can keep up with daily changes is to check the web.
Is all this Hype over the COVID-19 virus necessary?
Right now, the country is not prepared to adequately test and treat those showing symptoms of the virus. Clearly put, every day that the virus is contained is one more day that hospitals, nursing homes, emergency caregivers, can better prepare for the potential onslaught of patients with the virus
COVID-19 mortality rate won’t be known until scientists can determine how many people have actually been infected. Currently, it may be less than 1%, which is still deadlier than seasonal flu, which has a mortality rate of about 0.1%.
One-percent doesn’t seem like a big number until you tell that to a family member with health issues. The virus strikes people of all ages but the risk of complications and death is highest for the elderly and those with other health conditions such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, cancer and diabetes. To date, many patients have died from the virus because the illness was misdiagnosed or they were admitted to the hospital when the illness was in its advanced stages.
What is Coronavirus?
The coronavirus has crown-like spikes on its surface and infects mostly bats, pigs and small mammals. It can mutate easily and jump from animals to humans and from one human to another.
Seven strains of the coronavirus are known to infect humans. Four of those strains cause common colds. Two others rank among the deadliest of human infections SARS and MERS.
Covid-19, a form of coronavirus, is currently sweeping the world and appears to be less deadly than SARS, MERS or Ebola. SARS killed about 10% of the people it infected. With that said, this new virus spreads from one person to another more easily than SARS.
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus. Symptoms include fever, cough and aches, which can progress to shortness of breath and complications such as pneumonia. Other symptoms can include fatigue, sore throat, headache, and nausea, with vomiting and diarrhea. Some people become only mildly ill or are infected but don’t get sick. In some cases, a person may develop “walking pneumonia,” (they don’t feel sick enough to be in a hospital but still can spread infection to others.
A person can become infected by touching a contaminated surface, then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. Wipe down countertops, doorknobs and other commonly touched surfaces frequently. Regular household disinfectant wipes and cleaners kill these viruses.
In humans, transmission is believed to occur mostly through close contact, meaning within 6 feet of an infected person, so wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds each time or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
On average, people become ill between two and 14 days after exposure.
These are strange times, but you shouldn’t hoard or panic. Buy some non-perishable items, get your prescription medications; and stay home if possible. If you venture out, stay at least 6 feet from those you come in contact with.
By not getting infected, you can’t infect. Protect those around you, including older family members or anyone you know with heart disease or diabetes, conditions that increase the risk of severe illness. And no matter what the future brings, be understanding and kind to your local business owners and their employees who are experiencing the turbulence of the flow and ebb of COVID-19.
See the SOUTH LAKE TABLET FOR UPDATED INFORMATION ON LOCAL NEWS.
Groveland Cancels All March Events In Precaution Of Covid-19 Virus
