Coronavirus, let's all talk !
Posted , 13 users are following.
As a COPD patient, the Coronavirus has me very frightened. I'm frightened for myself, my family, as well as my fellow COPD challenged posters. I've started this discussion to provide a new place for information, opinions, comforting words, and common sense.
I'm already very homebound, but will need to shop for my groceries. I have a few face mask, a small supply of hand sanitiser and paper towels. I look to increase these supplies. Also, I hope to stock up on pantry supplies should the virus go crazy in my area.
I look forward to reading all your post on this subject.
All the best, Larry
1 like, 61 replies
daisymay2 larry49033
Posted
I was due to travel to Athens next week but on the advice of my thoracic consultant have had to postpone this until later in the year.
Will be interesting to see what the UK government come up with this afternoon after the Cobra meeting re social distancing for people with medical conditions like ours.
Reglois larry49033
Edited
Me personally I am treating the Coronavirus like the flu (flu without a vaccine) that it is and am taking all the precautions that I would take with a flu epidemic+ a few more. There is no hand sanitizer left in any shops here but I do have a bit left plus Dettol I will put on a tissue in a zip lock bag to keep it moist and that is what I shall use if my hand sanitizer runs out For my own sanity, I live alone with my two dogs, I go out every other day to the shops, I will talk to people that want to talk, I do avoid any one with an obvious cold. I sanitize my hands on leaving the supermarket and before touching my car. I also sanitize small change, I have done this since my diagnoses. I take my dogs out walking every day for my and their health. I have back pack oxygen at 6lts a minute and with several stops to get my blood gas back up, really don't know why it drops so low (a times down to 67) when on O2. On a good day I can do 3kms. I was given up to three years 2 1/2 years ago, determined to prove them wrong but when it is your time to go it is your time to go virus's or not, no good making what ever time you have left miserable and a worry to friends and family. I will not be influenced by any one but what I think suits me. Panic, stress and isolation is NOT good for us. Am I unusual? , don't know
My lung conditions are, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Emphysema, Bronchiectasis Systemic Scleroderma and just for good measure I have GERD.
Good luck and health to every one. Sue
Ironbutterfly Reglois
Posted
Very, very sensible...thank you Sue
hypercat Reglois
Edited
I agree with you completely. It's far better to live your life albeit taking sensible precautions than to cower in a corner paralysed in fear. That's not living is it? There is always risk in life after all so my attitude is you pays your money and takes your chances.
larry49033
Posted
Quartines, testing, proper social habits, as well as other precautions/ preparedness are valid topics indeed, but I've heard little on just how critical cases are being treated. Are antibiotics working in this virus. What drug is working best to fight this virus and is the supply on hand enough or are shortages taking place. Respirators and hospital beds are at a premium where the virus is hitting hardest, what is being done?
These and other questions will need answers, in the meantime let's all try to use good sense and be safe.
All the best.
Ironbutterfly larry49033
Posted
Agree...
georgy0 larry49033
Edited
Hi Larry49o33,
I am so pleased you have opened-up this one! I have been mulling over things in my head, and haven't got a clue about who I should ask, when I just have a question or two that I'd like the answers to.I wouldn't dream of contacting any of the urgent-help phone-lines, like 111 in particular, because the questions could be so trivial that wasting their time would be very annoying to them, and anyone else with an urgent need for help. Having this place should give everyone the opportunity of gaining some good knowledge, from learning by each other and the experiences are shared.
I shall go ahead now, and ask one of my silly questions! I have a dental appointment next week, as a check-up, and wonder if I should attend. Like you, I am very much, Housebound so self-isolating would not be a problem at all. In this instance though, I do not know if the utensils would have been in contact with someone who is just a 'carrier', after sterilisation. The process of cleaning the tools is not to my satisfaction under normal circumstances, as I am quite sensitive to bacteria etc., which I can pick-up with just a smile at the offending object. Should I go, or cancel for a second time in a month? I previously cancelled as a result of having a chest infection, which is clear now, thankfully. All honest opinions would be appreciated, thanks.
larry49033 georgy0
Posted
In my opinion, the only silly questions are the ones people fear to ask.
I would suggest that you call ahead of your dental appointment and as politely as possible express your sterilisation concerns. Done properly, I'm sure that your concerns can foster more careful attention to your case.
This raises more interest over the spread of a virus like the current version. Contact with a surface contaminated with the Coronavirus seems to be the primary way this disease is spread. Also they say that because this virus is so active that it makes the flu virus look like a weak sister in comparison. Yes flu can also be fatal, but the Coronavirus has a much higher mortality rate. This virus terrifies me as I have COPD and always get an annual flu vaccination. A vaccine might stop the spread of this virus in the future, but not no such medicine exist. For me that means that we need to trust that all will do the right things to protect our fellow citizens. Fat chance, protect yourself at all times as best you can.
I say clean up your area/home and place no trust in public places. Shop and stock up on supplies so as to cut back on public excursions. I plan to do so myself.
Drs may be more inclined to allow greater prescription supplies as this medical crisis moves forward. Call and ask if greater prescription supplies can be obtained during this uncertain time.
Knowing the symptoms of this Coronavirus can serve to lessen it's severity. Can anyone list the symptoms for the Coronavirus?
All the best
georgy0 larry49033
Edited
Hi Larry49o33,
Just a quick, short message to Thank You for your response to my message. Very sound advice, and I now intend to do as you suggested, call the dental practice and ask about sterilisation concerns which prevent me attending next week, in view of the spread of this Virus. I'm sure, as you mentioned, if I use some tact when I call it shouldn't be a problem for them, or me in the longer term.
I have to add how much your message came across as excellent, where putting ourselves first, is the correct way forward during this crisis. We MUST do that, (or not) and I don't want to be another statistic for the 'Nots'.I would like to continue watching my Grandchildren grow into adults, even the little one who is only three. I will be putting myself first, and that way I shall be doing everyone a favour, from still being around to help other's long after this virus is conquered. Great Advice Larry. Thanks.
All the Best.
hypercat larry49033
Edited
I have to disagree with you as corona doesn't have 'a much higher mortality rate' but it is more easily spread. The mortality rate is around 2 pc but don't forget how many elderly with health issues are carried off every year with ordinary flu. Most people even in the vulnerable groups survive it so it's far from a death sentence.
Reglois hypercat
Edited
I agree, we have no immunity to this new virus so the spread is more rapid, when you think of the worlds population the mortality rate is miniscule, flu carries off far more each year and is hardly reported, have no doubt that the corona virus will reach the same death toll. Not sure that certain Government tactics of trying to limit the spread of the virus until another time is a very good idea, get it over and one with not spread it out, that gives more power to the virus to last longer, maybe get stronger and actually spread further don't you think?
Yes we are as a group very vulnerable to the virus, also to a great many other germs and viruses, I have very little lung capacity left but I intend to make the most of what time I have left and I actually resent the governments for putting more worry on us, their panicky unthought out measures, the backlash is globably going to be horrendous
aitarg35939 Reglois
Posted
The reason to try to flatten the curve is because health systems cannot handle being overwhelmed by 5,000 bad cases needing hosputalization at once -- not anywhere. My city of 750,000/regional 1,000,000 has only one Trauma Level 1 hospital. Just 50 bad cases would take them down, at which point they can't handle bad car wrecks, the regular flu (which is vicious this year), etc. that's why this flattened curve is crucial.
Also, everyone has much better chances of continuing to have functional governments, food distribution and utilities if we aren't overwhelmed. There are so many unstable governments in the world, including the US & Russia. It wouldn't take much to start toppling them.
And then there's this: the Chinese mortality rate for people over age 60 is 15%. Yes, fifteen fricking percent. Most of us are in that age group. fewer people having it at once in any area = less exposure for our bad lungs = better odds of not contracting AND better odds of getting helpful medical care if we get it.
Me, I'm praying for the flattened curve.
deanne77778 georgy0
Posted
Hi georgyo,
In my opinion I wouldn't take the risk of attending your dental appointment. If you don't have a problem at the moment it's not necessary is it? It's not just the risk from the utensils but also from the Dentist and the people in the waiting room. I too am housebound and I manage to avoid contact with the human race entirely (except for my husband) and now he has stopped doing the shopping and we are having it delivered. Just think twice about your actions and ask yourself if it's really necessary.
Take care and blessings
Deanne
larry49033 deanne77778
Edited
deanne, I must disagree,
It is one thing to put off a trip to the department store or skip going to church for a while, but a scheduled medical appointment is quite another thing. A phone call could be placed to politely voice concerns, but as medical professionals I would think that they are better informed and more cautious than most. I say keep that Dental appointment or Primary Care Physicians appointment as you observe good precautionary habits. It's not like your hanging out at the local saloon or coffee shop.
All the Best
Reglois aitarg35939
Posted
Thinking about it you maybe right BUT hanging it out is going to cause absolute chaos if they also implement the measures of keep schools, shops shut, forbidding gatherings, though people are panicking and not going anywhere either, etc , that back lash is not going to be sorted any time soon, my daughter is badly affected, being self employed, everything has been cancelled but bills still have to be paid, what happens when I run out of money to support her and her husband, I am also struggling as there are cancellations all over the place for my little holiday rental property and this revenue usually sees us all through over the winter.
aitarg35939 Reglois
Edited
Oh, I get it. i am on disability & can't pay my bills. IF my government stays open & paying out Social Security and foodstamps, i might squeak by. It's a huge if because The Orange Idiot throws temper tantrums and closes the government when there's zero health threat, and he has halted those payouts before.
I don't know how anyone is going to make it if they're not in the top half of the wealth chain. But i refuse to worry about that because that is not what's in front of me today. No way can i afford a new phone but mine is going wonky. Great timing!
Please try not to worry about future finances, everyone everywhere. Worry cascades harmful chems throughout our bodies and they specifically harm the immune system.
georgy0 deanne77778
Edited
Hi Deanne,
I just wanted to update you, that I did contact my Dental Practice and explain how I am one of those most at Risk, so would prefer to remain as far away as possible, from any chances of contracting this virus. They were, of course, fully supportive of my decision and thought it the safest bet. Considering it was only a check-up and not a treatment appointment, it did seem like a reasonable decision to make.
Thank you so much for agreeing with my choices in this matter. It meant a lot to receive your message in support of that.
I wish you Good Luck throughout this very odd and tough time, to avoid any chance the virus has of getting near you. (and your husband).
Take Care and Thank You.
Georgy0