General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Some folks tell me the common flu is worse than this new virus [View all]Hekate
(90,560 posts)Last edited Fri Feb 28, 2020, 02:24 AM - Edit history (1)
...for news and knowledgable panelists. Try to get the past couple of days of their shows online if you can, then just make a point of pre-recording & watching.
Get an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for use outside the home, & use it often. Rub for 20 seconds (I just got out of the hospital & there were signs everywhere -- trust me: rub for 20 secs). Or sing Happy Birthday under your breath. Don't shake hands with people. Cough into your sleeve/elbow and not into your hand or the air. For years I've kept a roll of hand wipes in my car to clean up when leaving grocery stores and the like, and when I'm done with my hands I use the same wipe on my steering wheel. I may become more careful.
Yes, you & I are in a higher risk group due to age and pre-existing conditions. It is what it is.
No, this is not the flu, and no, a vaccine is not going to be available "soon." It will take 12-18 months, because Science.
The distinguishing features are not really like a cold, if I understand correctly. Dry cough. Fever. Not an upper respiratory infection, but one that sinks deep into the lower lungs.
The way scientists calculate rate of spread and risk of death is higher mathematics afaiac, but it is true and real.
Finally, the supply chain from China is being disrupted. Why should we care, since we're not going to need a new piece of electronics in the near future? Well, there's something I call "ingredients." Even if the prepared food you buy says made in the USA, chances are a whole bunch of the unpronounceable chemicals in it are sourced to China. Plus an incredible percentage of prescription medications and OTC supplements are made in China as well. Someone on Nicolle's panel suggested trying to get a 3-month supply of your prescriptions as opposed to a 30-day supply, but given all my recent experiences with Anthem Blue Cross, I'm just going to check my inventory for general up-to-dateness.
Best of luck to you, and to all of us.