The purpose of writing this synopsis is to help inform friends and families of the current situation regarding the outbreak of the Corona Virus. This is not to be a be all end all guide to the truth and may turn out to have some incorrect information as details emerge, but for now, this is to help inform people of what is going on and how we can help each other stay safe during this pandemic. I am only sharing my unbiased view after seeing the pandemic information begin to emerge beginning late December 2019 up till today, March 22, 2020.
Take my words with a grain of salt, but please read this with an open mind. Not everything you see on TV, Facebook, Instagram, or read online is true! Most of these sources are just looking to keep making money and get the most views by having crazy headlines and use scare tactics. Please try to research anything you hear by looking online for yourself. The best place to look for current information is the CDC itself: Link to the official CDC COVID-19 website. Here you will find all of the current information you need about symptoms, what to do if you think you or a family member has it, and current statics in the US/World on the virus. Here is a link to a world map showing its spread World Map showing outbreak.
The next few parts are taken straight from the CDC website:
To disinfect:
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.
Options include:
To make a bleach solution, mix:
OR
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
**Ensure the solution has at least 70% alcohol.
Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).
Complete disinfection guidance
Now back to my personal opinions and what I’ve read so far.
The flow chart below is just an example of how easily we can infect others or get infected without knowing during our daily activities. Just a fake example of what could happen. The flow chart shows either people going somewhere while being infected or being infected by coming into contact with a person that has it.
This is just an example of a local city coming into contact with people who are carrying the virus. Imagine how many people travel that could be coming and going every day who could potentially be spreading the disease across countries. Now imagine all of the trade between countries in today's global economy. Who could really be sure that every package is clean and secured from potentially containing and spreading the virus? This is the reason why all who have a chance of being infected need to check in with local testing centers and if they have been tested, please wait for your results before going back to work or going to populated areas if possible. All it takes is one person to give it to another for the spread to continue.
Based on reports and information that began to leak in late December 2019, COVID-19 originated from Wuhan, a city located in China. The actual origin of the virus is still being debated and unknown. Some people believe that the virus was created in laboratory (The Wuhan Institute of Virology) located about a block away from the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market. People believe the virus was created at this laboratory and somehow leaked via an employee or an escaped specimen. Others believe that the virus came from the purchase and eating of live bats. Scientists have determined that the virus resembles a similar virus that circulates in bats and could have jumped onto other animals, as well as humans exposed to the virus carriers. While there are many rumors about how the disease came about, we won't be certain until we get the virus under control and researchers are able to focus on the origin rather than a cure (which takes priority at the moment). Furthermore, it more productive to focus on helping each other stay calm and prevent the virus from spreading than looking for a source to blame. Viruses emerge every few years if not decades so for the time being, try to focus on staying healthy and not the conspiracy theories.
There is currently no proven treatment for this virus. People are only being treated for the symptoms of the virus, if that, and mostly left to have their immune system fight the virus on its own. Most people who think they have the virus aren't even being tested and are told to just monitor the symptoms at home. Even if they were to be administered into a hospital the most thing they could do is try and help ease any pain/symptoms and give you a respirator to help you breathe, since the virus attacks the respiratory system. Other than that, there isn't much medics can do currently for COVID-19. That isn't to say that you shouldn't contact your doctor and seek help, if you think you have it, contact your doctor and seek assistance. Also refer to the If you think you are sick with COVID-19 from the CDC. The only thing people can do is avoid contact with anyone who may have it and take extra precautions.
It is too early to know the effects of COVID-19 on children until we see the long-term results of the virus. Children would most likely show the same symptoms as adults, which include coughing, fever, and trouble breathing. So far it seems that they are not getting infected as easily as adults or at least, they aren’t showing severe symptoms of it. The odds are that children could also be carrying the virus without showing any symptoms at all. There have been cases of children carrying different diseases and spreading it amongst classmates without knowing. Once home they unknowingly infect their parents who end up showing severe symptoms and are more affected by the disease. This is one of the main reasons for the closing of the schools; to prevent spreading the disease amongst children and ultimately entire families.
The fact of the matter is that nobody can truly measure the threat of the virus because it is only the beginning. It is way too early to be certain of the death rates because many of the people infected are still infected. While some people are rumored to be cured, we still don't know the long-term effects of the virus and if once cured, the patients stay cured. There is currently no medicine to cure COVID-19 and no vaccine to prevent infection. The most common comparison at first was to the original SARS virus and the infection rate of COVID-19 has already surpassed that. The reason that this virus is more threatening than other known viruses is that it is a completely unknown strain. There is currently no cure or vaccine for it and it could take several months at least for virologists to test their vaccines on volunteers and it is proved to be safe for the public. The reality is we are in this for the long haul.
The idea that the virus only affects old people is completely false. Like any other health issue or sickness, people who are younger and have a stronger immune system are more likely to survive infection. This doesn't mean that all young people who are infected will survive and it is too early to tell long term effects of infection. We will only know the real statistics months, if not years, after the initial outbreak. While it may seem that getting infected isn't that serious because it may not lead to instant death, it will mean that you need to quarantine yourself from society and those around you. Everyone is just as likely to spread the disease once infected and then be the cause of a loved one or co-workers being affected as well. This doesn't mean that you should blame yourself by any means, were this to actually happen to you, but please be conscious of the risks you are taking and the risks you are unwillingly putting those around you. Everyone wants to go out and go back to normal but without taking these precautions, we are only going to extend the self-quarantine time.
No one can say for sure but if you were expecting a quick two- or three-week quarantine to be it, you are mistaken. The fact is that COVID-19 is here to stay for a while and will continue to be a threat if we don't put in our part in taking safety measures and avoiding unnecessary trips out of our homes. The reality is, even with these new curfews and enforcements, people are still going to get infected, via at work, at the grocery store, receiving packages in the mail, even just buying and eating food. The best we can do is try our best to stay healthy and avoid contact with each other for a while.
This is the perfect time to work on things you have been putting off.
Please try your best to take care of yourself and those around you. If you have family, contact them and make sure they are okay and aware of the steps to take to avoid getting infected or infecting others. We have to work together to help contain this as quickly as possible if we want the quarantine to be lifted faster. Remember it's not just about you, it's about everyone around you as well. Stay safe out there.
You can reach the author for serious inquiries and comments at: Alejandro Zepeda