The Corona Virus….ah yes, the reason why all i look forward to everyday is my second lunch and 7th nap at 12:30pm. Ha. On a serious note though, Covid-19 has taken over our lives and for good reason. This disease has been recognized as an illness that causes flu like symptoms, meaning it affects ones respiratory system and causes a strong cough, fever, and even difficulty breathing. THIS IS AN ENVELOPED VIRUS, IT CAN BE PREVENTED BY WASHING YOUR HANDS, OR USING HAND SANITIZER. AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE, AND KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN FRIENDS AND FAMILY. Those who are immunocompromised or most at risk such as the elderly, pregnant women, and infants will be impacted by the disease the most. With a high R0 value, this disease is much more violent version of the flu. Most importantly, the most dangerous fact about the disease is its incubation period- 2 weeks. A factor that can make an infected individual be asymptomatic and spreading the virus without knowing. This is why we are advised to social distance, hence why I am coming to you live from my living room.
This is an ongoing situation. Details change every minute in the US, and is very hard to keep up with but I am going to do my best. Thanks to the CDC. While each part of the country is being affected differently, due to population, etc… we are only in the beginning of the virus, the initiation stage. Today, it has been recognized that Covid-19 has infected individuals in ALL states. While only 27 of our 50 states have recognition of what they are calling “community spread” or more closely tied spreads that can lead to acceleration quicker, this is a very concerning number. 6 days ago, on March 16th our president announced for the entire country to go into a 15 day “quarantine” or a social distancing measure to limit contact between individuals, urging everyone to stay home as much as possible. While individual states have implemented a “lock down” or a more severe quarantine, North Carolina has not done this yet. All restaurants in the state are now only takeout, and NO eating inside. (This hit hard) I never realized how much I relied on going to restaurants for social interaction and entertainment until last Tuesday…. and thats ON boredom. While I did not personally travel to a state that was listed as high risk, all of my friends did… and they were going to return to campus like everything was fine. Pshhhh. No lie, I would have tattle tailed on them. Luckily, I didn’t have to do that… (i guess that is luckily) Either way, nationwide there are lots of efforts being put in place to try and stop the spread. However this is so crazy. I seen a tweet earlier that said: “IDK man kinda crazy that a guy across the world decided to eat a bat and now I cant go to the gym.” and I FELT THAT. That one hit hard. While little is known, or being told about the actual virus and its severity other than it is a worse version of the flu (which i think is crazy they cant tell us THE MOST IMPORTANT PART ABOUT A VIRUS.. but I wont get on that soap box) they do know that this virus is common in both people and animals, in which one is a bat. Therefore, we are being told that this originated from an animal-to-person contact in China.
While we are receiving more and more information daily, and even hourly regarding how to become diagnosed/ who to see/ where to go/ etc, we are being told that your healthcare provider is the one who should screen you to determine if your symptoms are due to the disease or not. There are many factors that help them determine this such as travel patterns, interaction, occupation, etc. There is a phone number that is available and being broadcasted that one can call if feeling unwell. Mainly, THERE IS NO VACCINE OR TREATMENT FOR COVID-19. This is what worries me the most. While you can receive care, this is not eliminated the virus, it is not a miracle worker.
As of now, we are advised to limit contact with others. Social Distancing! Online classes! No gyms! No out to eat! Yep! Thats all i got!
MicroBio 