Covid 19 – An Observation
We need to create a culture where hand-washing is the thing to do, ... If we can just wash our hands, we will have an impact on some of the most common problems, as well as some of the most serious health problems we face.
Julie Gerberding
As many of you know, in the real world I work as a Nurse in Intensive Care subsequently, I’ve attended several meetings and briefings relative to the Coronavirus outbreak this week. I’ve also had several people from the Second Life community seeking answers to questions and advice. I’m happy to share what I know however, I’m absolutely not an expert.
From what I can see, for the vast majority of us Covid 19 will be little more than an annoying cold however, for certain members of the community does pose a serious risk. The elderly and people with underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease, poorly controlled diabetes and chronic asthma are all at a higher risk of serious complications such as Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome, (ARDS) and Septic Shock.
Does that mean those of us that are healthy should just ignore the whole damned thing and get on with life? No, absolutely not! I believe we have a social responsibility to do what ever we can to keep the vulnerable safe at this challenging time.
Dozens of websites, from government to Joe Bloggs sites have sprung up offering helpful advice, unfortunately, there are some arseholes out there spreading fake news and even some of the “official” sites seem to offer conflicting advice. I’ve looked at quite a few of these sites and I’m going to summarise the best of them.
Main messages
If you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, self-isolate, do not leave your home for 7 days from when your symptoms started.
This action will help protect others in your community while you are infectious.
Plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home.
Ask your employer, friends and family to help you get the things you need to stay at home.
Stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home if possible.
Sleep alone, if possible.
Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water, or use hand sanitiser.
Stay away from vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, as much as possible.
I’ve had a lot of people ask what self-isolation actually means, it means You should remain in your home. Do not go to work, school, or public areas, and do not use public transport or taxis. You cannot go for a walk.
You will need to ask friends or relatives if you require help with buying groceries, other shopping or picking up medication. If you can, order your shopping and medication online. Make sure you tell delivery drivers to leave items outside for collection if you order online. Don’t do that electronic signature thing where you have to sign your name on the screen of a phone or tablet.
If you have a cough and a sneeze, it’s probably no more than a cough and a sneeze however, cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when you cough or sneeze.
After use, put tissues into a disposable rubbish bag and immediately wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser.
Here’s the most important advice and honestly, I can’t stress it enough!
WASH YOUR HANDS PROPERLY!
One of the most consistent COVID-19 messages from health officials has been the importance of good personal hygiene.
Washing your hands with soap is one of the simplest and most effective ways of killing off any viruses you may have come into contact with.
You don’t need to buy fancy, antibacterial or alcohol-based gels, they’re handy when you’re out and about however, ordinary household soap is far and away the most effective, here’s the science; the virus, indeed all viruses are what is known as a self-assembled nanoparticle, this means the structure is surrounded by what is known as a lipid (fat) bilayer, this is the weakest part of the structure and is entirely susceptible to ordinary soap. In a nutshell, the soap dissolves the wall of the virus which kills it!
To eliminate all traces of the virus on your hands, a quick scrub and a rinse won’t cut it. Below is a step-by-step process for effective handwashing.
Step 1: Wet hands with running water
Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands
Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including back of hands, between fingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water
Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-use towel
Wash for between 20 and 30 seconds! Some people have suggested singing happy birthday twice in your head.
In the context of COVID-19 prevention, you should make sure to wash your hands at the following times:
After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
After visiting a public space, including public transportation, markets and places of worship
After touching surfaces outside of the home, including money
Before, during and after caring for a sick person
Before and after eating
In general, you should always wash your hands at the following times:
After using the toilet
Before and after eating
After handling garbage
After touching animals and pets
After changing babies’ diapers or helping children use the toilet
When your hands are visibly dirty
Here’s a few websites I’ve found that are useful and informative.
No fashion this week, it didn't feel right, instead some handy images! Stay safe everyone and remember, you might not be at significant risk however, you have a social responsibility to keep the vulnerable safe!
