PROPER PRECAUTIONS

In A World Of Germs And Diseases
Early this year, the World encountered a Virus outbreak like we have not seen since the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918.
 
The Spanish Flu was so-called because to maintain morale, World War I censors minimized early reports of illness and mortality in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. Papers however were free to report the epidemic's effects in neutral Spain. Hence the name Spanish Flu. Recent studies have shown that the Spanish Flu appears to have started in North America.
 
The outbreak of the Spanish Flu hit the United States hard, hitting those in their twenties and thirties the hardest. It started in January, 1918 and it did not begin to taper off until December, 1920. This particular pandemic virus spread quickly in Europe and the rest of the World as a result of the United States of America sending troops overseas to fight during the Great War.
 

Fast forward to the year 2020. The COVID-19 outbreak has its origins in Wuhan, China. Some conservatives are perpetuating racism against Asian people by calling the Virus the China Flu or the Wuhan Flu, not only is this xenophobic it is very infantile. The official name for the virus COVID-19 (previously known as “2019 novel coronavirus”) is coronavirus disease (COVID-19), also known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).* This name was chosen because the virus is genetically related to the coronavirus responsible for the SARS outbreak of 2003. While related, the two viruses are different.

In a very short time the Virus took over Wuhan and became rampant in China.
 
There is a lot of misinformation out there, so it can be difficult to weed through the false statements and find the truth. Please use www.snopes.com, www.factcheck.org or similar fact checking sites before trying anything suggested or passing the information to others.
 
We need to rethink the way we do things in public spaces and even at home. We shouldn’t live constantly in fear of germs and diseases, but we do need to be careful and cautious of infecting ourselves with things our bodies are unable to fight. I myself have formulated some plans of attack for maintaining my own physical well-being.
 
Even before COVID-19, I implemented methods to avoid transmission of germs and disease. I wash my hands* regularly and consider myself to be very diligent in doing my best to avoid contact with disease from other people.
 

Ways to maintain good health:

  • When greeting people do what is being termed as Social Distancing.
    • I have since implemented the Namaste greeting.
  • When I take my dogs outside to do their business. I use the tip of my cane to push doors open.
  • When I get back into my apartment, I immediately wash my hands.
  • If I go out to run an errand or do a tech geeky thing that I do for my church.
    When I return home:
    • I take all my clothing off and throw them in the washer.
    • I wash my hands and body thoroughly.
  • When I get in my car, I hit the hand sanitizer.
  • Even if I don't go out, I wash my hands every 20 minutes, sometimes more depending on what I am doing.
  • If I get curb side food service:
    • I bring the food home, throw the bag away.
    • Remove the food from the container and put it on a plate.
    • Throw the container away.
    • Pop it in the microwave for thirty seconds.
  • If I get things from the store:
    • I remove all external packaging.
    • Wash fresh fruits and vegetables.
    • Wash my hands, again.
*Wash Your Hands Often to Stay Healthy
You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
 
  • Before, during, and after preparing food.
  • Before eating food.
  • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound.
  • After using the toilet.
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste.
  • After handling pet food or pet treats.
  • After touching garbage
Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way
Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.
 
Follow these five steps every time:
 
  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
 
It is imperative during this time period to self-isolate as much as possible. Catch up on books, or television, enjoy reaching out on social media, listen to music.
 
Stay healthy and stay well!

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Further Reading: 

 
 

Document created on March 26, 2020 by AJ White-Wolf
Document Edited and Revised on March 26, 202 by Ghost Writer
Document Updated with Edits and Revisions on March 26, 2020 by AJ White-Wolf

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