We are in unprecedented times. In times like these, it is natural for humans to feel emotions such as fear, anxiousness, anger, uncertainty, sadness, and suspicion. With so much conflicting information, it’s hard to know who to listen to, as one so-called expert says one thing, while another so-called expert says another. And because the information we get determines how we think and feel, it is critical to get accurate and complete information.
I want to share some things that I’ve been observing and thinking about this past week. I am not trying to convince you of anything, I have no agenda, and I have nothing to gain, but know that sometimes a different perspective is helpful. Here are a few things I’d like to share…
-The death rate numbers are much, much lower than initially predicted. I believe most so-called experts meant well, so I will not be critical about that, but at this point, we know that the number of deaths that have occurred thus far is nowhere near what was predicted. That is GREAT news!
-We have abided by the mandates and recommendations thus far, and I believe we did what we set out to do… flatten the curve. We may have mitigated a huge influx of hospital visits that could have overrun our hospital system.
-The catastrophic effects of a continued shut-down will very soon (if not already) outweigh the devastation that the virus is responsible for. This is not saying that money and the economy is more important than human lives, but the impact of a shutdown like this, and its effect on the economy, shatter lives in ways few are talking about.
– According to the WHO website, “Globally, about 3.4% of reported COVID-19 cases have died. By comparison, seasonal flu generally kills far fewer than 1% of those infected.” Two things about this statement… First, the mortality rate is far, far lower than that, as most people who get the virus are not going to the doctor, getting tested, or getting treated. If we tested everyone, the mortality rate, especially in the U.S., would be around 1% or less. Second, I could not help but notice how they minimize the flu threat by stating that it “kills far fewer than 1% of those infected,” to make COVID-19 seem so much worse. Yet, when pushing for the flu shots, they make the flu seem sooooo deadly.
-There is a lot of hype around finding treatment and a cure for COVID-19. With roughly 95% of people that will contract the virus NOT going to the doctor or needing any treatment, not having a treatment or cure at this time should not upset or cause panic for MOST Americans. I am not saying that we should not scramble for effective treatments, but if roughly 95% of Americans that get the virus do not require any treatment, then it’s a non-issue for most. And as far as a cure… there will not and cannot be one!
-Boosting immune function is key at a time like this. Staying at home, indoors, weakens the immune system.
-I believe if we could visibly see the virus, we would be amazed at how prevalent it is. Truly avoiding it is futile. Taking precautions is wise, but wearing a mask and gloves, I believe, does very, very little, if anything, to help prevent transmission. Whether the virus is on your hands or gloves, it is still transmittable.
-Wearing a mask while walking outside or driving in your car by yourself makes NO sense and can have a negative impact on your health.
The way we are functioning is based on the initial PROJECTED data. It made sense early on. But based on the new data, we would be silly not to get back to more normal, healthy living.