Because I get so many questions about the virus, let me share/reiterate a few things…
- I am not worried about the virus itself AT ALL. I know that my family and I will get it (and possibly/likely already have) and will do just fine with it. MOST people getting this virus will experience mild symptoms and will not need to go to the doctor, nor will they need any medical attention.
- The shelter in place order was not to eliminate the virus, or reduce the number that will be infected. It was to slow down the rate at which people became infected. I believe that was successful, but the overall number that will be infected will be the same, that number will just be spread out over a longer period of time.
- Reopening our cities is not only a good idea, it is essential to help ensure that more people get exposed to the virus, ensuring we reach herd immunity. At that time, the virus impact will fizzle. An appropriate reopening is a good idea to help manage the rate at which those infections take place, but if dragged out too long, this virus will be a factor for much longer.
- I hear people speak of hope and anticipation of a “treatment.” If most people (high 90%) will not even see a doctor with this virus because their symptoms are so mild, a “treatment” will have little impact on the overall outcome of this virus. Working on treatments is, of course, a good thing, but hinging your fear and anxiety on whether or not a treatment is developed is not practical.
- There are varying opinions as to what is best for all of us right now, but nobody KNOWS for sure what is best. Maintaining 6 feet social distancing, limiting crowds to 10 people, wearing a mask, and sheltering in place are all best guesses. Could 3 feet social distancing be optimal? How about 20 feet? Why not limit crowds to 5 people? Or 20? We’ve been told masks were ineffective, then told they were helpful. Could wearing one all day cause more harm to the one wearing it? Some experts say yes. And sheltering in place… many will say that is why the numbers were lower than expected, yet a majority of those testing positive in New York were sheltering in place. And Sweden’s numbers look like ours, without sheltering in place. I am not telling you what to do, but know that no one knows with certainty what is best.
- I had a patient refer to the devastation of the Spanish Flu, raising concern for the severity of coronavirus. We now know that it is NOT the Spanish Flu, nor is it as severe as the Spanish Flu. Thank God for that!
- This virus is real, is very contagious, and is causing deaths. However, the number will not reach a level worthy of complete paralysis from fear. There are 3,200 people killed in auto accidents EVERY DAY worldwide. If framed similarly and reported on the way they are reporting on this virus, you would not get into a car or drive ever again.
It is terrible that anyone dies. It’s tragic. I am in no way minimizing the severity of losing loved ones. But as there is talk of a “new normal,” we have to understand the futility of most of what we are doing. Even if this virus is gone tomorrow (which it won’t be), there will be other viruses and bacteria. The single MOST POWERFUL thing you can do is to build your health. We know that this virus, as well as ANY virus or bacterial problem and ALL chronic illnesses cause the most harm to the least healthy people. Therefore, as I have said in the past, BUILD YOUR HEALTH. Get stronger. Maximize your innate immune system. It is THE BEST way to minimize your risk of complications or death from ANY health issue.
