by Sue Giustino
As we proceed with caution through this unusual and trying time, I think it’s important to know the facts- although I realize it’s a bit murky and difficult to keep up with the ever changing stream of information.
Basically [according to medical experts], coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new virus.
It causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing which can lead to hospitalization and even the need of a ventilator-and ultimately for some, death. The best way to protect yourself is by washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and avoiding close contact (3 feet) with people who are unwell.
Coronavirus disease spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. However, it also spreads when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Montauk local Theresa Eurell shared this on Facebook:
Johns Hopkins University, sent this excellent summary to avoid contagion share it with you because it is very clear:
* The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.
* Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
* The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam). By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.
* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 25 degrees Celsius for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.
* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.
* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.
* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.
* NO BACTERICIDE SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; they cannot kill what is not alive with antibiotics, but quickly disintegrate its structure with everything said.
* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only between 3 hours (fabric and porous), 4 hours (copper, because it is naturally antiseptic; and wood, because it removes all the moisture and does not let it peel off and disintegrates). ), 24 hours (cardboard), 42 hours (metal) and 72 hours (plastic). But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.
* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars. They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.
* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin, eventually causing wrinkles and skin cancer.
* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.
* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.
* NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.
* LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.
* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.
* This is super said, but you have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.
* You have to HUMIDIFY HANDS DRY from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better. * Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.
So where does that leave us? Especially when people can contract the disease, possibly even have slight symptoms, yet don’t realize that it’s Coronavirus. I think this is where our common sense, and for parents of dependent children their parental guidance responsibility, has to kick in. Our government is telling- even imploring us to self-quarantine, and go out only for essentials when absolutely necessary, and yet we still have many who are not heeding the warning.
Just go on any social media and the arguments ‘for the government to shut everything down’ vs ‘the government is getting too involved’, can be read; often taking on different characteristics and subtopic but ultimately the same argument.
What has been heartwarming during this time, is all of the shout-outs for our medical care workers who are selflessly out there in the thick of it every day and night caring for the overwhelming number of patients flooding into their facilities. I may be redundant, but THANK YOU for all you are doing! If you know anyone in the health care field, maybe helping them out with groceries or a prepared meal would be a nice gesture.
Unfortunately, it’s obvious that left to our own devices some people just won’t be ‘that’ person whom they fear others will perceive as overreacting. Well, I don’t think one needs to overreact, but acting in a socially responsible fashion is necessary at this time. It’s really not about ‘Me’ right now. Now is the time to think of others: loved ones, parents, grandparents, neighbors, and especially those with conditions making them most at risk- even when the condition isn’t apparent to all.
The following is taken from a social media post passed on to me by a good friend here in Montauk. Many of you know Cheryl, and many of you don’t; either way I think this says it all. I know you have the time, so read it through and remember to love one another.
Please stay home…..#PSA #Rheumatoid Arthritis, COPD, Compromised Immune System, RA-related heart, lung and eye diseases.
Quick lesson about autoimmune diseases. It takes an average of three years and five doctors for a person to get a proper diagnosis of an autoimmune disease. It is a disease where instead of your white blood cells protecting your body from invaders, they turn around and attack your cells, tissues and organs. Chronic fatigue is another symptom. It is not a cold or the flu, you will never get better, and even a nap will not help. Just eating a salad and hitting the gym won’t slim your face or get the pounds off. Sleeping 10 hours doesn’t leave you well rested, ever. The last minute changes in plans because that “just got ran over” feeling never makes appointments, it just walks in whenever you aren’t ready. Painful joints, muscles and bones, dry skin, breaking hair, hair loss, mood swings, and depression are just the tip of the iceberg. You are also prone to having multiple autoimmune diseases, they typically come in pairs of two. You easily catch viral and bacterial infections. You have days where no matter how hard you try, you just can’t smile for anyone even though I try really hard to not let on what is really going on.
I urge you to think twice before passing judgment and thinking our nation is overreacting to the extra measures being taken to curb the spread of this virus. YOU might be able to recover from it no problem however, carry it to someone with an autoimmune disease and that individual won’t be as lucky.
I am watching the ones who will take the time to read this entire post and react. Please, in honor of someone who is fighting Rheumatoid Arthritis, POTS, MCAD, Sjogren’s, Scleroderma, Hashimoto Disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Sarcoidosis, Hepatitis, Raynaud’s Syndrome, Diabetes, Mold Illness, Celiac, CROHN’S, Ulcerative Colitis, Pemphigus, SPS, MS, PBC, Psoriatic Arthritis, CIDP, MMN And GPA, copy and paste to your page and reply “DONE” on mine.
Thanking you in advance for your consideration of my request – JUST STAY HOME PLEASE!!!
