COVID-19 aka Coronavirus #VetsForTrump

I received a comment today from one of our occasional authors, Michael Bogmenko. His email was not long enough for a full post but I thought I would briefly cover some Coronavirus things. My background included teaching Aircrew nuclear, chemical, & biological decontamination as well as SERE refresher training. Many of you who received standard chemical warfare training already know these things. However, it may be worth repeating or sharing with friends that were never trained.

Note: by the time the population knows it is an infected zone it is often too late. While we don’t want people to panic we should prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Those most at risk in these types of cases are often people with current health issues, very young children and the elderly. However, some young healthy people are at risk. Here is a good article from The Guardian in relation to that subject. 

Much of this is great advice even for the simple flu season.

Background

1. When it comes to chemical versus biological the later is the hardest to deal with. That is what we are up against with Coronavirus COVID-19.
2. Regardless of the origin of the virus, humans are now the way it spreads, unlike mosquitoes and ticks that can carry things like West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease.
3. Viruses spread from person to person mainly in droplets that fly out when you cough or sneeze. These tiny drops from a sick person move through the air and land on the mouths or noses of others nearby.
4. Germs are also passed along when you touch mucus droplets from someone else on a surface like a desk and then touch your own eyes, mouth, or nose before you get a chance to wash your hands.
5. Viruses like the flu can live 24 hours or longer on plastic and metal surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and cups. Human coronaviruses can remain infectious on inanimate surfaces at room temperature for up to 9 days. At a temperature of 30°C [86°F] or more, the duration of persistence is shorter.

Prevention & Preparedness

1. Prevention is mainly common sense but not easy.
2. Avoid people especially crowds. When possible a better than six-foot separation is a good first step. This may not be possible as long as you have to go to work or school. Japan was smart to close down their schools.
3. Move quickly away from anyone showing signs of a cold, sneezing or coughing. 
4. Shaking hands is the worst. If you must shake hands carry hand sanitizer. I keep some in my car and use it every time I go into a store and return to my vehicle during cold and flu season.
5. Don’t be afraid to fist bump someone and explain you are trying to avoid getting sick.
6. Shop at off-peak hours or use online ordering when possible to minimize contact with others.
7. Stock up on canned goods and non-perishable food items. Protein & veggies are important so beans and soups with meat and veggies are great.
8. Water should not be a problem as long as the power stays on for those on well systems.
9. Stock up on your medicines if you can. Pharmacies are where sick people go. Take extra caution if you need to pick up a prescription.
10. Don’t forget to stock up on cold and flu medicine and keep some anti-inflammatory meds on hand for you and your children.

Like I said earlier in this post. Most of us already knew these things but they are worth repeating and sharing with younger folks. Your comments and thoughts are very welcome!

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