I think it is finally time we talk about what is going on in the world right now. People are scared and panicking about what will come next. Let’s take a deep breathe and talk about the Covid-19 virus.
There is a LOT of misinformation out there right now. Be careful what you read. Look for verified sources like the CDC or WHO instead of a post you see on facebook or something on twitter.
Here are the basics:
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is continuing to spread in the United States. There are several cases in TN at this time, with the first case in Knox county yesterday.
As the situation continues to develop, it is crucial to be aware of the virus
as well as to be prepared to keep yourself healthy. COVID-19 is a new strain of
the coronavirus, a family of viruses that is responsible for many common colds,
as well as viral types of pneumonia.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the vast majority (80%) of COVID-19 cases
are mild. Current numbers show that about 3-4% of people die from COVID-19
(compared to 0.1% of flu deaths). Since COVID-19 is a new disease, it has taken
time to develop testing, as well as to develop effective treatments, which would also decrease the number of deaths.Like the flu, the people who die or develop serious cases tend to be elderly,
have a compromised immune system, or some other respiratory or medical problem.
Symptoms to be aware of:
The WHO and CDC report that the primary symptoms are
fever and a dry cough. The differences are that with COVID-19, these symptoms
will continue to worsen, and shortness of breath will start to appear. It is
very important that anyone with these symptoms should stay at home and contact
their doctor for further guidance.
How to stay safe during this crisis:
So what can you do to keep yourself safe from COVID-19?
The CDC recommends the following
Wash your hands frequently using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not present.
If you are sick or may have come in contact with someone who is sick, STAY HOME. Social isolation can help prevent the spread of this sickness, especially to those who are high risk for complications.
Maintain a distance of three feet from people who are coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your face or mouth with unwashed hands.
Cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your arm when coughing or sneezing.
Keep up to date on the news.
So what does that all mean?
None of this is cause for panic; the sky is, in fact, not
falling; however, it is a difficult situation. As it stands now, it looks like
COVID-19 will continue to spread and has the potential to cause significant
disruption to our day to day lives.
One of my most important jobs as a therapist is to be a consistent place of safety and support for my clients. That is why I always do what I do my best to be in the office for our sessions.
In case I am not able to come to the office, or you are unable to, then we will cancel our appointments until we are able to return to sessions safely.
Going forward, please practice regular handwashing and cover your mouth when coughing during sessions. Do not come to the office if you are sick or have any of the symptoms described here. I will not be charging late cancellation fees while this pandemic is going on. I will be regularly disinfecting surfaces to help prevent the spread of any illness.