Covid-19

 

Although this blog relates to mental health, Coronavirus (Covid-19) affects us all.

Whilst we profess no medical expertise, there is a wealth of information available. Therefore, we quote reliable sources in an attempt to clarify certain issues. This World Health Organisation chart compares the symptoms of Coronavirus, Cold & Flu.

NB: symptoms vary between individuals, so the WHO’s ‘rough guide’ is no substitute for a full examination and diagnosis by a medical professional.

Realities

1.  Don’t be confused by use of ‘coronavirus’ and ‘COVID-19’. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
2. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, although it can be more severe for others.
3. Wash your hands frequently; regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Read more ‘common sense’ precautions here.

4. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days.

5. With advisories about personal contact, is the Thai Wai not the most civilised greeting?

 

Myths

1. Antibiotics work against viruses. NO – they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. They should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
2.  COVID-19 is more deadly than SARS. NO – SARS was more deadly but much less infectious. There have been no outbreaks of SARS in the world since 2003.
3. I must wear a facemask. NO – if you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill, you are wasting a mask. Disposable face masks can only be used once.
4. It is simple to use a facemask. NO – there are recognised protocols for when to use a facemask; how to put on, use, take off and dispose of masks. Click here for details.

There are more myth-busters here→.

“Don’t panic” [Corporal Jones, Dad’s Army]

We now turn to consequences, which bring out the worst in human behaviour.

 

At a supermarket yesterday, we thought W.W. III had started!  And there is no logic to the items being stock-piled. Vast empty shelves for loo-rolls (despite diarrhoea being only a rare symptom) but plentiful tissues (critical to safeguarding others from getting sick) .

 

 

 

Golden Labrador pups must be having a world of fun in some households until they get sick. (Other brands are available!) 

 

 

“The pits of the world! Vultures! Trash!” [John Mcenroe]

We have seen women flighting over loo-rolls in a Sydney supermarket but here are two true stories of people in UK, who really are ‘reaching for the bottom’ [pun intended].

One of our nieces is a senior hospital nurse: visitors/patients are stealing full hand-gel dispensers .

She talks of having an armed-guard when next receiving a delivery.

 

 

Our supermarket has two boxes for customers to gift items to foodbanks and vulnerable people generally. A kind-hearted person left some loo-rolls – only for another customer to nick them!

 

 

 

NO WORDS – and no punishment – she’d nick the loo-rolls!

 

 

 

¹ There has been one instance of a dog being infected in Hong Kong.