Important:Information is changing rapidly. Follow the local guidlines for update
Q: Should I be scared?
There is no dount that this is a concerning situation. For some of us, we're concerned about own health or our family. formany others, the social and financial implications are concerning.
The situation does keep changing however, the absolute risk to individuals is pretty low. The vast majority of people who get the illness will recover. However, we do need to be mindful about people who are higher risk and minimising harm to them.
If you are feeling anxious about the situation, be sure to take care of yourself. Get off social media, exercise, meditate, talk about your concerns and see your doctor if need be. And support each other.
Q: I have an underlying medical condition, what does it mean for me?
It depends on what the medical condition is. We know that the risk is higher for people who have cardiovascular disease, older age, diabetes, high bloodpressure, cancer and lung disease. For people who are immunosuppessed, we don't really know their risk since there are different degrees of immune suppression.
If you or a relative fall sinto this category:
Speak to your usual doctor for advice
Do not change medications without advice
Stay away from crowds and sick people
Be fastidiouds with hand washing
Q: What is the deal with masks? Which one, should I wear one, should I not?
Accrding WHO, use a mask if are caring for someone with/suspected COVID-19 or if you are coughing/sneezing. You must know how to put it on and take it off correctly - see @WHO for this advive
N95 masks are special masks that filter 95% of particles. In order to work, they must be fitted properly. They need to be taken on and off correctly to work. Most infection comes from contact so walking around this on may not offer protetion.
It's also vitial that health care staff have access to masks and other protective equipment and if everyone starts buying themup, our health system won't be safe to take care of you.
Q: What about a vaccine?
Most estimatessay its around 18 months off
Q: How is it different from the flu?
Influenza is caused by a completely different virus which changes a little each year (which is why you need a yearly flu shot). There is a degree of background immunity in the population and vaccines are usually readily available. COVID-19 is caused by a never before seen virus called a 'coronavirus' which is completely different. It's newness also means that nobody has any immunity to it so we are all vulnerable.
Q: Can you get it again?
We genuinely don't know.
Q: Should I keep going to the gym?
Exercise is beneficial to our overall health and well being and during this time when everyone is very anxious, may be important in relieving some of this.
SARS-CoV-2 has not been detected in sweat but with lots of people in a small area, touching the same equipment, this is an opportunity for spread.
If you continue to go to the gym:
DO NOT go if you're unwell, or been in contact with sick/at risk people, wipe down the equipment, don't touch your face, wash your hands and if you're a high-fever after a worout, stop that please.
Q: Where can I stay up a date?
To stay up to date:
@WHO
@cdcgov
Your local health authority
Take Home Messages
Be alert, not alarmed. Panic makes the effects of any pandemic for worse.
Wash Your Hands
Follow advice from the WHO and your local heath authorities as this situation is constantly changing.
Q: Should I be scared?
There is no dount that this is a concerning situation. For some of us, we're concerned about own health or our family. formany others, the social and financial implications are concerning.
The situation does keep changing however, the absolute risk to individuals is pretty low. The vast majority of people who get the illness will recover. However, we do need to be mindful about people who are higher risk and minimising harm to them.
If you are feeling anxious about the situation, be sure to take care of yourself. Get off social media, exercise, meditate, talk about your concerns and see your doctor if need be. And support each other.
Q: I have an underlying medical condition, what does it mean for me?
It depends on what the medical condition is. We know that the risk is higher for people who have cardiovascular disease, older age, diabetes, high bloodpressure, cancer and lung disease. For people who are immunosuppessed, we don't really know their risk since there are different degrees of immune suppression.
If you or a relative fall sinto this category:
Speak to your usual doctor for advice
Do not change medications without advice
Stay away from crowds and sick people
Be fastidiouds with hand washing
Q: What is the deal with masks? Which one, should I wear one, should I not?
Accrding WHO, use a mask if are caring for someone with/suspected COVID-19 or if you are coughing/sneezing. You must know how to put it on and take it off correctly - see @WHO for this advive
N95 masks are special masks that filter 95% of particles. In order to work, they must be fitted properly. They need to be taken on and off correctly to work. Most infection comes from contact so walking around this on may not offer protetion.
It's also vitial that health care staff have access to masks and other protective equipment and if everyone starts buying themup, our health system won't be safe to take care of you.
Q: What about a vaccine?
Most estimatessay its around 18 months off
Q: How is it different from the flu?
Influenza is caused by a completely different virus which changes a little each year (which is why you need a yearly flu shot). There is a degree of background immunity in the population and vaccines are usually readily available. COVID-19 is caused by a never before seen virus called a 'coronavirus' which is completely different. It's newness also means that nobody has any immunity to it so we are all vulnerable.
Q: Can you get it again?
We genuinely don't know.
Q: Should I keep going to the gym?
Exercise is beneficial to our overall health and well being and during this time when everyone is very anxious, may be important in relieving some of this.
SARS-CoV-2 has not been detected in sweat but with lots of people in a small area, touching the same equipment, this is an opportunity for spread.
If you continue to go to the gym:
DO NOT go if you're unwell, or been in contact with sick/at risk people, wipe down the equipment, don't touch your face, wash your hands and if you're a high-fever after a worout, stop that please.
Q: Where can I stay up a date?
To stay up to date:
@WHO
@cdcgov
Your local health authority
Take Home Messages
Be alert, not alarmed. Panic makes the effects of any pandemic for worse.
Wash Your Hands
Follow advice from the WHO and your local heath authorities as this situation is constantly changing.
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