Local article on coronavirus preparation

It’s here.  No more speculation about whether or when Novel Coronavirus will get to Oregon.  On 2/29/2020, Oregon’s first case was documented in Washington County.  The first coronavirus death occurred in a neighboring state and we understand that containment measures with those involved in that case were inadequate.  And while our president and his selected officials continue to under-report numbers of cases and to reassure Americans that most of us are at low risk of contracting a serious case of the virus, the truth is that we just don’t know.  They don’t know.  No one knows.  Researchers world-wide are scrambling to put together a better understanding of this pandemic virus.  But, at this point, data is still incomplete, predictions of infection rate and morbidity and mortality cannot be reliably made yet, and vaccines and curative medications won’t be available any time soon.  Our leaders can’t possibly know the facts, (politics aside, they simply aren’t available yet).   They are making recommendations that are reactive, rather than proactive.  And it becomes up to us – individually, for our own households and businesses, and hopefully, locally, at our health institutions and public settings – to make some decisions to protect ourselves.  Really, none of us alive today have experienced a pandemic.  We are not equipped to fully understand it or to diligently act to contain its spread.   More extreme measures may be needed as more cases develop.  But for now, we must all at least start taking it seriously.  And start with simple actions to limit infection transmission and to keep you and our community as safe as possible. 

• Wash hands often, thoroughly, especially after contact with body fluids.  Hand sanitizers with 60-90% alcohol may be effective. 
• Cough into your elbow or into a tissue that you discard in the trash.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. 
• Disinfect surfaces and frequently touched objects, e.g. doorknobs, bathroom counters, toys. 
• Avoid exposure to people who are ill or coughing.  Stay home when you are sick.  This is NOT the time to buck up and push through.  Don’t be afraid to cancel gatherings or meetings during this pandemic. 
• Visits to health care settings should also be limited when conditions are not urgent.  Before heading into the office or ER, call your practitioner or the urgent care to determine whether you need to be seen and where you will best be served.  There may be certain settings set up to handle suspected coronavirus in the community. 
• Wear a mask – N95 is standard – when exposure cannot be avoided or if you are sick. 
• Don’t share!  And teach your kids not to share during this outbreak.  Keep your snacks, beverage containers, towels, lip balms, scarves and gloves to yourself to avoid transmission.  Hold off on hugs and handshakes if you or your contacts might be ill. 
• Don’t hoard, but do stock your cupboards with some extra food and cleaning supplies.  Think about having enough on hand to last a couple weeks – include anything you might need, like your prescription meds, hygiene products or items you would use if a household member becomes ill – like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, cough medications, soups, teas, things to relieve symptoms. 
• Develop back up plans for school and work – avoiding group exposures and close contact with potentially infected individuals can reduce the spread of the infection. 

In addition to traditional medical attention, there are alternative approaches that may help bolster ability to fight infection.  Osteopathic techniques, acupuncture, immune-boosting supplements, homeopathics, herbs and natural remedies may contribute to preventing, treating and providing comfort while we deal with this unfamiliar and serious health challenge. 

Prepare, don’t panic!