Are you worried about the Coronavirus?

[Arcadian]

@kipari and @AGBF

Coronavirus: Italy extends quarantine measures nationwide

Coronavirus: Italy extends emergency measures nationwide

The entire population - some 60 million people - are told to stay at home amid the outbreak.

www.bbc.com

And Israel now have 14 day quarantine for all inbound flights.

 

[whitewave]

Can I please have some help with some perspective here? I’m a very, very anxious person with a husband who has diabetes and a son who has asthma. Whenever they talk about who will be vulnerable to dying from Coronavirus, they always mention diabetes. I am terrified. Like, not sleeping at night, trying to figure out a plan to scoop my husband up out of our life and run away to the hills, terrified.

Do you all think this thing is going to be as bad as they say it will be? Do you notice the uneasiness and the fact that the experts dance around the news reporters questions? Do you think they do this because they know this is going to be terrible or because they don’t have the answers? Do you think the media is hyping this up and when this is all over, we will be like “that was a lot of hoopla for nothing!”?

My mind is just spinning. It would really help to hear from others to know what you truly think about what is happening...if you care to share. Thank you.

Ok let’s do it this way: does anyone here know someone with Coronavirus or anyone in quarantine? Like personally know someone.. friend, coworker or acquaintance.

 

[MamaBee]

@Mamabean
I sent you a message via your LT contact since we’re around the same neck of the woods!

I answered you! Thanks again..xxoo

 

[TooPatient]

Dh has been staying out of the ER if possible, but I know they all shake hands too much with patients. I was trying to get them to do elbow bumps or something.

I hate shaking Dr hands! That is true anytime but even more now. I'd be happiest with a smile and "hello" or just a slight wave.

 

[Rubymal]

Haha, I love my mom I really do. But she definitely fulfills this Chinese stereotype about wanting your kid to be a doctor. My parents and I were all born in China, and it's not in this youtube clip but he does mention that becoming a doctor is one of the ways to go from born-abroad immigrant with nothing to respected and prestigious member of society in one generation.

(Warning: ethnicity based humor and swearing)

My brother showed me this recently. It is SO true. I did not fulfill the doctor dream, but my brother did his part and did the next best thing which was to become a lawyer.

 

[TooPatient]

Ok let’s do it this way: does anyone here know someone with Coronavirus or anyone in quarantine? Like personally know someone.. friend, coworker or acquaintance.

Yep. DH's co-worker tested positive. I know many who have been likely exposed and are self quarantining as a precaution.
(But I live near Kirkland...)

 

[JPie]

My brother showed me this recently. It is SO true. I did not fulfill the doctor dream, but my brother did his part and did the next best thing which was to become a lawyer.

Same! My parents decided lawyer was a better profession because they assumed it had a better work-life balance. (Nope!)

My sister actually wanted to be a lawyer so that worked out.

 

[MamaBee]

Same! My parents decided lawyer was a better profession because they assumed it had a better work-life balance. (Nope!)

My sister actually wanted to be a lawyer so that worked out.

@JPie My son says lawyers don’t have a life. He’s a lawyer..haha

 

[MamaBee]

Yep. DH's co-worker tested positive. I know many who have been likely exposed and are self quarantining as a precaution.
(But I live near Kirkland...)

I hope your hubby didn't have contact with him..

 

[facetgirl]

So a few things. Yes I know someone who is in self quarantine although he did not have exposure to the person who tested positive so its all precaution. My school district is now preparing for online classes (its preparation, not roll out). My husband was just informed of a company wide pay cut due to lost business and its indefinite.

Whether its unnecessary panic, or people just doing what makes sense at this point to protect stability, its real. Nothing you can do but stay cool, prepare and practice self care.

 

[lyra]

I am worried about people losing their jobs. I'm worried my husband will be laid off, although he says it won't happen. Unfortunately, it's happened to us several times in the past, with different companies being folded. I'm sorry @facetgirl.

 

[TooPatient]

I hope your hubby didn't have contact with him..

He doesn't think he did recently, but isn't positive. There was a team building fun event with a bunch of people so he may have plus a few larger group meetings.

 

[TooPatient]

I am worried about people losing their jobs. I'm worried my husband will be laid off, although he says it won't happen. Unfortunately, it's happened to us several times in the past, with different companies being folded. I'm sorry @facetgirl.

We already have restaurants and catering companies laying people off. My favorite store is cutting everyone's hours back since there are few people shopping and they expect next week to be worse. It is horrible to see so many with this added stress right now!

 

[chemgirl]

A coworker knows someone with Coronavirus. It was acquired through travel to DC. He was supposed to be at a wedding with the guy last night, but guy is in quarantine at home.

I watched the president’s press conference tonight and it was shocking. It’s like he assumes you’re all idiots. So much dancing around issues. Saying cruise ship travel can be ok, that travel to some locations might increase. Seriously? It’s obvious that the government is saying whatever they can to protect the economy.

Don’t get me started on everyone’s bizarre praise of the president. Such a smart and decisive leader who has saved so many lives. It was creepy to listen to. Like what you would expect to hear in North Korea.

 

[telephone89]

Sad to hear about the first Canadian death, just listed as a man in his 80s with other health conditions in a care home.

@chemgirl "Saying cruise ship travel can be ok" Cruise ships are already cesspools of disease, let alone now!!

 

[KristinTech]

Ok let’s do it this way: does anyone here know someone with Coronavirus or anyone in quarantine? Like personally know someone.. friend, coworker or acquaintance.

A woman from my town is quarantined on the cruise ship right now that just docked. She and her husband are headed to Georgia or Texas when they depart (for another 14 days of quarantine). I do not know her personally, but she is a travel agent and friends with lots of my friends. She always shows up in my FB feed with friends on vacations! She and her husband are doing fine. Just bored and they don’t know what to expect for this next stage.

 

[chemgirl]

@chemgirl "Saying cruise ship travel can be ok" Cruise ships are already cesspools of disease, let alone now!!

Agreed. I was so surprised to hear that. Cruise ships are floating around without being allowed to dock. Who wants to deal with that? Even if you’re in a low risk group you might get stuck in quarantine. Don’t go.

The cruise ship industry isn’t happy with Canada right now. We’ve been told not to go on cruises. Our government must be getting fed up with extracting people from preventable situations.

 

[Arcadian]

First coronavirus vaccine trial in the US is recruiting volunteers

Forty-five people will be enrolled in the preliminary safety trial of the new vaccine.

www.livescience.com

Thats pretty quick. Lots of companies working on one these guys are first though.

 

[nala]

Dr. Drew On Coronavirus: 'Businesses Destroyed, Lives Upended -- Not By Virus, But By Panic'

Dr. Drew Pinsky explains why he wants people to calm down about the panic around coronavirus.

losangeles.cbslocal.com

So reluctant to post bc I might get attacked by @Matata again as she resorted to vulgarities rather than discussion a few pages back.,but hopefully all of you read this if you didn’t get a chance to watch him live. I got attacked a few pages ago because I used the word panic and mass hysteria. But maybe I’m not as eloquent as Dr. Drew.

 

[voce]

Haha, I love my mom I really do. But she definitely fulfills this Chinese stereotype about wanting your kid to be a doctor. My parents and I were all born in China, and it's not in this youtube clip but he does mention that becoming a doctor is one of the ways to go from born-abroad immigrant with nothing to respected and prestigious member of society in one generation.

(Warning: ethnicity based humor and swearing)

My dad showed this to me a few weeks before. He said it's disgraceful and not funny because white people also want to be doctors for the respectability and money. He wanted me to become a doctor; I didn't because I am about as rebellious as they come for a first-generation Chinese immigrant who came to America as a child, and because memorizing body parts seemed so tedious. I don't like to do too much that's routine. I find Ronny Chieng funny but hate how many people are motivated by greed when it comes to careers.

 

[Rubymal]

All the other tech companies around me are encouraging or requiring work from home. Two weeks ago, my company hosted a multi-day conference and the same week held a department wide training which brought around 50+ people to an office where there were hundreds already. These people worked in sales and frequently travel the world. It was a bit shocking that they still allowed it to happen. Shortly thereafter, people started voicing their concerns about safety precautions. Now, we can only work from home if we have traveled to/from the high risk areas and come in contact with someone who has been confirmed to have the virus.

 

[MarionC]

Dr. Drew On Coronavirus: 'Businesses Destroyed, Lives Upended -- Not By Virus, But By Panic'

Dr. Drew Pinsky explains why he wants people to calm down about the panic around coronavirus.

losangeles.cbslocal.com

So reluctant to post bc I might get attacked by @Matata again as she resorted to vulgarities rather than discussion a few pages back.,but hopefully all of you read this if you didn’t get a chance to watch him live. I got attacked a few pages ago because I used the word panic and mass hysteria. But maybe I’m not as eloquent as Dr. Drew.

Great clip. Very helpful. Thanks!

 

[TooPatient]

All the other tech companies around me are encouraging or requiring work from home. Two weeks ago, my company hosted a multi-day conference and the same week held a department wide training which brought around 50+ people to an office where there were hundreds already. These people worked in sales and frequently travel the world. It was a bit shocking that they still allowed it to happen. Shortly thereafter, people started voicing their concerns about safety precautions. Now, we can only work from home if we have traveled to/from the high risk areas and come in contact with someone who has been confirmed to have the virus.

Seriously!?!?

Are you in WA? That is awful!

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

Ok let’s do it this way: does anyone here know someone with Coronavirus or anyone in quarantine? Like personally know someone.. friend, coworker or acquaintance.

6 in quarantine


2 of my kid's friends who went to a high impact area (obvs. before the cases were reported there) in the country for holidays (their families' second home is there- rather rural spot, btw)

3 employees of DH upon return from Italy, Singapore and one high impact area domestically (same as above).

DHs aunt upon return from France into Israel (a week ago this was their practice already)

 

[missy]

Two days ago my dh's employer emailed everyone that if they have kids in the school system to please work from home. They already emailed everyone the week before saying if you are not well work from home. Last night my dh received an email that a few of his colleagues were exposed to the Coronavirus at a meeting at another firm. So they are now in self quarantine.

This is a work in progress (for everyone) and I believe soon most employers (if possible) will ask everyone to please work from home. Even if well. In the hopes of keeping those who are healthy remaining healthy. Luckily in my dh's field one can work from home much of the time. Not all of the time however and I wonder what is going to happen to many business and to the economy as a whole. Hoping everyone can recover from this but not so sure.

We have to take it day by day and adapt accordingly. Most important is staying or getting well and work will have to be compromised. Nothing is more important than the health of one's family and oneself.

 

[missy]

To inject some humor:





#justjoking #don'tpanic #pleaseremaincalm #laughter #putitinperspective

 

[House Cat]

We know it’s spreading fast. We know many have a mild case but yes those in the higher risk category have to be as careful as possible. I would limit your family’s exposure to the outside as much as you can and hunker down safe at home. Try not to stress and just avoiding unnecessary contact with people should keep you and your family healthy.

Your DH’s diabetes is controlled right? Your son’s asthma is controlled. We have good healthcare in this country despite challenges and I trust they can and will keep your DH and son healthy should g-d forbid they contract the virus.

Sending you gentle hugs and good thoughts.

Yes, my husband’s diabetes is controlled. His a1c is in the normal range right now. We are actually restricting his diet to get it down even further because the doctor said the lower we can get it, the stronger his immune system will be. But that’s the thing, his immune system will always be compromised.

My son’s asthma is 90% controlled...it’s that last bit we can’t get right. He got sick this winter and it triggered coughing and that was it.

Keeping my husband in is easy. Talking to my 14 year old about this has been difficult. I have been trying to convince him about how serious this is to him and his dad. He thinks this is no big deal. He is afraid I won’t let him out of the house to see his friends. I’m afraid in my attempt to convince him that this is important, I may have overwhelmed him. Either way, he still thinks this isn’t a big deal, he is just worried about the fact that I think it is. We’ve decided to keep information to a minimum for him. Wash hands, clean up, etc.

I just keep seeing those images on tv of people suffering alone in the hospital. They can’t have family with them. If they die, they die alone. If something happens to my husband, I won’t get to stand by his side or hold his hand. This thing is a nightmare.

 

[House Cat]

Ok let’s do it this way: does anyone here know someone with Coronavirus or anyone in quarantine? Like personally know someone.. friend, coworker or acquaintance.

No, I don’t, but people in my county and neighboring counties have it. One man died. I believe because of lack of testing, there are actually many, many more cases of COVID-19 in the area.

 

[House Cat]

As a clinician working around a lot of other clinicians, we are all being vigilant but overall calm. I work for a large metropolitan health system, and we have great medical technology to support patients, even ones that are critically ill, so long as they can get to us. I think a lot of the unease around answering questions is because we don't have answers, and we are trying to walk the fine line between offering reassurance but not sounding so reassuring that people don't take things seriously. It's hard to say "this is serious! but don't panic" and many of us are erring on putting out the "this is serious" message because better that people be over vigilant that overly cavalier.

But around our own water coolers in the hospitals, folk seem to feel like things are going to be ok. Just my two cents.

It sounds like you're taking great precautions. I'd recommend making sure you guys have good supplies of necessary medications and glucometers just in case there is supply chain disruption.

This is reassuring. Are you guys worried about filling up hospital beds?

 

[missy]

Yes, my husband’s diabetes is controlled. His a1c is in the normal range right now. We are actually restricting his diet to get it down even further because the doctor said the lower we can get it, the stronger his immune system will be. But that’s the thing, his immune system will always be compromised.

My son’s asthma is 90% controlled...it’s that last bit we can’t get right. He got sick this winter and it triggered coughing and that was it.

Keeping my husband in is easy. Talking to my 14 year old about this has been difficult. I have been trying to convince him about how serious this is to him and his dad. He thinks this is no big deal. He is afraid I won’t let him out of the house to see his friends. I’m afraid in my attempt to convince him that this is important, I may have overwhelmed him. Either way, he still thinks this isn’t a big deal, he is just worried about the fact that I think it is. We’ve decided to keep information to a minimum for him. Wash hands, clean up, etc.

I just keep seeing those images on tv of people suffering alone in the hospital. They can’t have family with them. If they die, they die alone. If something happens to my husband, I won’t get to stand by his side or hold his hand. This thing is a nightmare.

@House Cat I understand and have a tendency to be overly anxious some/much of the time. Something I am working on but like you might feel there are times anxiety is important because it is based in reality and fueling us to make smart choices.

I feel for you re your 14 year old son because while I do not have children I am dealing with my extremely stubborn parents who behave often like children. And they are at great risk.

My dad turns 86 in April and my mom and dad both have numerous health issues that are chronic and not well controlled so yeah I am anxious. Plus my dh is over 60 and he has asthma as do I and I have a few chronic health conditions too. So all this makes me concerned but right now all we can do (IMO) is focus on what we can do reasonably and try to stay healthy and try minimizing being in situations that put us at risk.

To some degree I can do that but to a greater degree until I get sick I have to go on about my life and also want to continue enjoying life day by day. Taking long walks when possible and going to my doctor appts if I am well and can go. Just because we don't know how long it will be like this.

I am sharing just to say you are not alone in your concerns and your situation isn't even unique. Sadly there are too many in a similar situation. Right now, as far as I can tell, it is like a flu. Some get very ill but the majority recover without complications. And even in those with underlying conditions yes they are at greater risk but the majority will recover. And you are doing all you can do to ensure your family's health. As for your kid he is 14 and you are the boss. And if you need to make him a bit more concerned/anxious so he makes smart decisions so be it. IMO it is the lesser of the evils here. And he is the child and you are the parent. Period.

And as with most things this is a work in progress and we have to adapt as info changes and we learn more. I am just writing my thoughts as I have them now with the info I know. Nothing I write is in stone and I reserve the right to change my thoughts and feelings as more info comes to light.

Be well and stay healthy. Best wishes to you and your entire family.