As a COPD patient, the Coronavirus has me very frightened. I'm frightened for myself, my family, as well as my fellow COPD challenged posters. I've started this discussion to provide a new place for information, opinions, comforting words, and common sense. I'm already very homebound, but will need to shop for my groceries. I have a few face mask, a small supply of hand sanitiser and paper towels. I look to increase these supplies. Also, I hope to stock up on pantry supplies should the virus go crazy in my area. I look forward to reading all your post on this subject. All the best, Larry
I was due to travel to Athens next week but on the advice of my thoracic consultant have had to postpone this until later in the year. Will be interesting to see what the UK government come up with this afternoon after the Cobra meeting re social distancing for people with medical conditions like ours.
Me personally I am treating the Coronavirus like the flu (flu without a vaccine) that it is and am taking all the precautions that I would take with a flu epidemic+ a few more. There is no hand sanitizer left in any shops here but I do have a bit left plus Dettol I will put on a tissue in a zip lock bag to keep it moist and that is what I shall use if my hand sanitizer runs out For my own sanity, I live alone with my two dogs, I go out every other day to the shops, I will talk to people that want to talk, I do avoid any one with an obvious cold. I sanitize my hands on leaving the supermarket and before touching my car. I also sanitize small change, I have done this since my diagnoses. I take my dogs out walking every day for my and their health. I have back pack oxygen at 6lts a minute and with several stops to get my blood gas back up, really don't know why it drops so low (a times down to 67) when on O2. On a good day I can do 3kms. I was given up to three years 2 1/2 years ago, determined to prove them wrong but when it is your time to go it is your time to go virus's or not, no good making what ever time you have left miserable and a worry to friends and family. I will not be influenced by any one but what I think suits me. Panic, stress and isolation is NOT good for us. Am I unusual? , don't know My lung conditions are, Pulmonary Fibrosis, Emphysema, Bronchiectasis Systemic Scleroderma and just for good measure I have GERD.
Good luck and health to every one. Sue
Quartines, testing, proper social habits, as well as other precautions/ preparedness are valid topics indeed, but I've heard little on just how critical cases are being treated. Are antibiotics working in this virus. What drug is working best to fight this virus and is the supply on hand enough or are shortages taking place. Respirators and hospital beds are at a premium where the virus is hitting hardest, what is being done?
These and other questions will need answers, in the meantime let's all try to use good sense and be safe.
All the best.
Hi Larry49o33,
I am so pleased you have opened-up this one! I have been mulling over things in my head, and haven't got a clue about who I should ask, when I just have a question or two that I'd like the answers to.I wouldn't dream of contacting any of the urgent-help phone-lines, like 111 in particular, because the questions could be so trivial that wasting their time would be very annoying to them, and anyone else with an urgent need for help. Having this place should give everyone the opportunity of gaining some good knowledge, from learning by each other and the experiences are shared. I shall go ahead now, and ask one of my silly questions! I have a dental appointment next week, as a check-up, and wonder if I should attend. Like you, I am very much, Housebound so self-isolating would not be a problem at all. In this instance though, I do not know if the utensils would have been in contact with someone who is just a 'carrier', after sterilisation. The process of cleaning the tools is not to my satisfaction under normal circumstances, as I am quite sensitive to bacteria etc., which I can pick-up with just a smile at the offending object. Should I go, or cancel for a second time in a month? I previously cancelled as a result of having a chest infection, which is clear now, thankfully. All honest opinions would be appreciated, thanks.
In my opinion, the only silly questions are the ones people fear to ask. I would suggest that you call ahead of your dental appointment and as politely as possible express your sterilisation concerns. Done properly, I'm sure that your concerns can foster more careful attention to your case. This raises more interest over the spread of a virus like the current version. Contact with a surface contaminated with the Coronavirus seems to be the primary way this disease is spread. Also they say that because this virus is so active that it makes the flu virus look like a weak sister in comparison. Yes flu can also be fatal, but the Coronavirus has a much higher mortality rate. This virus terrifies me as I have COPD and always get an annual flu vaccination. A vaccine might stop the spread of this virus in the future, but not no such medicine exist. For me that means that we need to trust that all will do the right things to protect our fellow citizens. Fat chance, protect yourself at all times as best you can. I say clean up your area/home and place no trust in public places. Shop and stock up on supplies so as to cut back on public excursions. I plan to do so myself. Drs may be more inclined to allow greater prescription supplies as this medical crisis moves forward. Call and ask if greater prescription supplies can be obtained during this uncertain time. Knowing the symptoms of this Coronavirus can serve to lessen it's severity. Can anyone list the symptoms for the Coronavirus?
All the best
Hi Larry, sorry to hear you are feeling frightened, it is a very bad situation. I started to isolate in the beginning of the week, because it is becoming increasingly obvious that the government is doing nothing about this, so all we can do is using our own common sense. You can only do what is sensible and then accept whatever happens. I find listening to audio books a lovely pastime, you can listen for free on U tube. Type in "Free audio books, librivox". There are all sorts I have listened to all the Sherlock Holmes stories, a lot of Agatha Christie and many more. I have also joined a facebook group COPD LIFE UK CHAT which is very nice, some lovely people all with the same disease. Maybe you would be able to get someone to some shopping for you, often people are glad to help and they could just leave it on your doorstep. Hope you will join above mentioned group. All the best wishes. Birte
The government here, both the Orange Dickwad and state (including Texas Health Department directors) are off on a coke-booze-gambling binge in Vegas, apparently. (They are so drugged that they can't figure out how to call their voicemail).
I have zero confidence in any govt agency here.
Here in Virginia (USA) it is not the same as Italy or England or Texas (USA). While the national government can ban travel and even fund medical research, it's the individual states that will be needed to each deal with outbreaks and treatment. This virus is more contagious than a flu virus and I'm told more dangerous. Sports Leagues, Churches, Concerts, and more are suspending activities to help slow down the spread of the virus. I believe that a healthy fear of this virus is as justified as medical experts are telling us it is.
Fear is a good thing, panic is not. Let's all use our common sense and look out for each other during this time. The quality of our character may well be tested as this medical crisis sweeps the planet.
All the best.
Hi Larry49o33,
Just a quick, short message to Thank You for your response to my message. Very sound advice, and I now intend to do as you suggested, call the dental practice and ask about sterilisation concerns which prevent me attending next week, in view of the spread of this Virus. I'm sure, as you mentioned, if I use some tact when I call it shouldn't be a problem for them, or me in the longer term. I have to add how much your message came across as excellent, where putting ourselves first, is the correct way forward during this crisis. We MUST do that, (or not) and I don't want to be another statistic for the 'Nots'.I would like to continue watching my Grandchildren grow into adults, even the little one who is only three. I will be putting myself first, and that way I shall be doing everyone a favour, from still being around to help other's long after this virus is conquered. Great Advice Larry. Thanks. All the Best.
Very, very sensible...thank you Sue
Agree...
I have alpha type 1 but do not have emphysema or any lung or liver issues for example. so my question is are you at more risk than the general public even if you dont have any adverse affects from alpha type 1. and can covid19 bring on problems you wouldn't otherwise have ?
Hello Douglas.
Some, like myself, are not medical experts. So, alpha type 1 "what"? I'm not familiar with all of the words/phrases and also wording changes from country to country as well. I would assume that for anyone with a pre existing medical condition contracting Covd19 or any other additional maladies can't be a good thing.
Next, here in Virginia (USA), hoarding of supplies like hand sanitiser,paper towels, surface disinfectant cleaners, antibacterial hand soap, canned foods, and other things has begun. It must be expected that people will generally place themselves first, but let us please try to reserve some empathy for our neighbors and allow us not to revert to caveman thinking. Let us all grow some from this crisis and emerge better people in spite of the bad taking place around us.
All the Best !
I agree with you completely. It's far better to live your life albeit taking sensible precautions than to cower in a corner paralysed in fear. That's not living is it? There is always risk in life after all so my attitude is you pays your money and takes your chances.
I have to disagree with you as corona doesn't have 'a much higher mortality rate' but it is more easily spread. The mortality rate is around 2 pc but don't forget how many elderly with health issues are carried off every year with ordinary flu. Most people even in the vulnerable groups survive it so it's far from a death sentence.
Hi Birte
Is it good to completely isolate? My personal opinion and only mine, is that if one isolates completely you lose what ever immunity you have to other germs, so immunity down all round, so b.......d if you do and b..............d if you don't.
Sue
Fear was mentioned earlier and I have an opinion on that subject. Fear is a natural human emotion. How one manages fear is the question. Fear challenges us to show proper respect or caution for life's more dangerous/uncertain situations. One can show proper respect for animals or heights or even lightning storms without being an ass about it. During this medical crisis we need to all listen to the medical/safety experts and pull back on the social activities for a few months for the better good of all (and yourself). Not following their good advice could extend this Pandemic for longer than need be.
I've heard of athletes taking B-12 vitamin shots, along with various other "health food" supplements like vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, and other oils. diminish Do any of these things give you a better immune system or fight flu/cold symptoms. I ask because I do know that as we age our immune systems diminish. Can any of these supplements really help bolster an immune system. I have always relied upon a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. I love citrus juices (orange,lime,lemon,etc.).
Being in the best health that we can be can only help if any contract any diseases/virus. Post on this area should be most interesting indeed.
All the Best
Emotionally, isolation is highly detrimental. People can go crazy when they are stuck inside and not interacting with others. What's detrimental to our minds harms our bodies.
I personally don't seem to have lost much immunity in the last few years of much-increased hermitage due to my lungs. Pollens may bother me more, but that seems true of all my aging friends.