We are living in unprecedented times. Never before have we seen entire cities, let alone entire countries completely shut down. Sporting events, concerts, festivals–any and all large public gatherings have been canceled or suspended indefinitely. There is an underlying fear that has begun to manifest itself into the public consciousness. People are afraid to hug, shake hands, or be out in public. Isolation is becoming the default response–the recommended response (and perhaps for good reason). Paranoia stems not only from the fear of getting it yourself, but the even greater fear of giving it to others. The fact remains that no one exactly knows how bad it will get, how many people will die, or what the after-effects will be. One person may tell you that the whole situation is being overblown and another person will tell you it’s the end of society as we know it. Their both just guessing and at this point may have a near equal chance of being right.
As of this writing (3/18/20) there are currently around 100,000 active cases of COVID-19 and there have been just under 8,000 deaths worldwide. The virus is in every country and currently has around 6,000 active cases in the United States. The virus is being compared to influenza, which is also a virus and shares many symptoms and means of transmission, but which is completely different in terms of infection and mortality rates. Influenza, or the seasonal ‘flu,’ typically infects between 5-20% of the U.S. population and results in between 8,200-20,000 deaths each year. This is a mortality rate of 0.1%, which is why most people don’t panic and oftentimes don’t even go to the doctor when they have flu like symptoms.
Influenza is a viral respiratory illness and typically begins around November and tapers off in March, at least in the Northern Hemisphere. It is commonly thought that the flu is caused by cold temperatures, but that is not necessarily the case. There are several theories for why the flu is more prevalent in the winter and they likely all have some validity. For instance, during colder months people generally stay indoors with the windows shut and thus are more likely to breathe the same air as an infected person. Another theory states that the lack of sunlight causes a deficiency in vitamin D and melatonin, which in turn compromises our immune system and our ability to fight the virus. It’s also thought that the virus survives better in colder, drier climates because it can hang around in the air longer. In warmer, more humid climates moisture in the air clings to the virus as it is airborne and lowers it to the ground where it is less likely to find a host.
Although COVID-19 is a completely different and unrelated virus to the typically influenza strains, it is worth considering these factors when attempting to ‘predict’ how these next few months may unfold. The first and most hopeful outcome is that infections begin to wane as we get into warmer months. As infection rates drop and a general ease among the public develops people will begin to venture out again and life continues on as usual. This is the best possible scenario.
Another scenario is that warmer weather does little to affect the virus and it continues to spread among the general populace. We are currently witnessing a nationwide shut down as officials urge people to stay home and practice ‘social distancing.’ After all, the less people that are out mingling, the less chance there is for the virus to spread. This may not eradicate the virus, but may allow us to come into contact with it gradually over a longer period of time, rather than all at once. This is known as ‘flattening the curve,’ and may help us from over-flooding our hospitals with more cases than they can treat.
So now as it stands we are faced with two modes of action when confronting the situation. One is that of fear and panic, while the other is one of common sense hygiene and taking the proper measures to bolster your immune system as this virus makes it’s rounds. We will not be able to fully insulate ourselves from this and it is more than likely that each one of us will come into contact with COVID-19 at some point within the next year or so. It will then come down to the strength of our immune system at recognizing and destroying the virus before it takes hold. In this case, we may not even realize we’ve built an immunity. That is what our goal should be which is why it is imperative for us to prioritize our health now more than ever.
This starts with eating fresh fruits and vegetables; better yet, grow a small garden to not only shore up your own food supply, but more importantly to provide you and your family with the best food money can buy. It’s also not a bad idea to begin taking some health supplements such as elderberry syrup or echinacea tea, while also incorporating ample amounts of fresh garlic, ginger, and turmeric into your cooking. Get plenty of sleep and make sure to still get out and exercise (even if that’s just an isolated stroll around the block). Most important of all, take time to relax and do the things that make you happy. Obsessing over every new headline will only increase panic and stress. Stay informed, but remember to retain some sense of normalcy in your daily life. Last but not least, be kind to those around you. This is a war and we’re all in it together. If there was ever a time to unite as a human species, this is it.
Written by Rand Gifford
Have a thought on the subject? Leave a comment down below!