Bodily Intelligence
I am meant to be in Vietnam right now but it was cancelled due to Covid-19. I’m enjoying time with my plants instead.
My decision to cancel was based on responsibility. Not wanting to be stuck if travel comes to a halt, or playing a role in transmission: travelling to high risk areas increasing my risk of exposure, and to come back to work and expose my staff and patients.
Not fear.
My sense is that fear is driving many people and it is because the virus was unknown, so it is important to make sure our emotions don't trump the facts. Here's a rundown:
Covid-19 is a new strain of the coronavirus, not previously identified in humans. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that has impact ranging from the common cold to MERS and SARs. These viruses are zoonotic, meaning they circulate in animals, and some develop the capability of transmitting to humans.
WHO states that Covid-19 causes only mild disease in four of five people who get it. Older people, those with heart or lung disease, diabetes, or those that are immunocompromised are the most severely affected.
Common symptoms are fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
These symptoms show up in people within 14 days of exposure. It is commonly spread from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets from coughing/sneezing, close, prolonged personal contact like shaking hands, or touching something with the virus on it and then touching mouth, nose, or eyes without washing hands.
Standard recommendations for prevention are simple: regular hand washing, covering mouth/nose when coughing/sneezing, and avoiding close contact with those with symptoms. Minimize travel to high risk areas, cruises, and large group gatherings.
Remember: our bodies are intelligent and have their own protective mechanisms. Just because you've been exposed does not mean you will get sick. If you do get sick and are healthy, its impact should be minimal.
Want to learn more about immunity and Covid-19? See tomorrow’s post.
Dr. Cristina Allen ND