Inaugural Post
This is the first day of spring, the end of winter—normally reason to rejoice. Regrettably, we are all now in the early stages of a global pandemic involving covid-19.
Coronavirus 19
Strains of coronavirus are known to infect humans, causing symptoms similar to the common cold, and are rarely lethal. Coronavirus 19 is different. It is a virus never before encountered by humans and for which there is no immunity. Highly infectious and virulent covid-19 appears to be 10-30X more lethal than influenza. That is highly significant, because without urgent containment measures, 40% of the US population is expected to become infected.
Naturally occurring genetic mutations occur regularly in coronaviruses. Occasionally, strains that usually infect only animals have developed the capability—through mutations—of infecting humans. Two such mutated animal viruses (SARS and MERS) were easily passed from person to person, capable of causing serious illness, and threatened a global epidemic. Fortunately, for one reason or another, those contagions were self-limited and have ceased to be a threat.
Coronavirus 19 appears to have evolved naturally in China from an animal virus1. It first appeared in Wuhan, China and was announced to the world by the Chinese at the end of December 2019. Since then, it has spread world-wide. As I write this (March 19, 2020) it has infected 230,000 people, causing 9,400 deaths. In the US alone, there are currently 11,000 confirmed cases and 155 deaths.
Rationale for Social Distancing
The number of cases in the US is rising exponentially. The majority of people who are infected will have only mild to moderate disease (not requiring oxygen). The rest will become seriously ill and may die about 2 weeks after first becoming infected. That means the need for ICU beds and medical supplies will mirror the number of new infections, albeit with a two-week delay.
If the person-to-person transmission of the virus can be slowed, the number of people infected at any one time will be fewer, and the demand on ICU beds and medical supplies and personnel will be lower. With no available treatment at present, preventing person-to-person transmission is the best strategy for controlling the pandemic. We all have to avoid unnecessary contact with others for a while, wash our hands diligently and often, stay home if infected to reduce transmission to others, and shutter ourselves inside is we are especially vulnerable to the disease (advanced age, chronic health conditions).
Think About Getting Out in Nature
For those not infected and able to get outdoors, being in nature is almost certainly beneficial. There are numerous studies that validate the benefit to the immune system, to blood pressure, mental health, and creativity. There is more space between people outdoors and you won’t get the virus from the plants or the forest air. Besides, being in nature is usually a good distraction—a welcome break from the concern over the coronavirus.
If you are stuck inside, try looking—really looking—at images of nature. The experience may deliver similar benefits, but probably to a lesser degree. Although it can be easy to get lost in certain photos that evoke memories of an outdoor place or experience.
We’ll have more on the benefits of nature in general, and ideas for getting outdoors, in subsequent blog posts.
Journal Reference:
1. Kristian G. Andersen, Andrew Rambaut, W. Ian Lipkin, Edward C. Holmes, Robert F. Garry. The proximal origin of SARS-CoV-2. Nature Medicine, 2020; DOI: 10.1038/s41591-020-0820-9Welcome to your blog post. Use this space to connect with your readers and potential customers in a way that’s current and interesting. Think of it as an ongoing conversation where you can share updates about business, trends, news, and more.
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