Coronavirus: Separating Facts from Hype

Today I'm posting about something serious that's been in the news lately and probably on all of your minds--the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.  The disease started in China last December, and thanks to the miracle of air and sea travel, it's spread around the world in no time.  As I write this post, 231 people in the U.S. have coronavirus and 14 have died from it, most of them in Washington State.

What's scary is the disease is new and therefore we haven't developed an immunity to it.  The elderly (defined as those aged 60 and over) as well as those with respiratory issues and deficient immune systems seem to be the most susceptible.  Because the coronavirus is so new, scientists and medical experts are still learning how to deal with it and are feverishly trying to develop medications for its treatment.

One thing to be careful about in our age of social media and easily accessible information is separating the facts of coronavirus from the hype, and there's definitely a lot of hype.  When you look for information on the Internet, be sure you're going to reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, or the Mayo Clinic.  As for news outlets, check out major newspapers and television outlets, making sure to pay attention to news reports not opinion pieces, which are often mistaken for the news these days.

Don't panic, but do be cautious and sensible.  Practice good hygiene.  As the experts say, proper handwashing, sneezing or coughing into your elbow, avoiding handshakes (a nod or wave is fine) are some things you can do to help avoid getting sick or making others sick not only with coronavirus going around, but colds and the flu as well.

Wishing you good health and happiness from the perch.