Studies are going on right now to see if dogs can sniff out the coronavirus in people. For a long time, dogs have sniffed out other diseases (e.g., diabetes and malaria), so scientists are confident that they’ll be able to do the same with covid-19. Imagine dogs screening people at airports and gatherings. They’re quicker than waiting for the results of a test. Of course, if you’re singled out by the dog you’ll still have to take the test to be sure. If not, though, you forego the anxiety of wondering if you should be tested. Watch this short video:
Tag Archive for virus
A Mask that Cheats You of Money and Protection
Health professionals, including the CDC, are warning us about masks with exhale valves ( a certain type of N-95 mask) being sold as more comfortable and cooler. Don’t buy them. They don’t meet requirements of the CDC or some areas, because it’s questionable about how effective they are in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
Here’s the thing. Most valves don’t have a filter. That means that when you exhale, everything — including droplets — are pushed out through the valve and into your surroundings. In other words, theses masks, like most others used properly, give you a little protection from other people, they do NOT protect your friends, loved ones, acquaintances, or strangers you get near to. So you may be spreading the virus. (Remember: you may be symptom-free or have been infected but not know it.)
And that’s the point of masks — to protect others while they’re protecting us.
Save your money and keep fighting this virus!
Read more: A Certain Type of N95 Mask May Do More Harm Than Good.
Short Coronavirus Quiz
There are an increasing number of coronavirus “cures” and “preventions” out there in social media. This short quiz tests us to determine what is true or false about five of the most popular of such actions circulating today. Take the quiz here.
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19, Corona, cure, prevention, quiz, virus
Some Good in the Midst of Anguish
Although I’m deeply saddened by the daily news of even more people’s lives being taken by the coronavirus, I’m heartened by what is suddenly NOT in the news–shootings, small and large. Until the last few months, shootings were a daily occurrence.
In my fantasy world, when we come out of this pandemic, that particular lack of news will continue. In my perfect civilian world, guns will be used for sport only–target shooting and humane hunting. I’d like to think this virus has killed off another virus, that of hatred and bigotry that leads us to taking up guns to kill each other. I’d like to think that this experience we’re sharing reminds us that, despite our differences, we are all part of and responsible for the human family.
CDC guidelines for grocery shoppers
You know some or all of these things, but a reminder from the experts can’t hurt:
- Only shop in person when you absolutely need to.
- Avoid shopping if you are sick.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering.
- Shop during off-peak hours or during special hours for high-risk people (65 or older, and those with serious underlying medical conditions).
- Disinfect shopping cart with wipes if available.
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Use touchless payment if available.
- Use hand sanitizer right after paying with cash or touching a keypad.
- Use hand sanitizer after leaving store, then wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at home.
Free Book to Help Kids Deal with the Covidvirus
What a great idea! Adults are struggling with answering the questions from kids and explaining what they can do to be a Superhero in this pandemic. Because children respond better to stories than they often do to parental explanations and dictates, a creature named Arlo was created. He captivates a child’s attention, explaining this confusing world and what the child can do to become a superhero (always a child’s big dream).
This storybook was put together by a United Nations group after finding out what kids are thinking and feeling. It has been translated into multiple languages and distributed throughout the world. It’s available for free as a PDF. Go to https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/system/files/2020-04/My%20Hero%20is%20You%2C%20Storybook%20for%20Children%20on%20COVID-19.pdf and download My Hero is You right now.
Let Some People Die?
The news is shocking–in New York it has been suggested that medical teams think carefully about who they give their limited number of life-saving ventilators to. If it likely won’t save the person’s life, the argument goes, why not give it to someone who has a real chance to live?
This sounds heartless, especially if the sick person is someone you love. But this is nothing new. It goes on in hospitals often, when equipment is scarce or prolonging life just for the sake of prolonging life, no matter what quality of life will result, is questioned.
I’m a product of that decision. In the 1940s, polio gripped our nation. I was 3 years old. I was very sick, because I had all three types of polio at once (we found out later, since nobody knew back then that there actually were three types). Iron lungs were scarce. It was fairly certain that I would die. So they gave the iron lung to another child who would clearly benefit from it.
Obviously, I survived. The ordeal was very hard on my parents, but I feel it was the right decision. Otherwise, it could have meant not just my death, despite my use of the iron lung, but also the death of the other child who was deprived of it.
My message is this: medical teams, along with putting their own lives in danger treating patients with the coronavirus, have to make quick, difficult decisions. They’re doing all they can do to save as many people as possible. I don’t judge their actions, because I’m thankful for all they’re doing.
The Perfect Answer for Beach-Goers
People have been flocking to beaches for Spring break, secure in the belief that they’re too young and healthy to catch the virus and not worried about passing it on to others. Begging, educating, and arresting aren’t doing the trick. But I bet this would work.
Zika Virus and Abortion
No, they aren’t that closely related. Yes, some women may abort if they discover their child would be born with the conditions that that Zika-infection causes. Actually, abortion is getting in the way of funding research to fight Zika.
Both Houses of Congress, after compromise (yes, Dems and Reps can compromise when they really try), a funding bill was agreed on–until one side of the aisle added some changes. The main change, the main sticking point keeping that bill from passing and research flowing is one that blocks money from going to a Planned Parenthood affiliated clinic in Puerto Rico, supposedly to stop the spread of Zika. (I can only guess that the logic is that women are so happy to have abortions available to them that they have more unprotected sex, knowing that they can always get rid of their little “mistakes” growing inside them. !!!!!!)
I don’t understand a legislative system that can tack on semi-related–or totally unrelated–amendments and details. Roberts, of Robert’s Rules of Order, would be horrified.
And I can’t understand how our legislators can be off on vacation when they can be taking g measures to stop a disease that not only affects people in other countries but also is creeping into our own.
Come on, people! Do the job we elected you to do!
Cheap, Healthy Cleaning Tip
Disinfect with natural, non-chemical 5% solution of white vinegar from your grocery shelf. It will kill 80% of viruses, 99% of bacteria, and 82% of mold. The smell goes away quickly, unlike the harmful effects of those cleaning products you’ve been using.
[For more easy, money-saving, earth-friendly tips, download a FREE copy of Green Riches: Help the Earth & Your Budget. Go to www.Smashwords.com/books/ view/7000, choose a format, and download to your computer or e-book device. Or download a free copy from your favorite e-tailer.]