None of us knew we were on the brink of the most disastrous disease outbreak in living memory.
A year ago, most of us peacefully went about our business, shopping, and gathering in close proximity to one another.
Months later, we stockpiled food and settled into the “new normal”: seeing friends and colleagues over Zoom and somehow cramming our entire life into the confines of our home.
It’s been nearly a year since doctors in Wuhan, China reported the first cases of COVID, and it has consumed much of our lives since.
Lack of knowledge stoked fears of the new virus, but now, we’ve had an entire year to study its behavior. What do we know about it now, and how can you adjust your life to account for it?
Keep reading to find out 10 COVID facts we now know!
1. COVID Spreads Easily
It only took a matter of weeks for COVID to get out of Wuhan, and after that, it spread quickly across the world.
The first cases in the United States were reported in February, and by March, the Trump Administration announced a national emergency. Cities began locking down, and health officials encouraged people to stay at home whenever possible.
The reason for this is that COVID spreads easily from person-to-person. Infected people usually don’t show symptoms for a few days, so they walk around exhaling the virus into the air around them.
Someone else can then inhale the virus and become sick without knowing it and then carry it to someone else.
2. Some Carriers Are Asymptomatic
Of those infected, up to 45% will develop no symptoms at all.
This is terrific news when it comes to the individual person’s chances at survival–they won’t experience any life-threatening conditions.
Yet, they still can pass it to other people whose bodies may react differently. Asymptomatic carriers often believe they are well and go out, unintentionally giving the virus to other people.
The people asymptomatic carriers infect could develop life-threatening symptoms. Because of this, it’s safest to take precautions around everyone in your vicinity, not just those who are sick.
This protects you from getting infected and accidentally infecting someone else.
3. Social Distancing Actually Works
Earlier this year, physicians gave us all a crash course in epidemiology. They encouraged us to isolate ourselves in our homes and, as much as possible, only have contact with those living with us.
Across the world, millions of offices closed their doors, and schools moved online with only days of notice. Restaurants and grocery stores established curbside and delivery services in order to keep workers and patrons safe.
This helped keep the disease at bay. In fact, the worst infection rates in the United States occurred as local governments eased restrictions.
So, if you want to keep yourself safe, practice as much social distancing as possible. Even if you don’t have the ability to stay home, keep a distance of at least 6 feet from other people.
If you need to travel, try out these tips to keep yourself socially distanced and safe.
4. Wearing a Face Mask Prevents the Spread
In the United States, many have debated the necessity of wearing a face mask.
Yet, medical experts agree that face masks significantly reduce the spread of COVID. When you put on a mask, it traps the particles you exhale, preventing others from inhaling them. If you’re infected, the particles include the coronavirus.
That’s why many establishments require patrons to wear face masks. If an asymptomatic carrier walks in, unmasked and exhaling COVID, another customer or worker could inhale the virus.
Because of this, it’s best if everyone wears a mask to prevent the spread
In fact, reduce transmission by up to 85%, according to a study backed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
5. It Doesn’t Spread Quickly on Surfaces
At the beginning of the virus, many of us vigorously wiped down everything someone else touched, from mail to groceries.
We weren’t wrong to do this, either. The virus still spreads when other people touch infected surfaces. Yet, its main mode of transmission remains person-to-person contact.
6. Washing Your Hands Helps
Want to reduce the chance that you will contract COVID by touching a surface?
Washing your hands assists you with this. After you’ve been in public or touched something someone else has, wash your hands with soap and warm water for 30 seconds.
If you don’t have access to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer.
7. COVID Attacks the Respiratory System
COVID primarily attacks cells that serve as filters for viruses and other foreign substances, such as pollen, in our airways.
This can fill our lungs with fluid and debris, making it difficult for many patients to breathe.
If you are experiencing shortness of breath right now, call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest hospital immediately.
8. Certain People Are at Higher Risk
People in certain categories are more likely to be at high-risk for contracting severe cases of COVID.
This includes people over the age of 60, those with conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, etc. Those who are pregnant may also be at risk.
If you have these conditions, make sure you take extra precautions to keep yourself safe.
9. COVID Is Unpredictable
While we’ve certainly learned a lot about COVID in a year, there’s much we still don’t know.
Sometimes, for instance, people who are at risk survive the disease, while those who were comparatively healthy grow very sick.
The truth is, each body reacts differently to COVID, and there’s no way to tell for sure whether or not someone will develop a severe case.
10. Everyone Plays a Role in Stopping COVID
Conquering COVID is a team effort. From the physician with 50 years of medical experience to the smallest of schoolchildren, everyone has a role to play.
No matter where you live or what your situation is, make sure everyone in your family understands how to prevent coronavirus spread. If someone must go out for whatever reason, make sure they know to wear a mask and stay 6 feet away from other people.
If you’re a parent, model this behavior in front of your children. Use age-appropriate terms to explain what is going on and why everyone needs to participate.
Keep Yourself Healthy
During COVID, it’s never been more important to keep yourself healthy.
Given what we know about the coronavirus, we can keep ourselves safer by social distancing, wearing masks, and washing our hands.
However, a healthy lifestyle helps, too, as a strong body helps fight off disease more easily.
Our doctors provide holistic and naturopathic healthcare services, helping our patients achieve and maintain their optimal health. Contact us today for more information!