[Jerseygirl08]

I recently met a good friend in Orlando for the day. She is a PHS - Public Health Service - Officer nurse who was deployed to Omaha, Neb for a week of clinical work for people who were on lock down after returning from cruises, other countries, etc. Her take away from that week of working with CDC officials:

1. This is not 20 times worse than a cold. It may be 3 times worse because the virus does a number on your lungs. So anyone with a pre-existing lung/breathing condition should take the highest precautions. And, of course, others who are at risk and most know who they are.
2. The most obvious symptoms are dry cough, high fever like over 101. If you take a deep breath and hold it for ten seconds, successfully, without coughing, good news. People with the virus cannot hold their breath without coughing. Some people with COPD cannot pass this test either, under normal conditions, so it's just a benchmark.
3. Wash your hands like crazy, especially when you return to your home. Go straight to the sink and wash. Some people say changing your clothes immediately is helpful as the virus can survive on objects, like clothing, for a long while.
4. Stay very well hydrated. gargle with salt water twice daily. Use a normal saline nasal spray to keep nasal passages moist. A dry respiratory tract invites viral cells to find their way into your lungs quicker.
5. If out of home and you sneeze, sneeze into your inner elbow so as not to spread droplets through the air. If you sneeze into your hand, wash your hands immediately following the sneeze.
6. No need to rush to get surgical masks to wear. Masks are for the sick person. Wearing a mask only invites the virus to cling to the mask then you touch the mask over and over and the virus is now on your hands and everything you touch afterwards. I know some may disagree, this is what the CDC has learned to be most effective in cases like spreading droplets in the air.
7. Avoid hugging and handshaking, no explanation needed.

It is my personal opinion that any event with alot of people, indoors especially, should be cancelled to prevent the likelihood of an infected person unknowingly spreading the virus here in the bubble. If you must go to a big indoor event, be sure to use good judgment in order to protect your self and those around you. Also, I think people who have been on a plane or a cruise should attempt to self quarantine, as best they can, for 14 days, as a precautionary measure.

We American's are so blessed in so many ways and I don't think we remember that fact enough. It's a sacrifice to miss out on events but we need to protect our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. In my opinion, even though it is a huge inconvenience and disappointment (I really wanted to go the craft fair on Saturday and cardio drumming today) I think avoiding crowds is the very best practice we can all do. It's for the sake of all of us, we are all here together and should give a little in order to protect each other, my opinion. I don't plan to debate what I've posted here, just wanted to share what I have learned and also share my opinion as a nurse.