Recall the simple child’s game “Simon Says”? Your friends would have you do the craziest things and then everyone would giggle at the silliness. No one is giggling now, and yet we find ourselves in the midst of another crazy game. This COVID creep has crept into our lives with these seemingly random “Simon says do this- not that” directives. For all the independence we espouse, how quickly did we all adjust every aspect of our lives, stay behind the line, follow the rules in the hope of salvation? There is however, a sense of comfort that we are all facing this together. Many of us can recall a time we were challenged by a trial, sickness, cancer, injury, or fear and were forced to manage alone. This pandemic, while physically pushing us apart, is bringing families, friends and even countries together.
We are eager to get it right and so we are complying with one way aisles in Walmart, washing plastic packaging, singing happy birthday (twice), not wearing a mask, oops now wearing a mask, and so many “Simon says” type actions. We wonder if the slightest mis-step will endanger us or a loved one.
Here is a recap this week of information and info that explains these random directives (Johns Hopkins*):
The virus is not a living organism like bacteria. It is a protein (DNA covered by fat) When it gets into your mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) it mutates and multiplies. It isn’t killed but decays on its own. It is fragile so if you can cut the fat (foam, scrubbing 20 seconds with soap) the protein breaks down.
Other ways to disrupt the molecule: heat over 77 F for washing, clothing, alcohol over 65% dissolves fat (not vodka), 1 part bleach/15 parts water dissolves the protein from the inside. Pure hydrogen peroxide works but burns the skin. Vinegar doesn’t break down fat.
Don’t shake clothing and bedding. The protein will disintegrate on porous surfaces in 3-4 hrs, 24 hrs cardboard, 42 hrs metal, 72 hrs plastic (so wipe down products you receive or bring into the home.) Wash hands after touching everything and keep nails short. The virus likes to hide in cracks.
Dry, warm, bright environments break it down faster (warm, wet are worse) so air out your house and car. The more confined the space- the more concentrated the virus. Limit time physically together especially in enclosed spaces. Think ‘under 6 feet away keep under 6 seconds’. The likelihood of infection in a quick transaction is very low- always wash hands afterward and don’t touch the face.
So now you know how to protect and why- social distance, wash hands, don’t put magnets up your nose (unbelievable from an astrophysicist no less), stay home for now. Wear a mask if you must go out (don’t keep readjusting, that’s just touching your face again) You can do this. You can be safe and well.
This little ball with the fancy red hooks isn’t tracking you- it is just looking for a place to replicate. Don’t give those deceivingly cute projections a place to latch onto. Do go out for a walk (again, Doc you are a pain about this!) Yes, but it keeps your mind and spirit up and improves your well being for every major disease including cancer, and fresh moving air has less virus. Share your funny memes, talk with friends and family, enjoy peaceful meditation every day.
Every brilliant mind and company is working feverishly to find treatments and vaccines. I participated in a conference call today, “Lessons from the front” for physicians across America with all the major government leaders (Dr. Birx, Dr. Hahn FDA, Seema Verma, CMS and physicians from New York to Washington to Nebraska and Atlanta) all in the heat of the battle. Every question and answer leads to a sharing of ideas and best advice. Even discussions about every type of therapy, what has been learned on the front lines for others to prepare, (like treating patients prone, setting up triage tents to keep people from crushing ER’s and ICU’s, and in NY, having 911 calls directed to telemedicine docs to triage) as well as some of the seemingly smallest to overwhelming issues they have faced. It is a national group think tank. Trust me and them, we will get to the other side.
*For outstanding information go to: https://www.coronavirus.jhu.edu
Addendum on masks: Wear a mask when you are out of your home and especially if you are undergoing treatment for cancer or are immunocompromised. Barriers do help. We are now told that you can breathe this airborne virus in, hence remember to distance yourself. Oh and send some virtual love to that nerd you were too cool to hang with in high school because they are getting us out of this mess. Be grateful some people didn’t aspire to be influencers. Their brilliance will save us all.