By Dr. Elaine Moore
As you know, the details on Covid-19 are still difficult to sort out. There are multiple Corona viruses that have been around for some time that cause symptoms like the common cold. Covid-19 is the virus that is currently in the news. It is a novel (presumed new) virus. It has a wide range of symptoms from no symptoms to symptoms resulting in death.
No one knows how many weeks or months it will be infecting people this year.
Populations at higher risk of experiencing more serious symptoms include people over 60. Other high risk groups may include those that are immunocompromised, such as people with uncontrolled diabetes, people that take “biological agents” for rheumatoid arthritis and people undergoing chemotherapy, to name a few. People with chronic lung disease like COPD are at increased risk.
How many cases are there? No one knows because we have no test kits. If we had test kits, we could have an opportunity to try to manage the spread of the disease more effectively. West Virginia has no test kits as of this writing.
Will the virus come to Tucker County? No one can answer this question. Do consider how it spreads. Person to person is a common method of spreading Covid-19. Someone with the virus can touch a surface that is later touched by someone and catch the virus. It is also spread from humans to some animals. you can’t assume that our beautiful mountains are going to protect you. You and your friends and family may be Snowbirds, people who love to go on cruises and friends of friends who have traveled the globe. They can come to Tucker County feeling great and then show symptoms of the virus. Scientists believe that the virus can be carried for two weeks before a person gets sick. (They may not ever get ill but can infect someone else and make that person very ill ).
What can the citizens of Tucker County do? First, wash your hands with soap and water. Wet your hands, lather up with your favorite soap and really get under your nails and in every crease. Wash at least 20 seconds. Rinse thoroughly and then dry. Soap and water is best. If you want to wash your hands and you don’t have a sink, use at least a 60% alcohol based sanitizer, for at least 20 seconds. Make sure your doctor or other health care provider also are washing their hands. Teach your family how to do the same. Keep hands off your face. Wear protective glasses if around someone who has been exposed or has symptoms.
This is a time to avoid travel to areas where the virus is concentrated. The idea that citizens don’t need masks but health care workers do need masks is probably more about supply than science. Health care workers are at a higher risk due to more exposure. As more masks are available you may want to wear them when you go to events where people are gathered or if you are caring for someone with cold symptoms who could be at risk.
As more information is available, look for updates here.
