Coronavirus/COVID-19

[Butterfly.]

Hi everyone.
We all know by now about the COVID-19 pandemic that is sweeping the globe, with devastating consequences.

We thought it might help if we had a thread where we can all talk about our experiences with it and talk about all the emotions and everything we are feeling. This is a safe place to talk about it all.

Everyone will have a different experience of it, even if what was happening everywhere was exactly the same. But we know every country, state, town, suburb will have its own experience of both the virus itself, the emotions that go with it and what the authorities have done so far and are planning to do about it. Your reactions may change over time. This is okay. Whatever you are feeling is okay. Please use this space to talk about how you are feeling, what you are doing to manage, things you have found helpful, support each other.

To keep this thread safe for everyone, we have a couple of guidelines:
1. Please respect everyone is responding to this situation differently. It may be different to what you are feeling. There is no right or wrong way to feel or react to this.
2. Stick to the facts if talking about the virus, infection prevention measures, etc.
3. Please avoid posting about the number of cases/deaths.
4. Many of us reside in different parts of the world. The measures in place may be different from where you are. Please make sure you follow the information by the authorities relevant to where you live.

Please remember, unless stated otherwise, we are not medical professionals or health authorities and they are the best people to be listening to at the moment. The information here is to help you get through this the best you can, and is in addition to anything your health care professionals/authorities advise.

The information in these first few posts was put together by wabbit & Butterfly.

[Butterfly.]

FAQ (Information taken from the World Health Organisation):
Remember we are not health professionals. This is general advice only. Please consult a medical professional for advice specific to your situation.

What is the coronavirus/COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that may cause illness in animals and humans. In humans several other coronaviruses have been known to cause respiratory illnesses.
The most recently discovered coronavirus causing illness in humans causes COVID-19. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. The most common symptoms are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment.

How can I protect myself?
This is general advice only. Please follow any specific measures put in place by your national and local health authority/governments.

• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately
• Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority
• Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people

Should I wear a mask/gloves/protection in public?
Masks do not offer protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. You only need to wear a mask if you have symptoms or looking after someone with a suspected/confirmed case of COVID-19. There is a worldwide shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use masks wisely.
Gloves can still pick up the virus, if you come in contact with it. Washing your bare hands offers more protection.

What about contaminated surfaces?
It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions. If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Should I worry about COVID-19?
Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, but, it can cause serious illness. It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones.
We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. First and foremost among these actions is regular and thorough hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene. Secondly, keep informed and follow the advice of the local health authorities including any restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings.

The WHO has a detailed Q&A page that can be found here: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detai ... onaviruses
The WHO has also put together a Myth Busters page as much misinformation is spreading: https://www.who.int/emergencies/disease ... th-busters

[Butterfly.]

Coping with the your emotions, the stress of the situation and being in isolation/lockdown.



We would love to hear what you are doing to help navigate this challenging time, and look after yourselves.