Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, I am not a healthcare provider, I have done my own personal research and this is my findings. Do your own research and find what works for you!
The COVID-19 coronavirus is everywhere. The disease that originated in China has now spread to over 30 countries including North America as many states are reporting their first cases with more under investigation. Thankfully, here in The Bahamas, there have been no reported cases as yet, but there have been peopled quarantined “just in case”.
What is the coronavirus though? According to the CDC, the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China, is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified, this COVID-19 originated from animals and then spread to people. Symptoms have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, coughs, and respiratory issues.
With all that is going on, the question that I have been getting is, is it safe to travel? To be honest, there’s no way for me to answer this. It’s all up to you, and how you feel. The virus is just about everywhere right now and spreading quickly. My honest answer to this is if you are going to travel, take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family. I have a few trips lined up and I’m not canceling, yet!
Through my research, I have been sifting through a lot of facts and best practices to help avoid infection. There is a lot of information going on and this is some of the things that I’ve found particularly useful.
- You don’t need a face mask. A lot of people are buying face masks to protect against catching the virus but through my research, I have found that this is totally ineffective and useless. The coronavirus is not transmitted by air, it’s transmitted by droplets (sneeze, mucus), meaning you can’t catch it by simply breathing in the virus rendering a face mask useless. If you are sick or have the coronavirus, THEN you need a mask. If someone with the virus sneezes or coughs on a surface and you touch it, then proceed to touch your face and or mouth, that’s a problem.
- The best defense you can have is clean hands. Washing your hands with soap and water helps to kill the bacteria. If you are traveling, eating out, around large crowds, be careful of standing too close to anyone who may be sneezing and or coughing to avoid droplets. Always wipe down surfaces and carry hand sanitizer and wash your hands before and after eating!
- Work on your immune system! While the COVID-19 is being downplayed as a simple “flu-like” sickness, its especially dangerous to those with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly or sick. If you are sick and have a weak immune system, get proactive and try to boost your immune system by speaking with your healthcare providers about certain supplements or vitamins.
- Have common courtesy! If you are sick and suspect you have the virus, stay home, self-quarantine yourself and speak to your nearest healthcare provider. We have to be smart as well as think about the health and wellbeing of others. If you are sneezing and coughing, cover your mouth with a napkin or cough into your arm. Don’t cough on others, that’s just nasty.
- Stop discriminating! The coronavirus, because of its origin, has led to the open discrimination of Asians and businesses. While fear is something we can’t ignore, we can control the way we treat people. Not all Asians have visited cities or countries affected by the virus. There are people, who have contracted the virus who aren’t Asian therefore discriminating at this point is useless. Let’s use common sense.
While it is an uncertain time for travel, we can catch the virus anywhere, even in our own cities. The best thing that we can do right now is to take active measures to protect ourselves and our family. Stockpile your hand sanitizers, wipes, Lysol, vitamins, immune boosters and stay safe!
Keep a close eye out on the news and destinations that you might be traveling to. Many countries are placing strict restrictions on large gatherings and shutting down tourist hotspots in an effort to curb the spread of the disease. It’s a risky time for travel, my best advice is to do your own research.
