I apologize for being away for a while. I have been working on a series of blogs with Dr. Ken Roy, Ph.D. that details how schools should close for the year and how they should open in the fall. These blogs are meant to guide others as they seek ways to safely bring students back to school.
The blogs were interesting to research and write. The message is clear, follow the protocols that are set before you by the CDC and your local government; practice social distancing and wear a face mask in public.
This leads me to today’s topic, wearing masks.
When I wear a mask, it is not protecting me from you as much as it is protecting you from me. The spreading of COVID-19 is mainly due to airborne particles that are emitted from an infected person when they talk, sing, sneeze, cough, spit, etc. Yes, the masks can prevent these particles from entering my mouth, but more importantly, they prevent these particles from leaving my mouth and traveling towards your mouth or nose.
Gross, I know, but these are the facts.
Here is another fact, we do not have a vaccine. If you get it, it is up to your body to do the dirty work. I will give you tips to help you build your defense systems in the next blog.
People need to wear their masks when they are in public. It’s one’s duty to protect others when in public places. Wearing masks and practicing social distancing are two of the best methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19, besides staying home.
My wife went to church today and was appalled by the way others wore their masks. Most of the congregants had their noses exposed. The nose is an easy entry way for the COVID-19 germs to enter the mouth. Some lowered their masks so that they could sing. This is one of the best ways to spread the virus, if you have it.
People also need to realize that they can have COVID-19 for up to two weeks before they show symptoms. Most of the germs are spread in public prior to one demonstrating symptoms. Others are asymptomatic and are spreading the germs without even realizing it. The best thing anyone can do, when they are out in public, is to wear their mask. Otherwise, you may be spreading the Corona virus to others
Stay Healthy, Stay Safe
For more information on the symptoms and what you should do, see below from the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html (Read June 7, 2020)):
The symptoms that you should be looking for include the following:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Again, if you have any of these symptoms, do not go out in public, isolate yourself and call your doctor right away
If you have any of the following symptoms, contact 911 right away and get yourself to the emergency room:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
Everyday is an Interview 