I haven't personally seen evidence, so this is NOT to be taken as fact :
My neighbor came home from the local hospital with news that Johnson City, Tn has a patient infected with the CoronaVirus.
Johnson City is about 45 miles from me as the crow flies.
Please don't consider this to be fact. If anyone can confirm or refute this I'd really appreciate it.
Honestly... I'm kinda scared to know. Me and Mom are a bit weak in our immune systems.
I can understand your nervousness. It appears that those with compromised or weak immune systems or underlying health conditions are the most vulnerable to Covid-19. Very few people have actually been tested so we just don't know how widespread it is at this time.
I just read an article about questionable books concerning the virus (and how to survive it) that are available on Amazon. Many of them are self-published by people who have absolutely no medical background. Some are fiction writers!
For instance, Dr. Sanjay Gupta currently has two virus-related e-books for sale on Amazon: “Coronavirus and Me” and “Coronavirus Is In/Near My Country.” Both titles are described as “part of a ‘Super-Simplified’ series in response to the ‘informational overload,’ that the web has inadvertently provided us.” But this author is not the Sanjay Gupta, the Emmy-winning neurosurgeon whom readers have come to trust from his years of reporting on various TV networks.
This Gupta’s “Coronavirus and Me” (99 cents) is a 21-page e-book whose superficial chapters offer little more than last month’s stats on the disease and such garbled advice as this: “Obviously hands or anything that has the droplets may then serve as fomites (infection source) to propagate the spread.”
Infuriating, isn't it? We just want truthful information, yet there are scammers out there who will jump at any opportunity to make money. They don't care what happens to anyone so long as they get $$.
Someone just told me there were people on Amazon selling hand sanitizer for between $50 and $400! Crazy. Thankfully Amazon did the right thing and axed the listings.
shareIt seems reasonable that many of these scammers will have their day in court.
I did find an article about a Johnson City doctor and his wife still on the infected cruise liner. But the article is dated TOMORROW! Questionable at best, I'd say.
I don't pay attention to rumors as a general rule, but it's hard not to pay attention when they concern areas near me.
Fortunately we are waaay out in the country and trips to populated areas are infrequent.
Please stay safe. Times like these are dangerous for social butterflies.
I'm not implying that you are ;)
Just saying.
Who at the hospital told your neighbour this?
I'm in CA. There are more cases here than in any other state. Before my parents died I'd have been more concerned about this for the same reason you're concerned about your mom and yourself.
Do what you can to strengthen your immune systems, which includes being as relaxed and positive as you can. Especially since you don't even know if this is a fact or not.
Meantime, take sensible precautions.
He didn't say and I didn't think to ask. Thinking about what it might mean to us occupied my mind. The numbers are rising, certainly not like elsewhere but enough that it should concern everyone. Especially California. Please be safe.
I quit my pain clinic over two months ago and I must admit that I generally feel much better. People I associate with have remarked on the change so perhaps my immunity has improved as well.
But Mom is 77 and a smoker... this is what worries me.
Our relative isolation and distrust of most people is definitely a plus!
Yeah, it's understandable that your mind would be preoccupied with what it might mean.
If you're feeling a lot better after putting your pain clinic, and people who know you have noticed an improvement in your appearance (and possibly energy level too), there's no perhaps about it: your immune system has improved. So, good! Keep up whatever you're doing.
This may sound a bit kooky, but I'm a big believer that the biggest threat to our health and immune systems is stress. Smokers are usually stressed people. Not always, and there used to be heaps of stories about people who smoked, and drank, and lived well into their 90s and even 100s. So focus less on that, and instead focus on what you and mom can do to enjoy yourselves and relax. Do the two of you like comedies? The expression laughter is the best medicine didn't come about for no reason. There's really something to it.
Your relative isolation is a plus right now, and perhaps in general. Just take sensible precautions when you and your mom are in town and around others. Get some 70% alcohol and use it to wash your hands when you get home from being out in the world (this includes after touching the mail). Stay away from people who are coughing. You know, just common sense stuff.
Do I remember correctly that you're in TN? I have no idea where you are, but I'm very seriously considering moving to Asheville, TN's next-door neighbour :)
Thanks for the concern. I will be safe. Honestly, I'm not worried.
Well... in the past 65 days I've lost 24lbs and have sights set on 16 more so I guess that speaks to the energy level (yay!), and the change they pointed out was my overall happiness as in laughing and smiling more. I think all you guys here have helped with that.
As I get older I drink and smoke less and less. They just don't interest me much anymore. Mom's father was a smoker and lived to be 88. Grandma, on the other hand, smoked too and passed many years before. And quite painfully. It was rough. Just evidence that everyone is different.
I started a pain medication regimen because the pain itself was exhausting and incredibly stressful, but over the years either it's improved or my tolerance has increased or both. Telling this to doctors and practitioners seems to confuse and aggravate them. Plus I'm sick of them interfering in my life. So I'm done (another yay).
I didn't think about the mail. Thank you for that.
I live in east Tennessee. If the mountain wasn't in the way I could see the NC line from my backdoor! Asheville is actually not far. I kinda feel like a broken record (I bet millennials dunno what That means) saying this but the Appalachian Mountains are one the most gorgeous places on earth. I absolutely love it here. Mom grouses about it sometimes but she wouldn't live anywhere else.
Good for you!! That's impressive, all of it. The fact that people have noticed your overall well-being and happiness is visible is excellent! As you said, the weight loss and increased happiness, speaks directly to energy level (I'm both happy for you and envious 😄), and with that goes a much healthier and stronger immune system. I'm glad we've played a part :)
"over the years either it's improved or my tolerance has increased or both. Telling this to doctors and practitioners seems to confuse and aggravate them. Plus I'm sick of them interfering in my life. So I'm done (another yay)."
Very happy to hear the pain has decreased, and along with it the need for the meds and all the doctors interfering in your life! Isn't it weird how often doctors dismiss it when we tell them what *we* are actually experiencing in our bodies, and they aren't, yet somehow they must know better? You'd think they'd view it as a learning opportunity 🤷♀️
Good, I remembered rightly! I had to go through TN on my road trip to Asheville, and was impressed with how beautiful it is. Asheville too. All the trees, the lush greenness, the streams, waterfalls, and beautiful rock formations. I loved it!! Agree the Appalachians are beautiful.
What does your mom grouse about it? I'm trying to find out all I can, the good and the bad, beforehand. Right now I'm waiting for a phone appointment with the (super nice) real estate agent I met there to narrow things down and get some questions answered.
Mom's been here over 30 years so that explains some of it. Plus she's 77 and a tiny woman so the winters are a serious problem.
If you traveled down I26 you went right past my house! Sorta.
If you make it here and want to learn to defend yourself just let me know ;)
So it's just the cold of the winter and maybe early spring that bother her? In winter (and I guess spring) how cold does it usually get? 20s? Lower??
I'm a little worried about how I'd handle a hot and humid summer, and a very cold winter. Native S. Californian here. I LOVE spring. Here, IMO, it's the only good season -- everything's green, not cold, not hot, perfect! So I'd think even if spring was somewhat chilly there, I'd be good, and fall would be fine.
I took the I-40 straight across all the way to Asheville, so didn't kinda sorta go past your house. I'm for sure coming to Asheville and renting for a few months to see what I think about living there. Maybe we can squeeze in some self-defence classes while I'm there!
As far as defense, when it comes to hand-to-hand I'm a street fighter and tend to be vicious because I'm disabled and drawn out affairs vastly increase my chances of injury. So... we'll skip that. I'm no professional lol.
However - I've been using firearms since I was child and have several of different sizes and types, set up a range right outside my backdoor (plus there are at least 3 public-use outdoor ranges sponsored by the national park service within driving distance), and I can show you quite a bit about use and care. Plus I know just the guy to instruct you in depth on any kind you decide to invest in and he can help get you a carry permit.
So we can do that.
I've been in love with this area since I visited for Christmas in '92 and knew then that I wanted this to be my last stop.
Hey I watched a documentary on this mountain range a few days ago and learned that the reason they are relatively low in comparison to others is because they're the oldest mountains on earth. Apparently they were THE mountain range on Pangaea before it broke apart... I dunno how they'd know that. But it sounded cool as Hell ;) Did you know that part of this original range can be found in Scotland?!
Yeah. I'm a fan.
Lol.
"As far as defense, when it comes to hand-to-hand I'm a street fighter and tend to be vicious because I'm disabled and drawn out affairs vastly increase my chances of injury."
That's smart and something I never thought about. Yeah, if you're disabled, or in any other way at a disadvantage, your defence had better be quick, count and be strong ASAP.
My father gave me a .22 pistol when I moved into a questionable neighbourhood a long time ago, and there was a threat I won't go into. It was the first time I ever had a firearm. I figured if I was going to have one, I'd better know WTH I was doing, so accepted my next-door neighbour's invite (he was into guns) to learn how to shoot. I'm pretty physically coordinated so was a good shot, even with my neighbour's 357 (but dayum, I will say it did have quite a kickback).
I had nightmares about a .22 not stopping anyone, shooting at a serious threat and they kept coming at me. Like a bad monster movie.
I don't know anything about care, and honestly I'd much rather live somewhere where I don't feel like it's important to carry or even have a handgun anyway. Do you feel that living in east TN or west NC carrying, or even having a handgun is important?
I'd love to know the name of that documentary, if you remember it or can give me some clues as to how to locate it.
That's crazy. I can't imagine it being part of the same mountain range as in Scotland! But then, as they say, truth is often crazier than fiction :)
Most opponents won't expect you to strike fast and go for blood. If they've backed you in a corner they deserve nothing less.
A .22 is a fine calibre, despite what any fool has to say. Since it's light, it's also accurate, doesn't kick much at all, and usually doesn't need ear protection. Plus it isn't likely to go through walls so it's perfect for home defense. And trust me, if the first bullet doesn't stop a badguy (because he's completely nuts) the fifth or sixth WILL.
Handgun care is pretty straight forward. They are fairly simple machines so once you know how to break down and reassemble yours its a piece of cake ;)
As far as "needing" a pistol... when, exactly, do you need to defend yourself or someone you care about? Good question, right?
Myself and every responsible gun owner feels this way: Better to have it and not need it.
Never thought about it before, but that makes sense. (Probably because the number of times I've been in a situation where this was warranted is zero.)
You're right, it didn't kick and although I had ear protection, it wasn't that loud. I guess, but the idea of having to empty the entire chamber in order to stop someone, if I had to, wasn't comforting.
Well sure. You can view it as better to have one and not need it than to not have one when you do, and there's no arguing with that. But, there's also the saying that to a hammer, the whole world looks like a nail. I don't want to view the world like it's filled with nails, if you understand what I'm saying.
I haven't had or felt any need for a gun in 25 years, and that's the type of area I want to live in. Is it possible to live in such an area and at some point find yourself in a position where you wished you had one? Sure. I just want the odds on my side and there's no way I'm going to carry a gun. If I buy in an area that's more remote, having one at home might be a good idea :)
No arguments here ;)
Personally, I've never considered myself more responsible. And that's saying alot lol!
But... not everyone should have a firearm (my Mom has Never been comfortable), the same as not everyone should be allowed to swing a hammer! Lol!
Never considered yourself more responsible as in ... not a hammer seeing nails??
Does your mom live alone and is she in what you'd call a remote or semi-remote area?
Ha! That's right, a hammer can be deadly too ⚒
I just saw an article that there is now a cruise ship returning from Hawaii that is being held off the coast of San Francisco, CA due to two links to the virus. Twenty-one people are showing symptoms, so they're going to screen everyone on board.
shareSounds reasonable to me.
shareI hadn't heard that, but then I don't watch, read, or listen to the news, so I wouldn't. What does two links to the virus mean?
The thing is, as I'm sure you know, the symptoms of this are the same as the symptoms of any other flu. When I first starting getting sick, I thought I'd better read up on the symptoms of the corona virus, just in case, and it was the usual. So, maybe these people have it, or some of them, or maybe not. It does bug me that the news outlets are having a field day with this, like they always do. It is better to screen everyone, out of caution.
Sorry, I misunderstood it. There is a link to two Covid-19 cases in Hawaii. Not two links, but one link to two cases, one of which was fatal.
shareI googled it and apparently there is one person being tested who currently is in quarantine. But it goes on to say that it could possibly just be the flu. 24 hours before test results are in.
shareThanks I truly appreciate it.
So... the rumor is true. Somewhat. Hell just the flu is scary enough. My last bout with it knocked us both down for 2 weeks. The day I decided we'd go to the hospital was the day both our fevers broke.
Time to get some canned food and make sure the internet is paid up 😃
I suspect that since you live remotely and make few trips to "town" you will be okay. But yep, it's kinda scary. The fact that the symptoms of Covid-19 are so similar to so many other illnesses is unnerving, to say the least. You just don't know...
shareYes I agree, similar symptoms may be the worst part. I bet hospitals across the world are inundated. Perhaps soon to be overwhelmed.
It may have been Churchill who said that every man in a foxhole is a believer. It wouldn't hurt to pray.
"There are no atheists in foxholes." I think you're on the right track. As you said, it can't hurt.
shareI have to admit the bout I had with the flu recently was awful. I was down for the count for 2 days in bed, felt bad for about 2 weeks also, and am only recently recovering from having zero energy and sleeping 12+ hours a day.
shareThe damn thing changes and adapts to make fools of us at every turn. You'd think it was sentient.
I'm glad you feel better. Might be a good time to stay home for awhile, sounds like you're still recovering.
Is it changing? Although, I had the standard symptoms, except don't think I had a fever. Could have and was too sick to notice.
Thanks. It's SO good to finally have some energy again, as you know yourself :). Luckily, with the exception of the grocery store and a few other errands, I don't have to go out in public if I don't want to. The place I usually take my dog for a long walk, there aren't many people. I have stocked up some on supplies, just so I have the option.
Another thing, be aware of things you touch after being out in public -- steering wheel, door handles, doorknobs, fridge and cabinet handles. Everything we buy and bring home has at least been recently touched by the checkers, if not other people, and our own unwashed hands. I understand the virus doesn't live long on surfaces but don't know how long not long is. Put some isopropyl alcohol of 70% or higher on a paper towel or whatever and that'll take care of the steering wheels, handles, etc.
Be well! Laugh lots!
Good point about how many surfaces one touches after being out in public.
From WHO: It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other corona viruses. Studies suggest that corona viruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).
Thanks for that info. So to be safest, unless you wipe everything you've touched after being out and anything others may have touched, it'll take a few days.
Funny how once we get things inside our residences we forget where they've been and think they must germ- and virus-free 😄
I don't want to go crazy about this, but having just gotten over a bad bout with the flu I am more cautious than I would be otherwise. Tonight, after going to the store I realised when I got home I needed to sanitise the strap of my handbag, wallet, and CC, because d'oh, of course I touched them too! Anyone whose immune system is threatened or compromised, like Cruz and his mother, should be thinking like this and taking precautions.
First case in Minnesota confirmed today. A former cruise passenger.
shareDid they say where the person had travelled?
shareNo, that info was not given in the reports I've read and heard, just that he was on a ship with a known Covid-19 case. The man is older and has had very little community contact since he got back (sounds like he might be a retiree). He started feeling sick so he asked to be tested. He is self-quarantined at home right now.
shareWell, I wish him all the best for a quick recovery.
shareIt was announced today that we now have 9 confirmed cases in MN. The latest is in my town. The local person returned March 6th from a Caribbean cruise, began feeling ill, and self-isolated. The MN Health Dept said it has tested 316 people so far.
shareMN now has 21 confirmed cases, up from 14 just yesterday. 868 people tested so far.
shareI hear you Cruz, my mother's in her 70s and the fact that the elderly are most at risk is really the only thing that scares me about the virus spreading.
I'm sure you'll both be fine but keeping you in my thoughts anyway friend.
Thanks. It means alot. I believe that we are safer than most but it's never a guarantee.
Stay well.
Well, don't be scared. Actually, being scared is counter-productive, since stress is bad for the immune system.
Take vitamins, walk under the sun (it helps to synthesize D-vitamin, that boost immune system), do some exercise, sleep well and avoid stress. If watching the news makes your feel stressful, then don't watch the news. Being stressed is not gonna help you.
kukuxu- sound advice. Every year there is a new scare that has us running like chicken little "the sky is falling" goofballs. I'm old enough to remember the "coffee scare" and the "bacon causes cancer in lab rats" scare.
I know they stress getting a flu shot. My ex-husband was a physician and he gave me my shot. The last one I had was 12 years ago before our divorce. Haven't had one since. More and more I trust big pharma less and less.
I work with people who always have colds, bronchitis, sneeze and cough all over the place. They are on multiple meds for everything like diabetes and cholesterol. Did I mention that they are all fat? (of course it's politically incorrect to say fat today). Of course all these folks live on diets of fast food, junk food, soda by the gallon and smoke.
I haven't had a cold in years. Took one sick day last year because I had a sinus headache and was heaving all night and into the day.
Agreed.
Being scared is not a good idea. Gather info, decide which precautions you'll take, take them and then move on. Spending 2-3 months being scared, there'll be no benefit and the only thing you'll get out of it is that you will lose those 2-3 months of you life.
The most effects I've seen of the coronivirus is people with masks on in the ER. I only know this because mom has had to go into the hospital three times in the past 2 weeks, due to issues with her Crohn's Disease. The security guards at the desk told us it was pointless, because the yellow paper masks they hand out don't protect you from whatever this virus is.
shareWe're talking virus, as in microscopic. The masks may keep others' spittle from your mouth and nose (and vice versa), but absolutely will not stop a virus.
But hell, if it makes folks feel better - why not.
Like others have said, stay positive and let's all hope this doesn't evolve into an epidemic. I'm pretty healthy so I'm not concerned for myself (meaning if I catch it I'm confident I can ride it out) but My dad turns 80 in a few months and my mom is in her mid-70s and the thought of this spreading concerns me as well.
shareYeah... we just do our best. I have brothers in Ga and Ohio, but here it's only us.
shareMy parents came over today. My mom was wearing a mask! I see this all over the place, but I couldn't believe my mom would wear one.
shareWow! I haven’t seen anyone wearing one yet.
shareI stopped at the library a couple of days ago and saw one guy wearing one. My state, Minnesota, just reported its first case today, in St Paul, about 75 miles from here. The man is a recent cruise ship passenger.
shareIn Johnson City Tn we had a person in quarantine. Whoever it was tested negative.
My advice - stay home.
'Cuz we don't want you 😎