How to protect your family during the Coronavirus outbreak

Coronavirus, or COVID-19:

The coronavirus isn't just like any other flu, it’s unprecedented. This particular virus manifests itself in a variety of ways, and symptoms range from mild to severe. If a younger person (under the age of 40) has been infected or exposed, they may actually be asymptomatic. This means that someone may be carrying the virus and not even know it. It may mean that they have no symptoms at all, or that their symptoms are so mild that they aren’t a cause for concern. Conversely, the Coronavirus has the biggest impact on people over 65 years of age, and people with pre-existing health conditions, or compromised immune systems. Why is this important to note? Well, it means that the majority of our population is primed to be a silent carrier; unknowingly transmitting the virus to those who are at a higher risk. So, what can you do to not only protect your family, but also help slow down the spread of the Coronavirus?

How to prepare and protect your family:

First things first, social distancing is by far the best way to slow this thing down. Something that may seem primitive and even silly to some, is really the best way to take it back to basics and bring us all back to zero. Let’s look at some numbers:

The Coronavirus’ “RO” number, is somewhere between 2 and 3. RO is pronounced “R naught.” It’s a mathematical term that indicates how contagious an infectious disease is. It’s also referred to as the reproduction number. As an infection spreads to new people, it reproduces itself. 

Javier Zarracina and Christina Animashaun/Vox

This means that for each person carrying the virus, we can estimate that two, or possibly even three more people will be infected. For example:

1 x 3 = 3 (then each of these 3 infects 3 more)

3(3) + 3(3) + 3(3) = 27

And so on..

This example hypothetically represents just two infection steps after one person is infected using the estimated RO of 3. Literally, in just a few more steps, the number of infected people is well into the MILLIONS. 

Now, with that in perspective, we can appreciate the importance of social distancing at this time. Complicating matters even more, is the fact that signs and symptoms can remain dormant for up to two weeks. This means that an infected person who continues to go about their everyday life for the first two weeks after contracting the virus, may possibly be infecting multiple people without even knowing it. The best thing to do, is to stay home for at least two weeks, and allow things to shake out so we can really see where we stand. 

That said, you can begin to prep and protect your family by stocking up on the essentials (please be mindful that we are all in this together, leave some for someone else) and hunkering down. A great place to start is by cleaning your most used surfaces like laptops and cell phones. Prepare for game nights at home, cancel social engagements and plan to work from home. 

How to take advantage of the quarantine:

As difficult as it may be to try and find a silver lining, these tough times actually present us with plenty of opportunity. There’s an opportunity to rest and recharge. The opportunity to spend time with family, and reconnect. There’s also the opportunity to take advantage of this time in quarantine to tackle projects around the house, catch up on shows, or even meditate. Just a few of the things you can do to make the most of your time in isolation:

• Work out at home

• Read 

• Journal

• Batch your meal planning

• Create a vision board

• Catch up on shows

• Get crafty

• Redecorate a room in your house

• Do yoga

• Get out into nature or take a walk (be sure to stay away from groups or crowds)

• Clean out your closet and purge your house

• Do ALL the laundry

• Home projects you’ve been putting off

• Meditate

• Play cards or board games

• Create a meal plan for the week and weeks ahead

• Dance to get your body moving

At the end of the day, this time in isolation actually presents us with the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, check in on friends we haven’t spoken to in a while and get back to basics. 

All of those things that have been on the back burner can now be addressed. It’s the perfect time for spring cleaning and purging your home. If you have kids at home, I know it’s hard! You’re likely juggling a lot, especially if you’re also trying to work from home, make sure everyone gets fed, and keep the house clean and keep everyone happy - I see you! This is hard, but we will get through it together. 

It’s important to remember that fear and panic are just as contagious as the virus itself, if not more so. If you’ve been to a supermarket lately, you’ve probably seen aisles and shelves that have been wiped clean. This is the visible representation of fear and panic. The best way to combat any fear or anxiety is to maintain social distancing and continue to practice isolation. When you know that you haven’t been outside and your family hasn’t been exposed to anything new, you can rest a little easier. 

Next week, I’ll be sharing tips on how to stay mindful during this time, and what you need to do to protect your mental health. Until then, stay safe, stay home and stay vigilant!

xoxo,

Lindsay 

#Coronavirus #COVID-19 #protectyourfamily #losangeleshealthcoach #finelynourished