The COVID 19
Pandemic has wreak havoc and fear among
the people of the world. It has affected not only their peace of mind but also
their financial and social security. Community lockdown kept people to stay at
home and economy indicators posted all-time low. Governments are busy thinking
and planning how to cope up with various problems related to the pandemic (how
to prevent infection, how to care for the sick, producing food, feeding hungry
and jobless persons, how to combat the COVID 19 and sourcing out and producing
logistics for hospitals).
But
what have we learned about this COVID 19?
We have learned that
the virus infects all type of people whether you are the president of a nation,
generals, soldiers, politicians, doctors and nurses. Old and very young persons
are more susceptible to get infected and eventually die from the disease. The
virus spreads through person to person contact by cough and sneeze and by
touching infected materials like money, door knob and other things.
Will
we forever be fearful of this virus? What is the weak side of this virus if
there is any?
I have observed that
the people who were infected have travel history to other places and have
talked to and mingled with many people. Many of them were tourists who love to
travel. Politicians and celebrities were among them. These persons are always
exposed to other people because it is part of their job to talk to people and
make friends with them. Doctors, nurses and other front-liners who are fighting
the virus are also among those infected with COVID 19 because they are exposed
to the infected patients. Maybe they are not well protected or maybe they
become very busy that they forgot to fully protect themselves.
Statistics
show that many infected persons recovered from the virus infection compared to
the number of persons who succumb from the disease. What does this indicate?
From my observation (this is only my opinion and is not based on
scientific study), those who recovered maybe have been exposed to only a
small amount of viruses and due to a strong immune system/anti-bodies have
successfully fought the viruses and became immune to the organisms. Others were
not lucky because they have direct exposure through cough/sneeze which released
a “fatal dose” of viruses into their eyes and lungs (any bacteria or virus that enters the
eyes will be discharged through the nose) in the form of aerosol spray (fine liquid
particles that can be temporarily airborne). Politicians and celebrities maybe
have obtained the viruses through talking with infected persons in near distances
and fine saliva particles have entered their lungs and became infected with the
virus. Hand-shake and kissing in the cheek also facilitated their infection. A
weak immune system will hasten the development of the disease.
Therefore we can really
avoid getting infected with the virus if we protect our eyes and nose so we can
avoid getting infected. Now it gives us a feeling of a relief to know the
importance of protecting ourselves with face mask and eye gear. If there is no
way that you can avail of a medical mask, you can improvised by buying or
making your own mask made of cloth reinforced or padded with tissue paper. Even if it is not hundred per cent virus
proof, maybe you can avoid getting the “fatal dose” of the virus. It is better
to wear a mask than nothing at all. You can protect your eyes with eyeglasses
and sun glasses that are not too dark. Better if you have a glass or plastic gear that covers the entire face.The face and hands are also exposed to
the viruses so you should wash your face and hands regularly with soap.
Can
we really be immune to the COVID 19 and be saved?
Immunity always plays a
vital role whenever there is an ordinary infection or serious virus infections
as in epidemic or pandemic. A strong immune system will help fight any kind of
infection so that the body can produce anti-bodies that could make it immune from
the disease. An example of this is when the Bubonic Plague devastated Europe from
1347 to 1352 killing an estimated 25-30 million people. As many people are
dying from the bacterial infections, physicians have observed that those people
driving horse carts who collect dead bodies from homes and the streets are not
affected by the disease. These people are also the ones who cared for the
horses. It was later found out that the horses have developed anti-bodies against
the bacteria causing the Bubonic Plague and somehow transferred this immunity
to their care-takers. Later a vaccine was developed by extracting blood from
horses exposed to the Bubonic bacteria.
Now, the same technique
is applied to combat the COVID 19. Scientists are extracting blood from people
who were infected with the virus but somehow overcome it by having a strong
immune system and maybe developed anti-bodies that will make them immune to the
disease. From these precious blood, the anti-bodies are extracted and injected
to people who are gravely ill from the virus, hoping that these anti-bodies will
successfully fight the infection and will make them well.
Immunity can also be seen in squatters living in dirty places, bank employees who are exposed daily to many types of bacteria and viruses. They are exposed yet do not get seriously ill.
Immunity can also be seen in squatters living in dirty places, bank employees who are exposed daily to many types of bacteria and viruses. They are exposed yet do not get seriously ill.
I believe many people
will survive this virus pandemic through protective measures and immunity. Eating
healthy foods, regular exercise and healthy outlook in life will build-up your
immune system that will surely help you fight harmful bacteria and viruses. COVID 19 will eventually be considered like the ordinary flu.
Heed the advice of
experts. Stay at home and always wear your protective gear if you cannot avoid
getting outside to buy food and other necessities. Be strong and keep safe
always.