I am not sure if it is utter incompetence or just the usual con that we have coming out of the White House. Look I have real issues when a politician who fakes his physicals is trying to give medical advice to an entire country. This response by the administration is probably worse than any other natural disaster. Disabling the ability of the CDC to respond to pandemics, because it “doesn’t happen that often” is a sign of short-sightedness that we don’t need from our elected officials. Look, sorry this shit doesn’t make you look good Donnie, but pull up your fat pants and start governing (FUCK).

Remember when I said I would tell you to panic? Well, we are still never going to reach that, but not for the reasons you think. Preparedness and prevention are the directions you want to take in your response to Covid19.

Panic is acting stupidly and buying fucking Costco out of toilet paper. What you should be doing is stocking up on booze and other essential items, but hey I just set a bad example.

First off, do yourself a few favors.

1. Become a clean freak. Carry Clorox wipes and clean used surfaces. Carry hand sanitizer, but do not rely on it if your actually soil your hands, this is for quick touch-ups. Wash your damn hands if they are soiled (sneeze, cough, that kind of thing). Keep your hands away from your face. The only reason to wear a mask is to prevent facial contact. The mask will do diddly shit for any other prevention. The N95 mask must be properly fit tested to ensure protection.

2. Avoid unnecessary trips into large public spaces. While the conferences, sports organizations, and even churches have already cancelled many events or made them virtual, you should decide if an outside event warrants the risk. If you do attend, take item one to heart.

3. Keep physical contact to a minimum. Meaning handshakes, hugs, etc. are probably off-limits. I know it blows (you shouldn’t do that either) but the most common transmission is contact with skin as we tend to get our snot and phlegm on our hands, etc. BTW you can transfer it to your hoo-hoo if you don’t keep your damn hands clean (see a theme?) We can do a lot with clean hands and minimal contact.

4. If you are symptomatic (the list is below) call your provider before just showing up at the office. They may have an alternate entrance, exam protocol, or may send you to an ER, which will have those resources. Call the ER before you go in as well. Calling ahead saves time and effort, and it prepares the hospital for your arrival.

5. STOP FUCKING PANICKING and be methodical. If you are sick, stay the fuck home, please. I know many folks don’t have PTO and such, but it will make your chances of getting sick, lower.

6. If you are in a risk group, take some time to contact your provider to determine if there are extra precautions you should consider.

Now the symptoms:

1. It will first infect the throat, so you’ll have a sore throat lasting 3/4 days

2. The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and then the lungs, causing pneumonia. This takes about 5/6 days further.

3. With pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty in breathing.

4. The nasal congestion is not like the ordinary kind. You feel like you’re drowning. It’s imperative you then seek immediate attention.

Thoughts:

1. If you have a runny nose and sputum, you have a common cold.

2. Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose.

3. This new virus is not heat-resistant and will die at a temperature of just 26/27 Celsius. It hates the Sun.

4. If someone sneezes with it, it takes about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne.

5. If it drops on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours – so if you come into contact with any metal surface – wash your hands as soon as you can with a bacterial soap.

6. On fabric, it can survive for 6-12 hours. Normal laundry detergent will kill it.

7. Drinking warm water is effective for all viruses. Try not to drink liquids with ice.

8. Wash your hands frequently as the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, but – a lot can happen during that time – you can rub your eyes, pick your nose unwittingly and so on.

9. It would help if you also gargled as prevention. A simple solution of salt in warm water will suffice.

10. Can’t emphasize enough – drink plenty of water!

There is a fucking Corona Virus. Look, you will most likely make it. I am more physically ill, looking at my stock portfolio at the moment. Take care of yourself, be meticulous, all good.

Be the kind of person your dog and your mom hope you are.