There is increasing likelihood that the COVID-19 problem will be around for a long time. Eight or more months into this pandemic, the infectivity of the virus seems strong. Social distancing, mask wearing, hand washing, and symptom monitoring are effective in slowing the spread of the infection.
The result has been to lessen the burden of the virus on the health care systems. This is and has been the goal and the reward of these recommendations from the beginning. These simple rules successfully lower the morbidity and mortality associated with this illness. Of course, they only work when done properly.
The goal of the lockdowns has never been to defeat the virus. It is rare to actually kill a virus. Medicines that cure Hepatitis C are a notable exception. Other viral treatments – like for AIDS, Herpes, influenza – are good for prolonging and saving lives. The influenza vaccine increases resistance to the infection. Social distancing should be practiced for influenza, also. But none of these approaches eliminate the need for the strategies that inhibit transmission from one person to another.
An effective vaccine should be long-lasting. Maybe a year or more. Hopefully, proving a good vaccine will be realized in the next 4-6 months. It may still not be enough to drop our precautionary lifestyle. The flu vaccine, as an example, still allows transmission of the virus.
And we really do want to prevent the infection from spreading. Even to the younger crowd who may not exhibit symptoms. Many of them also get sick or worse. There are viruses that have serious complication decades following asymptomatic carrying states. Like Hepatitis and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) that later cause cancer.
So far, treatment of the infection is partial and unreliable. There is no therapy that would allow lessening of lockdown restrictions. This is still a deadly virus that can cause significant permanent injury to survivors.
The COVID-19 virus spreads easily and quickly. Following the first spike of infections in this pandemic, loosened restrictions resulted in widespread transmission. An infected person, even without symptoms, can infect other people months after acquiring the virus. There are many other examples that a carrier of an infectious disease can pass the microbe to others after long periods of time. Concerns about this [and maybe future] viruses spreading may not be satisfactorily resolved.
So, we need to accept that these restrictions may be lifestyle mandates for the foreseeable future.
At this point, I refer you to several of my previous blogs that discuss things everyone can do to strengthen themselves against this virus and other potential illnesses:
PROTECT THE LUNGS AND FIGHT COVID-19
Micronutrients to Enhance Health and Resist COVID-19
Time and activity organization are important things to establish during this lockdown. Sheltering at home, working in your abode, spending a high percentage of time in one place, and not having the opportunity or inclination to venture far from your base may be the future. Such a way of living will be stressful for many.
Reduce the stress by organization. This approach will lessen the anxiety of these circumstances. From scalp to sole, our bodies are anatomically, biochemically, and functionally arranged and coordinated. That is how we are built. The most optimal way for our nature to be in tune with our lives is to create a structure. A written or digital schedule of how you want to spend your time permits greater accomplishment. It also offers a sense of contentment. Moreover, you will feel more in control of your life.
Being at a workplace puts employees into a routine. This is healthy. Disrupting a process without introducing a replacement can cause illness. It is easy to lose track of the time and of your goals. Many people forget what day of the week it is.
Create a schedule for your day. Being organized will help to alleviate the stress by assuring you will work toward your goals for the day. Put it on paper or in your smart phone. It is easy to have a reminder system with today’s technology. Include everything you can imagine in your list. Make sure to add time for relaxation. Do not rob from sleep time.
You will find the time to pursue neglected activities. Nothing that you deem important will be overlooked. The worrying burden will be lightened. Success is increased. Greater fulfillment is the result.
Health and Spirit by Dr. Jack Zoldan 