Sunday, May 3, 2020
Now, Children...
'Escapism' is not my strong point. I usually tend to look at reality 'straight in the eyes' and confront it.
The more I try to understand the corona pandemic, the more bewildered I am. The virus is not exactly new; the first of this type has been spotted in 1964 (according to BBC news), so how come there are so many unknowns about its activity?
First, it was presented to us as causing a sort of flu, a respiratory, lung disease; then, as an all mighty virus capable of attacking any tissue of any organ (heart, brain, kidneys, toes..).
We've been told that there are relatively few cases of children getting the virus , and that the disease they develop is usually much milder than in adults.
Schools are about to re-open in my country starting with this week.
Well, surprise, surprise. The medical authority, in an attempt to make it a gradual affair, has come up now with a report showing ... high numbers of children infected by the virus.
I fear disaster by mid-June, unless the promise of warm-hot weather killing the virus has more than a grain of truth in it.
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It is getting more scary as we go along.
ReplyDeleteParallel to steps taken by the government to ease restrictions and go back to some routine, there's naturally, big fear of escalation in the spreading of the virus.
DeleteThank you for sharing this interesting information. I had not heard that the virus was first spotted in 1964. That's a long time! I continue to pray that God takes over and leads someone to a treatment . . . sooner rather than later. Again, thank you for the insights!
ReplyDeleteWell, yes, covid-19 is caused by a corona virus of the type first discovered by the scottish Dr, June Almeida who at the time (1964) worked in a laboratory in Canada.
DeleteYou're welcome.
I've been reading too much about this virus and it seems so contradictory in some of the things reported. What I have come to the conclusion of, and I could be totally wrong and I freely admit it, is that we are getting a lot of fake false news. Why, I only have my theories so I'll leave it as that.
ReplyDeleteAt my previous job that I started in February and ended in April, they reported a terrible illness that affected a lot of employees in the month of January. They said it hit hard and it took down a lot of the work force. They wondered when this all started if it was Covid 19. I heard similar reports from doctors who wondered if they were treating this back in November and December of last year as a "bad flu."
Its a serious virus and I think its going to be around for a long time until at least they get a vaccine for it. And then it will always be around and they'll have to adjust the vaccine yearly to allow for any mutations of it like they do with the flu vaccine.
Interesting, but in looking at the vaccines the new pup had to get, one was for Coronavirus (albeit for a pup not a human).
If warm/hot weather has any effect on this virus Arizona should prove that to be the case as we have had 100 degrees plus temps for the past 2 weeks with more on the way (which is early for us this time of year).
I realistically told hubby tonight that it is more than likely that someone in our family will get the virus (or perhaps several of us) but I read a report today (don't know how credible it is) that 60 to 70% of the people will more than likely get it. I wish they would report recovery success stories in addition to the deaths. People are recovering. It is not an automatic death sentence.
I think sometimes it would be good if the news couldn't report on anything about it for 30 plus days.
And I'm like you. I don't escape. I confront. That's why I'm realistic that I could die from it or someone I love could die from it. I just don't want to live in fear of it.
Gosh, sorry this is so long!!!
betty
Long is good!
DeleteThe first infected corona person was detected in China on 17 November 2019. A month later,in December, was the outbreak at the wildlife market in Whuan, China. So, it's possible that the virus got even to USA as early as Nov-Dec.
People are indeed recovering from the disease, but we're in the dark about whether or not they've acquired immunity. So far, there's no accurate antibody test, so we're not sure if these people can still get infected or infect others.
A coronn vaccine for the pup?! I thought they said the virus affected only humans.
Anyway, I hope they come up with a better vaccine than that for the regular flu. This vaccine is a disgrace as there are too many people dying from the flu and its complications.
I think the virus is a little like humans. Once you think you have it figured out you are proven wrong! Stay safe from the vagaries of both, Duta.
ReplyDeleteGood point, and excellent advice! Thank you.
DeleteAs a mom I was glad that children are not at great risk, but I am of course still afraid of it. I also heard some scary news from UK about kids infected and dying because of unknown desease which can be linked to the virus. That really scared me and I am so glad our schools are still closed. Praying for this to end. Stay safe everyone!
ReplyDeleteRe-opening of schools puts parents, teachers, and local authorities in great suspense. No light matter at all.
DeleteAll we can do is hope for the best.
Duta, I'm with you. there is so much we don't know. We think we do and something new pops up -- post viral complications and who knows what all else. Schools in my state are closed throughout the school year, though some things have opened up. Protestors stormed the capitol without masks and with guns (they didn't use them but they were pretty intimidating.) Distance and masks not enforced. But our governor has held the Stay Home til the end of the month. Of course, enough things are open that people are still out. At least we can walk but I'm never without my mask, gloves and sanitizer. It's going to be a very long ride.
ReplyDeleteProtests and lifting restrictions have a lot to do with fear of economy collapse. But economy is what brought that on in the first - globalization, outsourcing, making China the queedn of world goods supply.
DeleteAnyway, I'll keep on wearing ,mask, gloves, and avoiding crowds as much and for as long as possible.
I was going to write something different, but then I read the comment above and he certainly has a point. I've never felt so helpless, so I'm happy to live in the country where I can be relatively safe and still enjoy my life.
ReplyDeleteOn the cycle. I called the cycle a bike. The unicycle I gave away. I should have called it a trike, or a tricycle. English as a second language can sometime sneak up on you. Take care and stay safe.
'Helpless' is the key word to the whole situation.
DeleteIt helps to have faith in God ( the Universe, Nature or whatever one's name for the Allmighty power) , and pray for mercy and protection.
The problem with viruses is they are unique and they mutate. Plus, no one is testing enough of their populations.
ReplyDeleteScary times.
Viruses seem to control the world, with or without a vaccine. The regular flu vaccine, for instance, is rather misleading; lots of deaths even among those who have had the shot.
DeleteTests are indeed a crucial issue; the attitude towards them has to change.
This has all been very scary
ReplyDeleteStill is, Lizzie, and we've got no idea for how long we'll be facing this virus' activity.
DeleteI'm afraid, it's here to stay, and we must find a way to live with it somehow.
The school's here are mostly closed until the next school year. Most teachers are doing online classes.
ReplyDeleteSo far, that sounds good. However, there's big pressure everywhere to return the routine, inclusive schools and kindergartens. The risk is enormous. but it's probably inevitable taking it.
DeleteIn NZ most children are learning online except for the ones who's parents are essential workers. I also heard that children don't get it as much so was surprised to hear that many got the Covid19. Here most were of old age. Scary times
ReplyDeleteWe'll see what hapens now with the gradual re-opening of our scools . I must admit I'm scared, but we probably have to give it a try- all the possible precautions taken,of course.
DeleteI think we are at the point that if 'normal life' esp. economy does not come back there will simply be no money to cure people. Anyway, I also read that it has been known for many years
ReplyDeleteTrue; we need the money.Economy must not be allowed to collapse.
DeleteDuring the upcoming months there will be a gradual return to normal life in most countries.
Maybe it'll work, as a second bad wave of the virus is expected only in late Fall- beginning of Winter. But who knows?
It's still such an unknown. We just have to do our best to follow the guidelines set...in respect and consideration of others.
ReplyDeleteAustralia is doing okay (touch wood)...so far with regard to numbers of those affected and deaths from the virus. However, one death is one too many...here, and elsewhere throughout the world. We are all in this together.
It angers me when I see, via the news bulletins etc., many blatantly ignoring the restrictions...it's very selfish of them to do so, in my opinion. They think they are bullet-proof...caring not about anyone else.
Some restrictions are being lifted or softened...but short-time pain is better than long-time pain. We must all be sensible.
Take good care, DUTA...best wishes to you and yours. :)
I'm glad Australia is doing relatively OK. So, I suppose most restrictions will soon be lifted, and life return to routine, more or less.
DeleteBest wishes to you too, Lee!
I had a chance to look at normal lungs beside someone with the Flu, Pneumonia and the Covid-19, and the difference was astronomical! I just continue to keep everyone and the situation in prayer. Stay safe and sending some hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteAnd we were given to understand at first, that covid-19 is.. some light sort of flu.
DeleteThanks for your prayers and hugs, Ro.
How does one know...I just hope they're making the right decision. I'm so very thankful for all those trying to come up with a vaccine and/or a cure...they're much needed. Stay safe, DUTA.
ReplyDeleteScientists are working on it,so they might come up with some vaccine and/or cure in the upcoming months.
DeleteIn the meantime, however, things are risky, but there's pressure on the authorities to reopen stores, markets, schools.
Nobody can tell anything about this virus it's new and unknown so all they can do is guess ... One thing is sure that this virus has touched the whole world and not a few countries and everybody tries to find out the best but so far nobody really knows, that's why we have everyday or nearly contractictory news ! You should wear a mask you don't need a mask, put on gloves, you don't need gloves, only one thing is sure and valuable in the whole world is : Keep distance !!
ReplyDelete"Keep distance - indeed so, Gattina."
DeletePracticing social distancing is, so far, the key to 'calming' the virus and preventing transmission.
What scares me is the prospect of it essentially going away for the summer, and we all get complacent, and then it comes back with a vengeance in the fall. Kind of like the 1918 Spanish flu (which killed my dad's older brother). I'm hoping remdesivir or something like it will help us out.
ReplyDeleteI'm not even sure it'll go away in summer.
DeleteWe'll see next month the result of re-opening places and lifting restrictions now. If things stay calm, then perhaps we get a break till Fall.
I will admit, Duta, to being as confounded as yourself and many others who commented. Thanks for the info about the virus being reported in 1964, something I didn't know. What is so unsettling to me is how much things have changed. yes, I do understand being safe, keeping distance, hand washing, masking up. I do those things, but do not mask up when walking outside for exercise and fresh air as that's the point of being outside. But it is so unsettling to see people not even near me outdoors and they are masked and some wearing gloves. And then to see some cross the street if they see anyone directly in their path. My question is when will life as we knew it ever return to a near normal and I have grave doubts now.
ReplyDeleteI'll say this: even if the virus goes away, the fear will stay with us. People will think twice before entering a restaurant or getting on a bus.
DeleteLike you, I have great doubts about returning to former 'normalcy'.
"...a grain of truth..."
ReplyDeleteI feel like that is a needle in a haystack these days.
Whatever. Grain, needle - both are tiny, almost invisible, but it's a beginning, it gives some hope.
DeleteHello Duta, I'm really sorry that more cases (especially of children) are occurring in your country.
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling despondent and wary about some people rushing to shopping malls and disregarding social distancing.
Our Premier (of Victoria in Australia) will be announcing staged relaxing of restrictions this coming week. The key word being 'staged'... kind of testing the waters with 3 weeks in between each stage. I like that idea, however, a lot of folk do not and are protesting.
Its all too much at times.
Here, there's also a graduallifting of restrictions.We shall see by mid-Iune how that works. Hopefully, things calm down on the virus front.
DeleteToday is May 15 and Alabama "opened up" this week. I fear the numbers will increase dramatically over the coming few weeks.
ReplyDeleteThat's my fear too. I hope I'm wrong, and the numbers of infected people will constantly be in decline.
DeleteI too share this fear of sending the children to school again before it is safe. I am still raising a Grandchild and sadly we lost a Great-Grandchild {age 5 Months Old} to the Virus so we knew that indeed Children can become Victims of this and Die.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your tragic loss!
DeleteChildren are a very vulnerable aspect of the corona virus pandemic.
There is still so much we don't know about this virus.
ReplyDeleteHere in England, but not all parts of the UK some lockdown restrictions have been eased. I think many people are waiting to see what the Covid 19 figures will be.
All the best Jan
Next month, we'll be smarter about the results of the lifting of restrictions. If numbers don't go up, then we're on the right track.
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