NOT FAKE NEWS! The Facts On Flu Vs. COVID-19

JERSEYVILLE - Last week the Jersey County Board was asked during the public comment period to prepare for the COVID-19 virus. Don Little, the county board chair responded with, "Anyone else?" as the speaker left the lectern and nothing regarding the looming worldwide pandemic was discussed. Little did take time to distribute hand sanitizer to some people days later but it appears that as of yet no action has been taken to mobilize county resources to assist in issues that county residents are facing.

Taking no action is making a decision. Members of the public are now faced with what to believe after being told by President Trump that the looming pandemic was a "hoax". Some television personalities opined that it was a conspiracy of the "liberal media" and "fake news". They were quite incorrect. The public was told that plenty of tests were available. That wast not true. The tests are still not available in quantities to needed to test suspected cases in southern Illinois as this is written.

Many people still believe that COVID-19 is no worse than a case of the flu. They may believe that it is a type of flu. It is not. COVID-19, or the coronavirus, is actually a virus that is of a similar type that causes what we generally call a "cold" but the disease it causes is in no way similar to the common cold. Instead, this virus has killed approximately 9% of the people that have been tested and the case is resolved either by death or recovery. This number is derived from the public information viewable online at the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center on the day this is written. This number is somewhat skewed by the fact that only the sickest people have been tested and the tests are not widely available. The death rate may decline as more people are tested. Regardless, we are being told to not be social in person. That's extremely good advice given there is no vaccine available or any antiviral drugs that are effective. Until such time that there is some sort of response other than keeping your distance and quarantines, we need to do whatever is needed to stop the incredible spread of this highly contagious virus.

Remember, most everything you touch has the capability to infect you if the virus is on it. Use the ATM? Think about the buttons you pressed and the fact that your card was in the reader. What did you do with the card when you were finished? Think about opening a door to go into a place of business. How many others were there before you? Has it been wiped clean before you touched it? As of yet, no one knows exactly all the ways the virus can travel or if you survive an initial brush with the disease if you can become reinfected at some point. 

With this in mind, below you will find current guidelines regarding protecting yourself. This is deadly serious business and the choices you make can kill you or others. No one is immune. No one.

If you are sick and believe you may be infected with coronavirus, DO NOT GO TO THE HOSPITAL OR YOUR DOCTOR'S OFFICE! Call your local healthcare provider or the county health department where you live and they will guide you as to what to do. If you are ill and present to a hospital or physician office you risk infecting others.

NOT FAKE NEWS! The Facts On Flu Vs. COVID-19

General Recommendations for Routine Cleaning and Disinfection of Households

Community members can practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

General Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfection of Households with People Isolated in Home Care (e.g. Suspected/Confirmed to have COVID-19) How to clean and disinfect: Surfaces  Clothing, towels, linens and other items that go in the laundry Hand hygiene and other preventive measures Other considerations