by Background
Of the millions of viruses in existence, we’ve identified about 5000. Most viruses can’t live outside their host, i.e., you. After all, they’re not “alive,” but need to get to a cell nucleus and replace the DNA to turn that cell into a virus factory. That is so clever. As unbelievable as it may sound, the virus may have re-engineered itself to survive longer and be more contagious (I think Steven King’s, The Stand, had a plot like this.)
But this strain of the coronavirus was probably engineered at the Wuhan, China lab to do just that.
Now, If we can keep people apart long enough for the virus to naturally die off, we’ll be OK. What this means is, the virus has a limited time it can spend in your body before you either: 1) die, or 2) recover, i.e., develop antibodies and eradicate it from your system.
Can you get re-infected? Good question with no answer as of yet. In either case, you’re no longer infectious and go about socializing to your heart’s content.
Unlike other recent Chinese viruses (SARs, H1N1, Bird flu,) many infected people are asymptomatic. So they may not exhibit any symptoms but still transmit it. I wouldn’t welcome the kids back from Spring Break so fast if you know what I mean. (And, I think you do.) Make them go to their room for two weeks (slide pizza under the door.)
And, if that weren’t bad enough, and don’t you think it ought to be, does this virus persist in the human body like say, herpes? Don’t know that, either.
What can you do?
Nonetheless there are several levels of response needed from each of us at the national, local, and personal levels:
- National. Billionaire Ackman, who proposed shutting down America for 30-day, is clearly off his nut. Clearly, he is evidence of the Dunning-Kruger effect. Off his nut or not, we need a disproportionate response, i.e., rip the band-aid off. A 30-day 2020 Coronavirus Spring Break is so crazy, it might just work. (Just stay away from the navel shots, OK? You’re not 20-years old anymore.) To quote Otter from Animal House, “This situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody’s part.”
- Local. Follow the CDC rules and minimize large group gatherings.
- Personal. Besides stepping up your personal hygiene, all would do well to boost your immune system. Here are three simple things you can do right now to boost your immune system:
- Get lots of rest;
- Add 30-seconds of cold showers to your (I assume) regular hygiene practice;
- minimize your sugar intake.
Viruses go away in the summer for several reasons: 1) it’s warmer; 2) there’s more humidity, and 3) there’s more UV radiation. So get your humidifier cranked up and let the sunshine into your house. Unless you’ve got special glass in your house that blocks Ultraviolet Light (UVC,) open your shades and let in as many photons in as possible.
Ozone also does a number on viruses, too. I use a commercial Ozone machine to get rid of odors in rental properties. There are smaller personal ones that will work in individual rooms and cars. Remember, Ozone is not good for the 3Ps (plants, pets, or people,) so follow the directions that come with your unit. After using an ozone machine ventilate the room.