Health Matters

www.drjimshealthtips.com By James W. Jones, MD, PhD, MHA

Let Us Put the Brakes on Our Mistakes and Get Rid of Covid

First, exhaled human breath has droplets of water too small to be seen unless one breathes close to a cool mirror or glass windowpane (on cold enough days, these droplets allow our breath to be seen, ever so briefly). We are seeing countless numbers of them. Each of these tiny fragments can be a flying saucer for germs now, especially Covid.

The number of exhaled droplets increases when speaking and increases astronomically with coughing or sneezing. When inhaled, they go into the recipient’s lungs and start to multiply. An alternative way to infect another person is the droplets can gather on surrounding surfaces which can then be transferred to a victim’s hands and into that person’s mouth or nose. UGLY STUFF!

A justified common streak of thought continues with what was proclaimed earlier by medical authorities that vaccinated people are fully-protected. This was true, and in the past has not altered, but now truly, like the song, “Times They Are A-Changing”. Currently, the Covid monster has killed many times what flu has, and the new variants appear to be worse! OH NO!!

I don’t want to appear crude, but it should be clear that, when breathing uncovered within 6 feet of another, you each are rebreathing each other’s exhaled breaths. So, under present conditions, my bride and I cautiously protect when in public settings during dangerous times. While it is true that vaccinated people are partially immune to the emerged variants, still 3% of Covid hospitalizations have been vaccinated, and those vaccinated can unknowingly harbor and spread the variant Covid. GULP!

When going out to dine, we carefully avoid places that do not take proper precautions and enforce logical precautions in our space. Beverages that are delivered with the server’s hand near the top demand a straw accompaniment, and do avoid places where the plate has been touched.

One and all wish to continue life, bountifully protected from the ravages of monster Covid in the safe haven of their home. How to preserve that requires thought. Consider that if you have not had Covid, then the monster must be brought into your living area…which means you, things you bring into the habitation, and other people need to be carefully scrutinized.

Before touching the doorknob to enter, apply sanitizer and set any parcels down and judiciously wash your hands. Then any parcels brought in are sanitized. Mail probably is safe, but probably is not good enough. Note the time when your mail is delivered and establish a routine that allows you to usually pick up yesterday’s mail. Paper is relatively inhospitable, so the virus lasts only 24 hours and dies serially.

Repair technicians are required to mask, and surfaces they touched are sanitized after they leave. Probably best to avoid larger parties in the home for a while.

Considering when to institute and when to discontinue protective measures should be made with consideration to the case prevalence in your area. JUST MAKES SENSE!