03-04-20 02:40 PM - Post#895126    

I seem to be in a coronavirus hot spot - 3-4 cases confirmed that might ride the bus I take from home to work.

So I'm wondering about the wisdom of being in gyms with people breathing hard in an enclosed space. Anyone else thinking about this? Is it paranoia?

The silver lining is that 'running to work and back' and 'home gym' are clear winners again this spring! And it will be good for everyone to be more careful about washing hands, and not touching their faces after touching 'things'.

03-04-20 04:06 PM - Post#895133    

So far, US deaths have been here in Washington state. Fortunately not my area, but that probably doesn't matter much.

03-04-20 06:37 PM - Post#895139    

I'm a bit contrarian on this one. There have been 19 million cases of old-fashioned boring influenza reported in the US during the 2019-2020 flu season. That didn't seem to keep any of us away from the gym.

So, until there are coughing, salivating zombies stumbling around the squat rack, I think we're probably okay.

03-04-20 07:10 PM - Post#895142    

The most frightening thing about this though is that young healthy people can be carriers while being asymptomatic or thinking they just have a cold and then spread it to vulnerable people; the elderly or those with pre-existing lung problems. Something like this could wreak havoc in a nursing home, for example. Seattle already admitted they don’t have enough ICU beds or ventilators to handle a mass outbreak and their health system is already pretty much at capacity. There is certainly reason for caution and concern.

"The trouble about always trying to preserve the health of the body is that it is so difficult to do without destroying the health of the mind."~GK Chesterton

03-04-20 09:31 PM - Post#895143    

The media is blowing the whole thing way out of proportion.

Quick Fact: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the flu kills 290,000 to 650,000 people per year.

It Is Better To Be Stronger Than You Look, Than Look Stronger Than You Are My Weights Are In Freedom Units DEADLIFTS RULE!! =[[[[[[--------]]]]]]=

03-04-20 10:18 PM - Post#895144    

My advice is to avoid both.

Mark it Zero.

03-04-20 11:13 PM - Post#895145    

• Quoting:

More quick facts:
The average overall cost for a burial is $8,500.
Saying there's 450,000 flu deaths in a year we're looking at $3,825,000,000.
That buys a lot of soap and hand disinfectant.

Life's too short to worry about longevity.

03-05-20 05:13 AM - Post#895150    

The virus is transmitted through the nose, mouth, and eyes, like the common cold, so in theory if you wash your hands often and don't touch your face in the gym you are probably fine. But, you're probably better off staying home.

Preparing for coronavirus

I thought this was a good article on using common sense to prepare for a wide spread of the virus through communities. Self-quarantine for a few days or weeks would slow or eliminate the spread of the virus, and seems to be the response in communities that have a large number of confirmed infections. The article briefly explains the epidemiology of a disease spreading, and then goes into realistic planning ideas. No need to go into doomsday preparations mode.

This, too, shall pass

03-05-20 09:35 AM - Post#895155    

• Silverback61 Said:

This is not like the flu.

Do people in hazmat suits disinfect an entire city when the flu appears every year? Do they close off cities in Italy every year during flu season?

The mortality rate of the flu is 1 in 1,000.
So far the mortality rate of the corona virus is 3 to 4 in 100, if you believe official Chinese figures. But China, being a totalitarian dictatorship, I don't.

Remember Chernobyl? We didn't know the magnitude of that catastrophe until reindeer started dying in Sweden.

I'm in Switzerland and the virus is spreading fast and the Swiss authorities are totally unprepared for anything like this.

Coronavirus
03-05-20 09:53 AM - Post#895156    

The worldwide response will hinge on how strong the weakest link is.

The so-called first world will have to put on its big boy pants and take care of it.

Yes, the Spanish flu killed millions, but in over 100 years since it ravaged the world I would hope our capacity to deal with it has improved.

Believe me, it's going to take more than Mike Pence, Purell and prayers.

Mark it Zero.

Re: Coronavirus
03-05-20 10:32 AM - Post#895159    

• DanMartin Said:

Could not resist this

https://twitter.com/jheil/status/12330778 02553028609?s=20


Edited by GeoffreyLevens on 03-05-20 10:33 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

Re: Coronavirus
03-05-20 10:48 AM - Post#895160    

• GeoffreyLevens Said:

Mark it Zero.

03-05-20 11:37 AM - Post#895162    

Well here in Western Australia people really have gone mad and have been out panic buying all week. You may have heard it on your news but all of our supermarkets really have completely sold out of toilet paper. Idiots have been buying month’s worth instead of a normal 1-2 week supply.

My wife did our shopping online this week and we got it delivered today - one normal family pack of toilet paper included.

It’s become a joke locally and worldwide, but it has already turned nasty in several places with people fighting over toilet paper. Stores having to put limits on how many packs a person can buy. But stupidly of all, people seem to have forgotten that the stores will restock by next week if not before. Toilet paper isn’t going out of supply and trucks are still running.

Log

03-05-20 12:19 PM - Post#895166    

New from Examine this morning:

https://examine.com/topics/coronavirus/

03-05-20 12:27 PM - Post#895167    

I was teaching at a school that had one of the first US cases of H1N1 "swine flu." School was shut down for a week, CDC protocols etc. I went MTB. It was a bit of an overreaction, but then again, who knows what could have happened in a dense urban area?

03-05-20 12:38 PM - Post#895169    

When I was still working and was in the middle of the swine flu madness, we ran short of face masks. So we just put them on the patient.

Mark it Zero.

03-05-20 12:46 PM - Post#895172    

• DanMartin Said:

Brilliant!

It Is Better To Be Stronger Than You Look, Than Look Stronger Than You Are My Weights Are In Freedom Units DEADLIFTS RULE!! =[[[[[[--------]]]]]]=

Coronavirus
03-05-20 04:20 PM - Post#895173    

It's making my job at the uni library easier by the day. A large percent of students are only showing up for the important classes and avoiding studying in the library or in groups. Crazy, eh. But easier!

On a very positive note . . .

I take transit, bus and train six days and nights a week to work. The masks have so far only started a few, VERY FEW fights and the like. And as far as any racial skirmishes go, so far no big problems.

The situation could be way, way worse than it is, as far as that kind of stuff goes.

This is good, and it's showing us to be halfways reasonable for now.

Life's too short to worry about longevity.

Edited by Neander on 03-05-20 04:21 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

03-05-20 04:40 PM - Post#895174    

• Silverback61 Said:

Totally agree Silverback.

It was the World Media (especially 2 Mogul's in particular) who have previously tried to spook the gullible into feeling vulnerable to Bird flu, swine flu, Y2K, peak oil, Global cooling, Climate change & so forth.

The only problem with this is, one day there probably will be a super virus that could grow & potentially wipe 1/2 of us out but the world community will more than likely not take the threat too seriously.......They have heard it all before.

Let's hope Corona isn't that virus.

Have these Organisations not heard of " The boy who cried wolf?"

Coronavirus
03-05-20 05:17 PM - Post#895176    

So far I've only seen one person walking a dog with a mask on.

And an older fellow came into the library wearing a homemade mask made from a scarf that covered everything but the top of his eyes. And a pair of those real thick rubber gloves, a real bright yellow color.

Now, the alcohol hand sanitizer is back everywhere in stand up dispensers. We had to get rid of it several years ago 'cause people with alcohol problems were stealing 'em . . . stand and all.

Life's too short to worry about longevity.

Edited by Neander on 03-05-20 05:20 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

Re: Coronavirus
03-05-20 05:23 PM - Post#895177    

Hopefully not coming soon!



I TOLD YOU I RETURNED THAT BOOK ON TIME!!!

Life's too short to worry about longevity.

Edited by Neander on 03-05-20 05:24 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

Re: Coronavirus
03-05-20 06:42 PM - Post#895180    

The reason flu kills so many people is that very old people get weaker each year and have to eventually die of something, and usually some virus during a long winter will be the final straw.

If you looked at flu deaths in people who were neither 'frail' nor had underlying conditions, they would be very low.

The reason Coronavirus is scary is that it's new, spreading very fast, and the population has zero immunity to it. The WW1 "Spanish Flu" (actually Born in the USA) shows what it might do without modern medicine.

Re: Coronavirus
03-05-20 06:45 PM - Post#895181    

What is this thing with toilet paper?

I could understand people panic-buying bleach, cleaning alcohol, masks, tissues, rubber gloves....but how are they afraid toilet paper consumption is going to rocket?

Re: Coronavirus
03-05-20 06:58 PM - Post#895183    

• Old Miler Said:

I don't get the toilet paper thing either. I'm going to stock up on Redemption Rye. A shot a day keeps the doctor away!

It Is Better To Be Stronger Than You Look, Than Look Stronger Than You Are My Weights Are In Freedom Units DEADLIFTS RULE!! =[[[[[[--------]]]]]]=

03-05-20 07:40 PM - Post#895188    

My high school is ground zero for Coronavirus is Rhode Island. They got 4 cases from a field trip to Italy and now the school is closed for two weeks. My sister, who goes there now, is happy to be out of school. But that’s very close to home!

Stay clean, wash hands.

Our tuition was received in the cold school of experience.

Coronavirus
03-05-20 08:14 PM - Post#895195    

• Quoting:

If you're gonna go, go with a clean butt.
And refrain from touching your face!

Life's too short to worry about longevity.

Edited by Neander on 03-05-20 08:15 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

Re: Coronavirus
03-05-20 08:32 PM - Post#895197    

• Old Miler Said:

Since having my bidet installed, my TP consumption has gone way down.

03-05-20 09:56 PM - Post#895200    

I blew my nose on the bus this morning and nearly gave 3 people whiplash....

Coronavirus
03-05-20 11:36 PM - Post#895204    

King county WA, about 150 mi from me, under "quarantine."

The TP is a quarantine issue. If you're stuck at home and run out . . .

I worry more about running out of potatoes.

Edited by vegpedlr on 03-06-20 01:41 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

Re: Coronavirus
03-05-20 11:46 PM - Post#895205    

• Old Miler Said:

Well if all you're going to eat for the next three months is rice and beans, you're gonna need a big supply of toilet paper too!


But honestly, I think a few people grabbed more than neccessary and soon some shelves were empty, which led to people posting pics on social media - and before you know it everyone is in a panic.

I guess the thing with a product like large packs of toilet paper is they take up a lot of shelf space, so there is only ever a fairly limited number of packs on the shelf at one time, compared to smaller products like cans and packets. If ten people buy two or three packs of toilet paper thats most of the shelf gone ...PANIC!

Log

03-06-20 01:25 AM - Post#895212    

My sister came back from the grocery store and said it reminded her of Y2K.

Coronavirus
03-06-20 01:29 AM - Post#895214    

Whether or not this turns out bad, it does remind us of emergency prep. DJ has mentioned having a go bag and a bike that get you 100 miles away. Also worthwhile is always having the supplies to shelter in place. Two million people here in WA are being told to do exactly that.

And on a personal note, two of the last three years my old neighbourhood in CA wine country had evacuations due to fire. I think I need to see some sort of shaman.

Edited by vegpedlr on 03-06-20 01:32 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

Re: Coronavirus
03-06-20 02:40 AM - Post#895216    

Our Brexit cupboard is now our Coronavirus cupboard.

My workout log

03-06-20 07:36 AM - Post#895222    

I'm going to a conference next week in NY and in 2 weeks in San Diego. Companies are bailing out left and right. No handshake policy. I'll bow instead.

Veg, why would any one leave wine country? Beautiful area.

Re: Coronavirus
03-06-20 08:41 AM - Post#895223    

• aussieluke Said:

There you go. Coronavirus in a nutshell.

Coronavirus
03-06-20 10:21 AM - Post#895234    

• BChase Said:

It's an ash pit. So, not so much anymore. Two of the last three years saw extensive wildfires and mass evacuations in Sonoma county. The neighborhood trails I used to train on burned within a couple weeks after I left. Fires aside, it's family thing. And, the Columbia River Gorge is just as, if not more so, beautiful. But the cold, dark, WET PNW winters are quite an adjustment.

Edited by vegpedlr on 03-06-20 10:22 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

Re: Coronavirus
03-06-20 11:53 AM - Post#895241    

• aussieluke Said:

That's all I've eaten (plus veg and fruit and nuts/seeds) for years, like a monkey... Probably use less than most people, not more.

This is pretty good article for interpreting of stats and numbers that are showing up
The Coronavirus, by the Numbers
A mathematician who studies the spread of disease explains some of the figures that keep popping up in coronavirus news.


Edited by GeoffreyLevens on 03-06-20 11:54 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

03-06-20 01:56 PM - Post#895250    

Run out of TP? NOW you're paleo!

03-06-20 03:30 PM - Post#895254    

• vegpedlr Said:

Ever had rectal surgery? Buddy, it’ll make you reconsider the function and usefulness of TP real quick.

03-06-20 03:40 PM - Post#895256    

• Quoting:

These 2 things did come to my mind a few weeks ago and I read it in Laree's post.
I do swear since I use D3 regularly, colds (anyway) for me have lessened a good deal. Who knows!?
Just perhaps make sure you eat something with the zinc, since on an empty stomach, it can make you feel real sick. Or at least from my experience.

They were making it a point talking with a CDC spokesperson on CNBC too, to perhaps not shake hands with people. Makes sense of course.

Be yourself. Everyone else is taken

03-07-20 10:33 AM - Post#895271    

• Jordan D Said:

Seems like a perfect time for a bidet! I got one couple years ago and totally hooked. Not heated or any of that Fifi stuff and no issues even with cold tap temp in high 40's F. Cleaner and much less "abrasive". Get European. Get Asian.

03-07-20 10:36 AM - Post#895272    

• vegpedlr Said:

Have friends who bought big for Y2K. At the time said, "Come January 1st, we will either look like the smartest people around, or like people who don't need to go shopping for a couple years."

They were eating stale rice cakes 2 years on and not laughing so hard....

Coronavirus
03-07-20 03:22 PM - Post#895280    

• Quoting:

Taking "meat, berries and leaves" to a whole new level.

Life's too short to worry about longevity.

Edited by Neander on 03-07-20 03:22 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

03-07-20 04:46 PM - Post#895282    

Lol... Things are really escalating folks!

https://defensemaven.io/bluelivesmatter/news/t oilet-paper-stolen-from-p olice-dept-restroom-amid- toil...

It Is Better To Be Stronger Than You Look, Than Look Stronger Than You Are My Weights Are In Freedom Units DEADLIFTS RULE!! =[[[[[[--------]]]]]]=

03-08-20 04:19 AM - Post#895287    

Not an expert, but from what I've read we need to look at this across various dimensions. As individuals, the risk for most of the people on this forum is probably fairly low. However, the risks escalate rapidly for the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

Where things get really scary is from a healthcare logistics POV. Imagine that 50% of your town falls ill at the same time and that 10% of them need to be hospitalized. That is 5% of the population. A bit part of the medical staff might be ill too. It can quickly turn into a nightmare - no hospital beds, not enough staff, not enough intensive cure units, not enough equipment.

So, although your individual risk might be fairly small, you are also a vector of the disease. Be responsible! Wash your hands. Also, follow the advice of your local health authorities, even if you subscribe to an anti-government ideology.

"Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water...
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty."

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov /community/home/get-your- household-ready-for-COVID -19.html

Check out my critical-thinking blog at sharpenyouraxe.substack.com

Coronavirus
03-08-20 11:58 AM - Post#895296    

The authorities are in a tough spot when dealing with this type of challenge. If they do too much, too soon they risk the ire of the public, with many saying they are exaggerating the severity of the situation and taking action for some ulterior motive. Then there is the threat to the economy from putting in place certain types of precautions and constraints on activity which can trigger a financial downturn.

(Of course, not doing anything will likely result in far worse damage to life and property.)

Add to that the fact that politicians are in the business of getting elected and reelected, and they might be reluctant to act quickly and decisively lest they be seen as given to panic, etc.

Then, there is the possibility of not acting quickly and boldly enough to prevent an out and out disaster.

The challenge is how to responsibly take action. It is no small challenge. Everyone will certainly not be satisfied with a given plan of action. Such is the burden of leadership, particularly in a society with broad civil liberties.

I stopped going to the gym one week ago. I am working out in my home gym. I am doing my cardio outside.

I am washing my hands frequently, not touching my face when I am out and avoiding crowds. When I am out, I am attempting to keep a reasonable distance from other people, but this is easier said than done.

In my estimation, we are faced with a bona fide challenge. It does not call for panic, but it does call for action.

The trouble with trouble is that it does not appear evident to most folks until they are in the middle of it.

A cluttered basement, filled with papers and flammable liquids most likely does not present itself as an imminent threat to the occupants of that home. If it did, I suspect they would clean things up. At least, I would hope so. However, if fire and tragedy do strike, there will be laments and if onlys.

I believe the threat is real. Preparation, not panic, should be the order of the day.

Good luck to all.




Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

03-08-20 01:11 PM - Post#895297    

I'm with Traveler on this one, both in the assertion that we have a bona fide challenge and that it calls for action.

If memory serves, the 1918 flu epidemic had two waves with the deadliest being 1919 wave. Feel free to correct that statement.

As of this post I reside in one of the states that does not have a reported case (Ohio) although some neighboring states such as Indiana have recently joined the list. It seems likely that it is a matter of when and not if the virus reaches into Ohio.

Perhaps in will mutate into something that will not be as lethal, perhaps it already has. There have been accounts of people who claimed that they had contracted it and it wasn't that bad. Who am I to argue although with the lack of available testing I wonder how they knew it was novel corona?

There has been speculation as to the original source. For my part the origin no longer concerns me now that the genie is out of the bottle. I have been nursing a low-level respiratory thing for the past week, at no time did the thought of coronavirus cross my mind. Bum rushing the stores for TP, bottled water, etc seems pretty silly to me.

I came across a site that is tracking the illness that I found interesting, make of it what you will.

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/ind ex.html#/bda7594740fd4029942 3467b48e9ecf6

I have competing thoughts on the comparisons between the flu and COVID-19. It is certainly the case that the flu has taken a much greater toll and usually does on a yearly basis despite our having vaccines so it is serious business. We have no vaccine for COVID-19 yet.

My hope is that we are not talking about a second wave this time next year.

03-08-20 05:18 PM - Post#895301    

I just spoke with my Brother in Italy and it's bad over there.
Things changed drastically in a very short period of time.

Life's too short to worry about longevity.

Coronavirus
03-09-20 10:55 AM - Post#895320    

• thomasjbarrett Said:

Don't forget to factor in the "hang time" for snee and kack droplets in invisible clouds in the air

https://www.livescience.com/3686-gross-science-co ugh-sneeze.html
The Gross Science of a Cough and a Sneeze


Edited by GeoffreyLevens on 03-09-20 10:55 AM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

Re: Coronavirus
03-09-20 01:26 PM - Post#895324    

• GeoffreyLevens Said:

Holy crap! Had no idea a virus could live that long outside a host.

Something I haven't heard addressed (for obvious reasons): Assuming a worst case scenario -- that is, you have all the symptoms, but your community has been hit so hard, emergency rooms and your doctor can't keep up. Besides putting your head between your legs and kissing your ass goodbye, is there anything you can think of that might mitigate your discomfort and possibly put you on the road to recovery if your case is not severe? OTC drugs to control fever, fluids, and vitamin C come to mind.

Be strong. Be in shape. Be a man among men, regardless of your age or circumstances.

Edited by AAnnunz on 03-09-20 01:37 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.