Gee Whiz! I always believed there was only one word that starts with “C” that would strike terror in our hearts, Cancer. Now we have a new “C” word:. the “Corona Virus” or of you want to be more specific “Covid-19”.

We watched it race across China and when it marched across borders to European countries, there was more cause for concern. Now it is here, in the United States. Even though, we had ample warning, it continues to spread from contacts with people traveling from other countries where the virus lives or other people who are infected. Just one look at all the Hazmat suits that Health Care Providers are wearing, would cause anyone to pause and seriously consider the situation.

Most of us on this site are immunocompromised, even if you are not in treatment and especially if you are. I realize everyone is saying our annual flu outbreak is more of a threat with a 0.1% mortality compared with around a 2- 3% mortality for the Corona Virus. We really don’t know the true mortality since a whopping 80% of people have mild symptoms. Unfortunately, I am in 2 high risk categories. Since when was an age over 60 years old elderly??? So, I am elderly. What the ……..?

Second, I am immunocompromised related to having cancer and receiving chemo to treat it. Lucky me and many of you, we are in the 20%. I did get the annual flu shot so I decided I was safe from that infection. (Total denial can be a wonderful gift!)

Recently I picked up a common Corona Virus, a cold around the holidays. It was a very uncomfortable week, with me sitting up in a recliner chair at night despite a vaporizer by my bed. It was short lasting which was the best aspect.

No one knows how long this virus lasts on surfaces although we are told our disinfectants do destroy it, Hurray!!! I hate to bring this up but the PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) I have seen health care providers wear on TV is not for a droplet spread infection. It is for airborne.

I was around when AIDS was just being discovered in the early 80’s, a nurse in a community hospital. We did not know transmission mode then. I went into those rooms and cared for those patients in those days when some other souls refused without hesitation. Since I am in treatment, I am not employed as a nurse. This is the first time I am relieved not to be working at the bedside. Maybe, I am becoming a wimp in my “elderly years”.

Anyone can investigate what precautions to take on TV or on the internet so I do not need to mention it here. I kind of freaked out last week. (Meditation and prayer helps.). Now, I am over it. Who would better know how to protect ourselves from infections than those of us who are on “alert” most of the time anyway? My advice is get stocked up with your meds, food, water, antimicrobial cleaners ect. now and then continue your day in and day out lives as best as you can. We already have practice doing that too.

Wishing everyone more good days than not so good days!