You're Needed

Well, that escalated quickly. The world is gripped by the reality of a new virus and the dangers that come along with it. The jury is still out on exactly where this virus came from, but if past Coronaviruses are any indication, this strain made the jump from a wild animal to a human for the first time sometime in late 2019.

There is a lot of panic, and certainly a lot of disinformation circulating on various platforms about the virus, but the important thing to remember is that, just like many other illnesses, some of us are more susceptible to serious infection that others.

Those of us with compromised immune systems or who have underlying conditions like asthma, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19. It also proves to be more troublesome for the elderly. All of us know someone with one or more of these issues. This is where help is needed most.

It's important for at-risk groups to do their best to isolate, or distance themselves from groups of people, where the risk of infection is higher. So, what can be done to help these individuals lower their risk of exposure to infection? It starts with you. No matter what your heath is currently, we have all been asked to limit our exposure to others because carriers of the virus sometimes won't show symptoms for up to 14 days after infection. It's easy to say, "I feel fine. I'll continue with my routines." All the while, you would be subjecting countless others to potential illness. It's best to heed the warnings and advice from the CDC regarding this very contagious disease. Stay home, slow the spread.

It's still a great time to keep tabs on those you know who fall into one or more of the categories listed above. Make sure they have everything they need, and encourage them to stay home. Help them by offering to do their shopping for them. Deliver meals, gifts, and even games or crafts they would enjoy. Most of all, make sure they have all they need in terms of medication. But please be cautious and offer to leave items on porches or doorsteps. That way you reduce the risks of contact.

It's high time we looked at the opportunities that challenges like this present to us all. We will get through it, and we will be better prepared the next time something like this happens.