Be Prepared. I Am -- Are You?

Are you ready for Coronavirus? I know we shouldn't panic -- do we panic for the flu? But those of us "of an age" or with compromised immune systems or other issues may be a bit more on the edge. There has already been at least one confirmed death of Coronavirus as I write this, and that from a non-traveler or "community spread." It's time to take this seriously.

I know I am. Because of my lung issues and colonozed pseudomonas aeruginosa, I take this one personally. This disease is not my friend and I'm doing my best to be prepared. We all should because given how it seems to be transmitted, if it comes to your town or city, the last thing you want to do is be out in crowds hanging at the pharmacy or grocery with other sick people.

So, I'm preparing. I must have 40 books on the "to-read" pile, plenty of fleece for felting and lots of paint. I should buy more cat food, though. Lizzie takes a dim view when her food supplies get low.

Seriously, I've been reading articles on the virus like crazy and have found a couple that are particularly interesting. Features from NPR and Scientific American Frontiers were helpful. Now that we hear scientists are being gagged by our government to keep from talking honestly about this disease and its spread (and also hearing otherwise, to be fair), we may be relying on second-hand sources (whistleblowers, leaks, etc.) and not getting the whole story. Knowing what we can learn now is essential.

For current information, we check the Center for Disease Control (CDC) site. 

 Understand, I'm not talking about prepping for the apocalypse. We're talking about a couple of weeks when it might not be to your best advantage to leave the house.

It's very logical. Do you use prescription meds? Plan now to have whatever enough of whatever prescriptions you might normally take on hand so if you are quarantined or self-quarantine, you are set and won't have to head out and either infect someone with your germs or be infected by someone else's. And while you're stocking up, make sure you have adequate supplies of things like Tylenol or Advil and cough drops. You'll use them sooner or later.

The same goes for food. It never hurts to have canned goods or frozen foods at the ready that could get you through a spell. (Those of us who live in the frozen north know what it's like to hit the grocery store the night before a severe winter storm warning!)

The article talks about hand washing and masks and other ways to make sure your home is sanitized so you don't pick up or spread additional germs. Wiping down telephones, shared keyboards and other items just makes sense.

I'm pleased to say I think I'm pretty well set (though I may pick up a few extra boxes of Kleenex when I'm at the store! I'll always use that!) When I was cleaning cupboards before the kitchen re-do, I found enough tuna fish and pasta (penne, spaghetti, linguini, buccatini, ravioli -- yes, all of it; we eat a lot of pasta at Chez Gypsy). There was rice, canned tomatoes, soup, and lots of tea! It could last for weeks. (I'm only a little embarrassed to admit to that!)

And last summer I made tons of pasta sauce from the tomatoes I bought and there may even be a little pesto left, too. Note to self: Buy oatmeal.

 Everyone is telling us to keep calm and wash our hands. (With soap and warm water, as warm as you can take it. The virus doesn't hold up as well under heat. Ditto for drinking hot fluids. Like tea.)  That might not be enough but it's a good start.

I think the best gift I ever got from Rick was when he told me I didn't need to help him at his upcoming trade show in Massachusetts this month. All that hand shaking and being near loads of people from all over -- and who knows where they've been -- would have me a nervous wreck. Instead, he's dropping me off in Canada at my friend Suzanne's to celebrate Christmas, talk books and watch movies for a few days. There is one reported case in London where she lives, so I'm thinking we might not go out much!

As for Rick, I'm giving him some hand sanitizer to take with him -- and he'd better use it!

Wiping down counters with bleach wipes is always a good thing and hand sanitizer will be useful if you do have to be in crowds and can't easily wash hands (20 seconds, please or "Happy Birthday" twice).

I write this somewhat (but only somewhat) tongue in cheek. I know it's not too productive to get our knickers in a knot about this unless there is good reason. But then I think about the implications of someone like me getting this disease and the havoc it could wreak with those I love. It could do the same with you and yours.

Besides, I can't bear the thought of all the bad things they would say about me if Rick and the kids had to clean the basement if I croaked.

Good luck, everyone. Stay healthy.