Organizations are responding to the coronavirus. Large gatherings are cancelled. Schools are closed. Universities are going to online final exams and courses. Many of these reactions are necessary to prevent the spread of the virus—to create social distancing. Some are, perhaps, overreactions, but are in the best interest of the most vulnerable (e.g., the elderly and those with impaired immune systems).
Suddenly, schools, businesses (e.g., gyms), places of worship, public transportation, and others who see high-traffic on a regular basis are focused on cleaning—particularly frequently touched surfaces. One cannot buy hand-sanitizer or disinfectant sprays/cleaners because they are sold out. Many are now being reactive.
This calls to question: what have these people/businesses been doing on normal basis? Frankly, such preventative hygiene should be normal operation. Pathogens have existed for long before the coronavirus and will exist long after. People with suppressed immune systems will exist, as well. The practices we are suddenly adopting should become lifelong habits. We should not be washing our hands and using hand-sanitizer out of fear. Rather we should practice this out of courtesy. We should keep surfaces clean and wipe up after ourselves. We should take responsibility for the curtailment of the spend of infection above self-preeservation.
Preventative practices should precede reactive practices. We should first strive to be healthy. I will continue to harp on the role of exercise and physical activity in strengthening the immune system. As well, I will emphasize sleep and proper nutrition. I will not deemphasize the role of maintaining a healthy body composition. I will also not encourage panic over the presence of germs (i.e., pathogens) in our environment. Our body’s natural immune system is quite well-equipped to deal with any pathogen. It is only when it is impaired or overwhelmed that it cannot.
Make every effort to strengthen the immune system. Practice proper hygiene as a first-line of defense. Minimize exposure, but don’t be germophobic. Some exposure is necessary for the immune response to strengthen (i.e., the secondary response). In a sense, we can “self-vaccinate” by allowing ourselves some exposure. The key, however, is to have a strong immune system and keep the exposures to a minimum—don’t go actively seeking pathogens (they are already present).
When every effort is made to keep schools, gyms, buses, and the many other facilities we frequent clean, there will be germs, but they will be minimal. When we wash our hands, they will invariably come in contact with other germs soon after. That’s okay (for the most of us). To protect others, continue to practice good “social distancing” and be cognizant of how you might spread contagions. Practice the “vampire cough”. Scratch your nose with your left hand, preserving your right for eating and social contact. (Personally, I still prefer a good ol’ handshake. Fist bumps seem less convincing. The “elbow bump”? Honestly, I see the elbow as less sanitary than the hand. How often does one wash his or he elbow, and with how many surfaces does it come in contact?)
My point, today, is that the steps we are taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus are good, but they are not just for today. Be aware—but not fearful—of potential pathogens. Be a good neighbor and protect others—always.
Go out of your way to protect society’s most vulnerable. Shift from selfish to selfless.
Thank a healthcare worker. They are putting in the long hours and exposing themselves to far more than this virus. I am forced to work from home this next term. Healthcare workers have no option other than to walk daily into the storm. God bless them!
Be in your best health today; be healthier tomorrow.
Carpe momento!
