Weathering the COVID storm
As Yuma County experiences its peak of new COVID-19 infection rates, utilizing at all times the same Centers for Disease Control (CDC)recommended guidelines used while at work is more important than ever.
Despite the immense social and economic upheaval the novel coronavirus has caused across the globe—and the nearly 120,000 lost souls in the United States thus far-- the opinion that COVID-19 is equivalent to seasonal influenza and other familiar viruses persists among some.
“The very best data that we have tells us that COVID is ten times deadlier than the seasonal flu,” said Maj. Jennifer Fiandt, YPG Health Clinic Officer in Charge. “Some people think that it is a disease that only affects the very old: that is not accurate. The majority of COVID cases and hospitalizations in Yuma County have been among young and healthy adults.”
According to the Yuma County Health Department, as of June 15 fully 46% of local COVID cases were among the 20-44 age group. Those over the age of 65 constituted only 12% of the 3,404 local confirmed cases.
As the pandemic’s impact intensifies across the nation, we have reached a point where many of us who have been spared infection nonetheless know people who have not been so fortunate. Though mild cases can come and go without the individual knowing they were sick, so-called moderate cases can include side-effects such as blood clotting that can quickly and unexpectedly escalate into possibly deadly side effects such as embolisms and strokes. The agonizing and ultimately deadly respiratory distress that afflicts those with the most severe cases of the virus has been extensively portrayed in the media.
“We can’t currently predict who is most at risk for these complications: there is simply too much that we do not know about this virus yet, as it has only been known to science for six months,” said Fiandt.
There is no vaccine available for the novel coronavirus. Though a variety of government and private entities—including the U.S. Army—have stated their intention of having an effective vaccine available at scale by the end of this year, the fastest vaccine developed in human history to date took four years to go from collecting viral samples to licensing. That vaccine—for mumps—was developed in the 1960s. Though medical technology has advanced significantly since then, it is still sensible to plan to utilize current CDC-recommended anti-COVID mitigation measures for the long term: namely, wearing face coverings in public, increased hygiene and sanitation efforts, and attempting to maintain six feet of social separation to the maximum extent possible in public places, particularly indoor ones.
“COVID-19 is a frightening virus, but it isn’t a superbug,” said Fiandt. “Simple measures such as hand hygiene and the use of face masks can significantly reduce the rate of transmission.”
Face coverings reduce transmission 85%, and including eye protection adds even more, she noted. Though face coverings likely do not protect the wearer from airborne virus particles, they do dramatically reduce the number of particles an infected individual will expel into the air from a cough or sneeze. Even with a face mask, maintaining six feet of social distance is still important.
“While we protect ourselves, we have to think about how we protect others in the community, to include our neighbors, co-workers, and friends,” said Fiandt. “We’re in this for the long haul, whether we want to be or not.”
Links to the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 from reliable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control can be found at www.yuma.army.mil/corona