"There is a current outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease"- World Health Organization The Coronavirus has spread so rapidly that it has become the centerpiece of conversation in the mass media and among small circles of friends who are pondering the uncertainty in the times ahead. There is considerable speculation regarding if the virus is merely another minor bug arriving on the scene, which is harmless as the common flu, or if it's a cataclysmic event which is going to send the world into a new era darkness that will bring about a total economic and societal collapse. None of us have a crystal ball that can actually predict the future; although, with every passing day, the one certainty that we all agree on is that the Coronavirus has become a major disruption that is leaving a trail of death and illness in its path. So, you might be asking, "Are me and my family safe?" Also, what can be done to protect us from this threat? The short answer is that nobody is truly safe because statistics are defied every day. However, you can have a look at the charts below to discover where you stand. Unsurprisingly, China leads the chart as the country with the most widespread infection. The outbreak in your country might seem small in comparison; however, don't receive that news too joyfully because it could simply mean that China's misfortune is coming to you next. For me, the real shocker on the list is Italy! How is it possible that they came in number two? It seems extremely strange that they ranked so high considering they are so far away from China. When we examine the age data it is very much what you would expect to find. Unfortunately for the older generation, the more advanced your years, with no available coronavirus treatment, it means your fatality risk is extreme. Those over the age of 80 face grim odds that are terrifying. Furthermore, for those between 70-79 the numbers are just as horrific. If you are younger, then don't be too happy because, even if you don't die, the long-term health impact of contracting COVID-19 can be devastating. Preexisting medical conditions have a noticeable impact too. Have a look at this chart to determine how it might affect you. Although your gender doesn't play a major role in your survival chances, it is still significant. Women have a slight edge here at staying healthy and alive longer. Here are a couple more charts to give you a bigger picture of the impact the Coronovirus will have if you are infected. As you can see, the numbers that are emerging paint a bleak picture. To complicate matters even worse, when you calculate how many people carry the virus without even showing symptoms, it places the elderly and others in the high risk groups in great jeopardy.
Every person you meet has the potential of being a hidden land mine to you. Innocent bystanders, such as your children or even you, can be unknowingly spreading the Coronovirus without knowing it. We have no way of knowing the real numbers of infection already established. Many countries have little or no infrastructure in place to detect or report actual real numbers; therefore, globally the numbers of infected are likely exponentially higher than recorded. It is still early, so many proven strategies to protect us haven't been put in place yet. Our best hope to maintain a healthy and well functioning society is to spread awareness of the problems we face and to educate each other how we can increase our safety. It is a challenging journey we have ahead of us, but working together as a global family we can win this battle. I wish for good health and best wishes to all of you. |