Coronavirus

Trusting or not trusting the government won’t help anybody though.
If you get it, you get it.Masks do very little according to the medical experts.No need to panic buy anything either.
If you are really worried ( about getting any kind of virus) stay away from packed busy places, but really that’s about all you can do.

Some of us on here ... like me ... have multiple health problems including lung problems. I am always wary every winter. Last year I had a terrible 5-month cough with the threat of pneumonia, 2 asthma attacks, 2 lots of antibiotics and 2 courses of steroids. So people like me, whilst not panicking, are taking care, and well done to us.

As far as masks are concerned, the wearing of one makes it less likely for people to touch their mouths or nose with their fingers. But secondly, as everyone in Wuhan and other cities in the Far East is wearing one, and they have much more knowledge of this than we have, I don't dismiss masks.

What concerns me is how the UK will contain the virus. China did a good job of containing the virus but there’s no way there will be towns on lockdown here.

It’s a bit more nuanced than that lemon

I hope everyone knows/realises that us " oldies " will be sacrificed for those who can be saved . Priorities will be for those who are more likely to survive coronavirus.
This was said by a senior doctor. Back door euthanasia ?

My family are more concerned with having to cancel or change their holidays (poor souls) than health issues. The bog standard influenza is, of course, statistically a far greater danger - but there's no mass media panic about it.

I could not get antibac hand gel anywhere today. I take it the panic buying has started already. The shelves in 4 shops I tried were clear. I only wanted two small bottles. What is going on? Are folk really that worried? If it's this bad, why are folk still jumping on planes everywhere.

Well many of us are vaccinated against the flu and the death rate is much lower.

Apparently England has 15 available beds for the worst respiratory cases, article in the Guardian. So much for the country being prepared.

I suppose neat alcohol would work?

Here’s a recipe for home made hand gel greymar www.sassymamasg.com/diy-hand-sanitizer-coronavirus-singapore/ (there are quite a few that come up with a google search)

Thanks, saves me from throwing gin on my hands.

Gin could be a great substitute Greymar, just don't lick it off your fingers afterwards!

Greynar sod throwing gin on our hands we should drink it, at least we will be happy!!

ellanvannin, I heard that too and it is obvious that any `scarce` anti-virals will be for the healthy working young. Population control via the back door and zillions of ££ saved when the undesirables and expensive are wiped out.

Boots jumped on the bandwagon a couple of weeks ago with 'Anti Viral Hand Foam'. I bought some as I was due to go on a long train journey. I have been known to pick up bugs on trains, so this seemed like a good precaution. It's all very well washing hands in the train loo (if there's any soap left) but then you have to press buttons and open doors that have been touched by unwashed hands.

More good news from here in Italy: a "positive" mother gave Birth to a perfectly healthy baby. This is the first instance outside of China. Apparently, the virus cannot penetrate the placenta.

The other is that there are only eight children affected here and they are all very mild cases. Children are more resistant than adults.

I think that soap and water are just as good. Of course, gel is handy when out and about. The WHO advice is standard for virus control:

www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

Hetty Yes, I said that about flu upthread, thousands die every year from flu and flu related illnesses in the UK, but people are determined to think that coronavirus is worse.
Before Christmas, DH was seriously ill and in ICU for five days, he has a flu jab every year and has also had the pneumonia jab.Nevertheless, he got viral pneumonia which then went into bacterial pneumonia.The man in the next bed to him died overnight.
It’s common and happens all the time, but you don’t hear any
Panic, talk of masks, storing food etc.
In other words, it can happen to anyone at any time, particularly in the Winter months. It’s good to put people into quarantine who have been in contact with somebody known to have had coronavirus, but otherwise people should just take any precautions they normally do in Winter, wash hands more than usual and stay away from friends and relatives with colds/cough/flu.

I'm staying away from everyone possible. And when not possible, I'm trying to stay at least 2 metres away. Good job I have a big classroom and am antisocial!

Better keep the stocks up, then

I think that people think that this virus is worse because it y. Why would the WHO be so concerned if it was nothing? It may well be something that we have to live with, but that doesn't mean it's not serious. The chief medical officer is talking of closing schools today. We must not be complacent.

Greymar I think I'll join you with the gin, but actually, I'd rather be drinking it, and definitely will do if the worst happens...

Sparklefizz, masks are a germ harbourer unless they're the top of the range things like oxygen masks.
Run of the mill masks get damp while you breathe and because of the dampness germs in the air adhere to them so not a good idea to breathe them back in.

I’m concerned, you’re right sw. Not panicked.

Won’t be stockpiling provisions. Hand washing for 20 seconds with soap and hot water (yes, I timed it & it took longer than I thought!). Am staying away from crowds. Well, until next week - we’re off to Spain and there’s Manchester airport to navigate.....