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Lots of people are looking back at that presumed cold or flu that recently spread through their household or office and asking: Did I already have the novel coronavirus? And if so, what does it mean for me now?

A meme circulating on social media takes these questions even farther, asking: Who got sick in November or December and it lasted 10 to 14 days? If you can answer yes, then you probably had the coronavirus. You guys lived through that. Quit letting the media control you. Now give me back my toilet paper, sports, parades, etc.

Like so many posts that go viral, experts say this one mixes a bit of encouraging potential truth with some inaccurate and potentially dangerous misinformation.

Early exposure, if true, raises questions

First, a cautious silver lining.

Theres a very real chance that some people who had dry coughs, fevers and other symptoms of the coronavirus as far back as December might have already recovered from the disease, according to both Brandon Brown, a public health professor at UC Riverside who specializes in infectious diseases, and Dr. Robert Kim-Farley, an epidemiology professor at UCLA.

If people did beat the virus, both experts said theres a chance those patients cant get it again or spread it to others. That, in turn, means those people might be able to start to return to their usual routines sooner rather than later.

Now for the bad news.

Most people dont know if they actually had the coronavirus because they havent been tested, and there isnt a test available yet that can tell if someone already recovered from the disease. Even if they did get a coronavirus test, or an antibody test to show a past infection, scientists dont yet know for sure if beating novel coronavirus once means long-term immunity. And assuming otherwise could expose more vulnerable people to a potentially fatal disease and extend the pandemic.

Researchers now believe the new coronavirus emerged in mid-November or early December, with a transfer from wildlife to humans at an open-air market in Wuhan, China. The first identified case in the United States was mid-January, in a Washington state man whod recently returned from Wuhan.

It is possible that travelers to or from China may have already been exposed and transmitting COVID-19 to others a few months ago, Kim-Farley said.

But given the slow roll-out and limited supply of test kits combined with the good news that perhaps 80% of coronavirus cases are mild enough that people recover on their own experts say its a near certainty that lots of people whove had the virus simply havent been tested.

Dont make decisions for others

Its risky, though, for people to assume what they had was the coronavirus.

There are other diseases, influenza being one of them, that may have similar symptoms to mild COVID-19, Kim-Farley said. Therefore, it would not be wise to assume that an illness with symptoms compatible to COVID-19 is definitely COVID-19.

If people assume theyve beaten the virus and resume their usual routines, Brown said they can inadvertently spread the infection to others, including older people with compromised immune systems and others who are much more likely to have serious complications or die from the coronavirus. Hence, experts are pushing for physical distancing until the virus subsides.

Its also not 100% clear whether people whove had the coronavirus can or cant get it again.

As with most viruses, Kim-Farley said its believed that people whove beaten the coronavirus will produce antibodies that will protect them against the current strain of COVID-19.

The question of how long that protection will last is still unknown, but is being studied over time, Kim-Farley said.

Also, there have been a few cases, Brown noted, where people tested positive for COVID-19, recovered from the disease, but later tested positive a second time.

It could be that these individuals did not completely clear the virus, he said.

We dont know enough, at this point, Brown added. But we believe that once you are infected and mount an immune response, you are less likely to get sick a second time.

More tests could mean more answers

Thats one reason experts say antibody tests currently in development will be helpful. Such tests could show if someone had the virus previously and has built up a defense.

Once testing becomes more widespread and it is possible to routinely test people, there may be a point at which such people who are immune can be easily identified and they could go back to work even in healthcare settings, Kim-Farley said. That will help us to re-start getting back to normal.

Antibody testing also could help cut down on new transmissions, since Brown said health officials could quarantine those whove been in contact with someone who previously had the virus.

For now, both Brown and Kim-Farley said everyone should continue to follow physical distancing and other safety guidelines recommended by public health officials.

We dont know enough about the virus at this time to believe if we get sick we can go back to our normal lives, Brown said.

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Original post:
Did I already have coronavirus? Experts say maybe, but it doesnt mean youre immune - Colorado Hometown Weekly

As questionable medical advice circulates widely on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and other platforms, and rumors of a national lockdown have spread across group chats and text chains, the novel coronavirus has exposed Americans to a second epidemic that of fake news.

The World Health Organization is calling it an "infodemic": Nearly half of Americans say they've been exposed to at least some fabricated information about the coronavirus, a Pew Research Center Election News Pathways survey found.

Fake news is dangerous, even when its shared with the best of intentions. And in the midst of a public health crisis, it can lead to further harm. An Arizona man died Saturday after ingesting chloroquine phosphate, believing it would protect him from becoming infected with the coronavirus. The man's wife told NBC News she'd watched televised briefings during which President Trump talked about the potential benefits of chloroquine. Trump has minimized the risk the coronavirus poses to the country for weeks, even calling it a hoax overhyped by Democrats.

With misinformation pervasive on social media, the tech industrys ability to crack down on harmful content is being tested. Industry giants Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Reddit, Twitter and YouTube published a joint statement voicing their commitment to fighting misinformation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Pop-ups and a new COVID-19 information center on Facebook, for example, have directed more than one billion people to resources from the WHO, the Centers for Disease Control and regional health authorities, the company said in a press release.

Theres still plenty of reliable information out there, though. Newsrooms across the country are working around the clock to ensure people can access factual information from legitimate news sources. Many publications have even increased accessibility by lowering their paywalls for coronavirus coverage.

Read the original here:
Editorial: Curbing misinformation during the coronavirus pandemic - The Daily Tar Heel

With all the change and worry that has come with the spread of COVID-19, it is only natural to be experiencing some anxiety.

But in times like these, where we cant control the situation we are in, it is especially important to take care of what we can control our mental well-being.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) shared some useful information for people on how to cope and help others cope during the pandemic.

On their website is helpful advice for a variety of different situations, such as talking to a friend who is feeling extremely anxious about the virus, how to talk to children about what is going on, how people can deal with feeling lonely, what people should do if they are fearing they may test positive for COVID-19, as well as tips for managing our own stresses, fears and anxiety.

ALSO READ: Researchers study how pandemic affecting peoples mental health

Some of the tips include making sure we are getting credible information from accurate sources, avoiding unfamiliar websites, and intentionally unplugging from electronics and social media.

While staying informed is helpful, too much information may not provide extra benefit, said CAMH.

The centre also suggested trying to stay in balance by practising meditation and relaxation, creating routines for ourselves at home, and trying to tackle smaller stresses in our lives so that any extra stress outside of what we can control can be out of mind.

Choose an activity that works for you and that you are likely to continue doing. Start slowly and gradually work toward a regular practice, the CAMH stated on its webpage, adding links to resources that can help people build a wellness plan while practising social distancing.

Helpful strategies may involve tackling the problems you are facing in a structured way; changing how you are thinking about what you are going through; or working on skills such as relaxation and mindfulness.

And while it may seem too obvious, it is also vital that we remember to be kind to ourselves, try not to continuously ask What if?, eat healthy, exercise and get proper rest, support one another, and reach out support for support if we need it.

For more information please visit the CAMH website. To contact the CAMH, call 416-535-8501, and click option 2. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact 911.

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Excerpt from:
COVID-19: Coping with isolation, stress and anxiety - Victoria News

EATERIES in Penang are doing their bit to help frontliners who are working tirelessly to protect the people during the movement control order (MCO) by preparing free food and drinks for them.

A nasi kandar chain has invited all government uniformed personnel on duty during the MCO to visit its eateries and pick up rice packets and iced lemon tea for free.

Its chief executive officer Datuk Sihabutheen Kirudu Mohamed said this was their way of giving thanks to the frontliners.

We want to ease their burden, those who may find it difficult to get food.

They can drop by our nearest restaurant and collect the food packs.

All they need to do is show their identifi-cation card and that they are a frontliner.

This is a difficult moment for all of us, its the least we can do, he said, adding that the restaurant was also delivering free food to personnel at local hospitals and health clinics.

Meanwhile, a pasembur restaurant has given out free food not only to frontliners, but to the homeless as well.

Its director Rais Ahmad Mohd Hussain said he started giving out food from March 19.

The homeless do not have access to food or money. We must look out for them. We have been delivering food and water since the MCO started.

We are looking for face masks and hand sanitisers to give them.

We are also delivering food to the police, volunteers, hospitals, council workers and deliver riders.

So far, 300 packs of food and water have been given out and there will be more, he said.

A food-related company chief executive officer SK Sundram said they have been giving out 1,000 packets of free food and water bottles each day since the MCO was announced.

There are many needy families in the Bukit Mertajam area and some work for us.

The Alma area where our factory is located has many B40 communities and the MCO will definitely disrupt their lives.

Many people may not receive their daily income and the least we can do is to help out, he said.

Other fast food eateries have also embarked on efforts to provide free food to frontliners.

The public have also shown their gratitude with one post on social media depicting a group of people dropping off 200 coconut jelly packs at the Beach Street police station in George Town.

Read more:
Businesses helping people in need during movement control order - The Star Online

THESE are extraordinary times. As we take refuge in our homes to slow the spread of the coronavirus, life as we know it has drastically changed.

The Movement Control Order (MCO) was announced by the Prime Minister on March 16, imposed under the Control of the Spread of Infectious Disease Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967 from March 18 to April 14.

This partial form of lockdown has seen all places of learning, from kindergartens to higher institutes, and vocational schools closing for the duration of the MCO, with higher education institutes transitioning to online lectures in some cases.

All mass gatherings in the country, including religious, sporting, social and cultural events, have been (and should be, if they havent already) postponed or cancelled. All places of worship and businesses, excluding essential services, have been closed as well.

Through the MCO, the government has established a form of mitigation of flattening the epidemic curve to lower the odds of a spike in infected numbers which are even at this stage overwhelming the healthcare system.

As terrifying though the coronavirus may be, it can be turned back. China, South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan have demonstrated that, with furious efforts, the contagion can be brought to heel.

For Malaysia to repeat her successes will take extraordinary levels of coordination and money from the countrys leaders, and extraordinary levels of trust and cooperation from her citizens. It will also require international partnerships in an interconnected world.

So how does that affect us? We. Need. To. Stay. At. Home. As limiting as it may feel, and while some of us may be experiencing a bad case of cabin fever, this may be our only chance of combating the spread of this pandemic.

With people being told to work from home and stay away from others, the pandemic has deepened reliance on services from the tech sector, with an array of lifestyle solutions making social distancing easier.

But more than that, now is the time we need to also spare a thought about how we can make the lives of the underprivileged easier. There are ways to do this, and there are new ways organisations are trailblazing to reach out to those in need.

Here are some examples of how people, organisations and businesses are spearheading and turning to ways into bringing services to the masses while observing the necessary precautions that have been set to protect people.

Theres a chance to stop the coronavirus. And we have a role to play in this.

DAILYMUSCLE GYM

Kimbeley Yap conducting one of Daily Muscle's virtual classes.

With the MCO announcement on March 18, gyms, fitness centres and even public parks are closed, making at-home workouts the only option if you wanted to get some exercise in.

Despite the availability of workouts on the Internet, lets be honest, its hard to stay motivated when you exercise alone at home and there are plenty of distractions.

Noel Maniraj Chelliah and Kimbeley Yap-Chelliah, the husband-and-wife team who run the DailyMuscle gym at Glomac Damansara, realised that their members would be missing out on staying active so they established [emailprotected], a series of live-stream group exercise classes run over video-conferencing.

Each class is 30-45 minutes long and capped at 30 people so that everyone gets individual attention, live feedback and coaching. The classes are designed so that they can be done in limited space, with zero equipment and at any time. Those who missed them can watch the class recordings to follow along.

I finally got around to work out at home when I saw that these classes were available. I appreciate the efforts of Noel, Kim and their team to keep us connected while were all quarantined at home. Even my two kids joined in the classes and they loved it! says Charlotte Robert, one of the class participants.

Since the launch of [emailprotected], DailyMuscle has gained over 30 new online members from around the globe, and Noel and Kim are eager to spread the happiness of fitness around.

Weve opened the classes to all so even if youre not an existing DailyMuscle member, we still want you to be able to work out with a community, says Noel.

BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT YOUR WELLBEING

Exercise aside, being deliberate about daily routines and habits during the MCO period is also key to maintaining good physical and mental health.

The extra time that we have at home now can be used to eat mindfully, move more when doing errands (such as walking to your TV remote), drink more water, and catch up on sleep. Our bodies fare best with structure, so we can use this time to train ourselves to build better habits, advises Noel.

Adding, he says: Its normal to feel more down than usual because our routine has been disrupted. Eating nourishing foods and keeping a daily gratitude journal help me stay focused and to serve our 400-plus member gym community who are all staying at home now, yet connected virtually, so we can come out of this season feeling like weve achieved something instead of just wasting time.

[emailprotected] is priced at RM97 for 14 days of unlimited classes, however it is now being offered for free to everyone who wishes to join. For more information, contact Noel at [emailprotected] or send him and Kim a DM on Instagram at @dailymuscle and @kimbeleyyap.

C3 (CHRISTIAN CITY CHURCH) RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION

C3 Senior Pastor Joseph Ramayah recording his sermons with the help of his wife Pastor Stella Ramayah.

GROWING THE FAITH VIRTUALLY

We had to be crystal clear when the MCO was given. We wanted to hear it from reliable sources as speculations were aplenty which only created fear. We want to work with wisdom and prudence, says senior pastor, Joseph Ramayah.

The leaders of his churches were assembled and put their heads together to figure out how to reach and encourage their many members spread throughout Malaysia. They used technology and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and emails, and ensured that none were left out.

Some of the steps included counselling via phone calls and WhatsApp calls, and mobilising members to help the elderly in doing their shopping for them while observing the necessary social distancing and sanitising.

Encouraging messages on social media are posted almost every day, including devotions and prayer. Sermons are pre-recorded from the pastors and leaders, and broadcast via YouTube and other platforms on Sundays.

Were focusing on building faith in God while respecting and obeying the instructions given by authorities. As this has never happened in our country before and everything is new, touching base with our members is important as we want our people to know that the church isnt a building but a community of people who are precious and important to God and to us, says Joseph.

The social recession, he points out, will hit certain groups especially hard older people, people with disabilities, people who live alone. But well all feel isolated to some degree. And as long as it remains unwise to gather in physical spaces, well need to create virtual spaces that can encourage and build our faith.

BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT YOUR SPIRITUALITY

Attending Sunday service online.

Plagues of global proportions might seem biblical, but coronavirus is creating new challenges for faith leaders. Many mosques, churches and temples have decided proactively to cancel their normal gatherings.

Resist panic. This isnt to say there isnt any reason to be concerned, or that we should ignore the sound advice of medical professionals and public health experts, says Joseph, adding: Panic and fear are not from God. Peace and hope are. And its possible to respond to a crisis seriously and deliberately while maintaining an inner sense of peace and hope.

Care for the sick and underprivileged. This pandemic may be a long haul. Do what you can to help others, especially the elderly, disabled, poor and isolated. Take the necessary precautions; dont be reckless and dont risk spreading the disease, but also dont forget that its our fundamental human duty to help others, he advises, before concluding: Well move through this together, with Gods help.

THE LOST FOOD PROJECT NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION

The Lost Food Project practices social distancing when delivering food to their charities.

The Lost Food Project (TLFP) is still in operation as theyre deemed essential service, i.e. TLFP provides food for our charities. However, it is forced to minimise its operations due to food shortage as a result of the closing of Pasar Borong Kuala Lumpur, which was one of its main sources of fresh ingredients.

Usually the charities receive their vegetables weekly, however, this is no longer possible as they have to respect the actions taken by the government.

TLFP has 55 charities under its care that receive food and other goods weekly, but TLFP doesnt have enough right now to provide for all. Weve decided to focus on our most vulnerable charities; the ones with little support and rely mainly on donations for sustenance, says general manager Mohd Syazwan Rahimy, adding: The good thing is that were receiving lots of calls and people sounding out their support in wanting to donate food to our charities.

The support TLFP gets from people, points out Syazwan, is tremendous, be it from those who want to donate financially or want to contribute their time and energy for their cause.

This crisis has shown us that humanity isnt lost, and this is best exemplified by our volunteers, many of whom would go to great lengths to help us even during these trying times, says Syazwan.

A lot of their deliveries are still being conducted by their volunteers. Of course, he says, theyre reminded to always take precautions when carrying out their tasks, and theyre more than willing to follow advice given by (WHO) the World Health Organisation and the Health Ministry.

We realise this is a difficult time for everyone, especially for the underprivileged who are sometimes unable to provide for themselves in the best of times, let alone during a global pandemic crisis, says Syazwan.

As such, TLFP will continue to provide sustenance for the most economically-vulnerable members of the community and help alleviate some of the burden felt by the charities.

BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT YOUR RESOURCES

For anyone whod like to support this cause, TLFP is in need of essential foods like rice, noodle, cooking oil, milk products, canned goods and others, including vegetables, onions, potatoes, etc. which can be delivered to its warehouse located at Persatuan Bulan Sabit Merah Malaysia, 54 Lengkok Belfield every Monday and Thursday (9.30-11.30am).

You can email to [emailprotected]@gmail.com if youd like to identify the charities that you can deliver directly to. Donations are also welcomed so that they can continue operating during this crisis and after. Donations can be made to its Maybank account The Lost Food Project 514897068927.

There can be a temptation during times of crisis to think of oneself and ones family first; and depending on your situation, you may not have the resources to do more. But for people who do have the ability to support others, its a crucial time to do so, says Syazwan, concluding: You can still help and make a difference.

PIT STOP COMMUNITY CAFE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

With the help of RELA members, Pit Stop Community continues to feed the homeless and the urban poor.

Malaysias my home, and this is my home improvement, Joycelyn Lee declared in an earlier interview, while explaining the start of the social initiative called Pit Stop Community Cafe.

Together with co-founder Andrew Tan, Pit Stop Community is a social enterprise focusing on homelessness, urban hunger, urban poverty and those with food security issues.

The social enterprise runs as a commercial eatery by day; by night, it turns into a soup kitchen of sorts where it serves between 130 and 180 people and up to 250 portions of food six days a week.

After a year of feeding the homeless (or street clients as Lee and Tan refer to them) and the urban poor, the cafehas now become a known place of refuge and respite among the community.

We also function as a food rescue facilitator, rescuing food for both our own use and for our partners and beneficiaries, including food banks, soup kitchens and other grassroot organisations dealing with marginalised communities, explains Lee.

But with the Covid-19 outbreak and with dozens of new cases confirmed every day, Lee knows theyd have to make changes. For decades, soup kitchens have relied on a cadre of volunteers who quite suddenly arent able to show up. With millions staying home during the pandemic, charities that help the countrys neediest are finding themselves in need.

We got feedback that food on the streets have dried up; no more random drive by groups, no more makeshift soup kitchens on the streets, wrote Lee on the social enterprises Facebook, adding: They were hungry, thirsty, tired, many with their shoulders slumped, some with their heads hanging down.

We have to continue helping, says Lee, pointing out that the social enterprise is now working closely with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the Federal Territory Ministry and the social welfare department to ensure the continuity of food supply on the street for the homeless and the urban poor.

Social distancing is a major challenge when dealing with hungry people but were managing, with the help of Rela personnel, courtesy of the ministry, says Lee.

BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT YOUR GIVING

For members of the public who want to help, please visit Pit Stop Community Cafes Facebook page at the Pit Stop Community Cafe and find out how you can contribute food/non-food items and even financially.

Furthermore, if you want to help and dont know where to go, visit http://www.kitajagakita.us, where theres a list of organisations there. Choose one closest to you if you want to donate items.

Please, please listen to the authorities, obey the MCO. Stay at home, pleads Lee, adding: Break the chain. We need everyone to be healthy so that we can take care of those who have the least.

[emailprotected]

See the article here:
How you can make the most of your time and still contribute during the Movement Control Order! - New Straits Times