“What do you suggest I do to not get infected”
Since you asked, here’s my take. You’re more than welcome to accept it, reject it, or call me a 4-letter word. Keep in mind that I have no medical training, and therefore I’m open-minded about medical-related issues, and willing to think for myself.
1) Viruses are not as contagious as people think. For example, if virus particles are detected on a door knob a week after being deposited, they’re not going to hurt anyone. Viruses are TINY, and given atmospheric circulation, I suspect that everyone breathes some of this Coronavirus every day, along with many other deadly viruses. But we don’t get sick, because we breathe far too little - our immune systems make minced-meat of them without skipping a beat. If every contact we had with viruses was deadly, all animal life on Earth would be long gone.
2) But there is a critical concentration of the virus, which is function of both how many particles we take in, and over what period of time - obviously meaning that people taking in a lot over a shorter period are at greater risk of reaching that tipping point.
3) The tipping point will vary, based on health, age, and possibly ethnicity.
4) So the question is how to keep clear of the tipping point.
5) The answer is above - which is to minimize exposure and potential exposure. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know who’s infected or how much they’re spraying out the virus, but it is possible to know who’s more likely to be infected.
6) At this point, it’s Italians, Iranians, and of course Asians. It’s not they’re bad people or something, but it’s simply more likely they’ve been back to their ‘old country’ recently, or have been with/near those who have been back. As other countries/groups show up, then also try to stay clear of them.
7) Say clear of all others, to the extent practical. At work, maybe move back a few feet if you’ve been close to someone for a while (if possible). When shopping, go during off-hours. My wife will probably not survive this thing, so we only go off-hours. While she doesn’t like waking up early, she loves the empty, and near-empty, stores! Needless to say, we’re not about to get on an airplane, to anywhere, nor a cruise ship, nor a bus, or subway.
8) Likewise, minimize things are easy to minimize. Get takeout from McDonald’s, or other restaurants...don’t eat inside. Try to stay clear of lines when possible (hence the reason we spent the past month prepping...to beat the rush).
9) But don’t get panicked about germs everywhere, on everything, you’ll end up like Howard Hughes (paranoid)...and they’ll still get cha. If someone sneezes, then yes, get away - but otherwise, it’s just people speculating that a door handle will kill you.
Anyway, that’s my take, since you did ask.
I have to warn that there is a lot of reports and studies out there suggesting the virus is aerosolized, which is why medical professionals are getting infected treating it as a normal flu. It will require another level than normal flu protocol. Social distancing is going to be the best bet, if possible. Won’t be for most unless they quarantine towns.
Very good advice. Might also add that people need to start wearing masks as a courtesy to others. You wont know if you are shedding viri if you are infected but not showing signs. That unknown shedding can occur for hours or days. In some rare cases weeks.
Thank you for the serious reply. Other than wearing a mask at this point, I do most of that stuff. I never particularly liked crowds.
My point in asking the question is according to many people here there's really nothing we can do. It's too late. It's now out-of-control. No precaution is 100% effective so it's hopeless. We're all doomed no matter what we do.
Is this 'the end of mankind'? Some people seem to believe it is.
I've never lived through a global pandemic so I don't know how this will play out.
I'll continue being careful but according to many being careful is not enough. If being careful and cautious isn't enough, what can anyone do?
Re: 184 - I think most of your suggestions to minimize risk are spot on and people should give them consideration.
Sounds how I basically live anyway (with a bad immune system)
3) The tipping point will vary, based on health, age, and possibly ethnicity.
Get takeout from McDonald’s
For example, if virus particles are detected on a door knob a week after being deposited, they’re not going to hurt anyone
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no longer valid
McDonald’s personnel handle food without gloves
COVID19 can infect after being on a surface for over 5 days I believe