Typically Google likes to feed me CNN, ABC, NBC, NYT, NPR, and the main ones like that.

Which media did NOT, several weeks ago, assure everyone that the flu was worse/the numbers higher/your risk greater and completely ignore the exponential growth factors we were seeing from infected countries? Which ones did NOT spent more time emphasizing the need to "not panic" and downplay the need to prepare? (Why does preparing automatically equal panicking, anyway?) IIRC, CNBC has done pretty well with this from the beginning. I am also thankful that some others seem to be catching on, like CNN now using "pandemic" even though WHO refuses. But generally, they all now have to undo what they did before. And yes, some aren't even trying to do that!

I lay a good portion of blame for people not taking this seriously on the media, the CDC, and the WHO. Part of the need for transparency and accurate reporting is so that people can adjust emotionally to a new situation. Without that, many people simply cannot adjust in time to act appropriately. It is the CDC and the WHO's job to know and understand this. But they totally dropped the ball. Now they're (somewhat) trying to get people to fall in line, but still refusing transparency and reporting. And the media is just following right along. For WEEKS, they all did their very best to convince people that this was just the flu, nothing to worry about. Now suddenly, people are supposed to forget all that? There's going to be a lot of people who are rushing around from place to place who are only catching snippets of news here and there, mostly still reassuring them that's this isn't that bad. They're not getting the full story, they haven't had the chance to adjust emotionally, so they're not going to react properly. That does not excuse people from not taking personal responsibility to educate themselves! But I am more angry at the "official" lack of across-the-board, appropriate guidance. https://virologydownunder.com/past-time-to-tell-the-public-it-will-probably-go-pandemic-and-we-should-all-prepare-now/ from Feb 23, 2020 [emphasis mine]

Things are picking up in GA, mostly in the Atlanta area. 5 presumptive cases and 6 confirmed brings us to 11 with 7 of those hospitalized. They don't know where the 4 new cases from yesterday picked up the infection.

Yes, certainly! I wouldn't do more than 2 days at a time though.

I read somewhere that the reason kids are not as susceptible is that they have fewer ACE-2 receptors. It is these receptors that the virus attaches to, and the older you are and the more you smoke, I believe increases the number of these receptors. That's going by memory. I didn't save or bookmark the study, and it is now lost in the sea of coronavirus-information-land.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51784167

In this video, Dr. Campbell does talk a bit about high risk individuals. I don't think he gives much solutions, unfortunately. 😞 But at least he does recognize and voice the problems! Which is more than, say, the CDC does.

Dr. Campbell did not have good words for the CDC today. He goes on to say they're expecting 1 million tests next week. He has nicer words than me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tlmfss3Piw&t=321s

Ugh, didn't think about that, either. I have some in PS., too.

What is an ozone cleaner? I see ozone generators ($$$) and air purifiers ($$) but I don't know how that would work for toothbrushes? I'm not familiar with ozone anything, really.

What are your plans for toothbrushes? I was looking at powered toothbrushes for youngest kids at the dentist's suggestion, which got me thinking about all of them. I supposed I could run them through the dishwasher on the sanitize cycle every night--but not powered ones. Maybe soak each one in a tray of hydrogen peroxide, since peroxide is supposed to kill the virus--again not the powered ones? ETA: I guess powered ones are out, cause I don't see an easy way to keep those clean.

Just curious, do y'all think we'll actually see quarantines? I'm honestly a bit skeptical that we will. At this point, I think we may have lost our window for containment, and we're going to go straight into mitigation. I'm not even sure what mitigation might look like, besides closing schools.

Dd, who works at a major grocery chain, came home tonight and was telling me it's been crazy at her store. People were stocking up on sanitizers and water and rice and beans. I hope they actually like rice and beans.

I'm going to add this here, for those looking for teas. This is a recipe I shared w/ my family. You really need to use FRESH ginger. According to Stephen H. Buhner in Herbal Antivirals, fresh ginger has much stronger antiviral properties than dried. All of these are kitchen herbs and are commonly used in cooking. Ginger Tea 1 quart water ¼ cup chopped or grated FRESH ginger (no need to peel) 1 Tbsp of dried thyme, oregano, sage or rosemary** (optional) Pinch of cayenne pepper* (optional) 2 Tbsp raw honey or to taste Juice from one lemon or lime Bring water to boil. Remove from heat and add ginger and other herb(s). Cover and steep for 20 minutes to 1 hr. Strain into quart jar. Add honey and lemon or lime juice and shake or stir to combine well. Keep sealed to retain the aromatic oils. Drink the whole quart throughout the day. You can use a warming burner to keep warm or microwave a cup at a time. **These are very good herbs for respiratory issues including sore throats and coughs. Kitchen herbs are fine! Double or triple the amount if using fresh herbs. You can also use any combination of these. *Cayenne pepper increases circulation and helps to move this through the body, but if it’s too strong then feel free to omit it.

Would y'all mind very much if everyone started putting locations in their reports on things going on locally? Like "I'm on the west coast and there's no toilet paper in any of my stores" kinda thing? I'm in Georgia, and so far, I haven't much of any kind of stocking up buying, much less panic buying. I'm going to check w/ my dd who works at a grocery store to see if she's noticed anything. As for Emergen-C, we like the raspberry flavor, but I strongly prefer and suggest the Immune+ version which has the added vitamin D and zinc. Regular Emergen-C is only vitamin C & B vitamins. And yeah, check how much you want to use, I'm currently using 2 packets for teens and adults, which really adds up! Actually, for anyone interested, this is my morning cocktail for my crew, adults & teens (1/2 that for kids 10 & 12) added to a glass of juice (important for taste!): 2 packets Emergen-C Immune+ (gives total 2000 mg/iu of vit. C & D each and 20 mg zinc plus more vitamins) 2 drops selenium + vitamin E (gives 200 mcg of selenium) 2 drops (or more) vitamin D & K (gives 1000 IU/drop vit. D) 2 gelcaps of betacarotene (gives total 20,000 IU) 1-2 drops of iodine w/ kelp (but I skip weekends w/ this cause I don't want to overdo it) Seems like it might be easier to just do a liquid multivitamin, but I haven't found any that I like that has the high levels of vitamins C & B vitamins and everything else, so I'd already be adding extra stuff, plus this way it tastes good and it's more adjustable to each person's needs

Wanted to share this for those interested: https://www.holisticwellness.solutions/blog-pages/blog-post-page-1 I've added vitamin D/K drops and selenium/vitamin E drops to my routine and also beta carotene softgels.

That's me! I noticed the same thing! Argh!

I'm behind on this thread, I'm busy trying to get ready for some family coming over tonight, but I wanted to pop on and say that it looks like Amazon might be running low on Emergen-C Immune+. I normally get the raspberry flavor. But when I went to order the same kind that I've bought for literally years, that page could not be found. Neither could the super orange. I found some cherry flavor, but it's not Prime. It's coming from Germany and delivery is a few weeks out. Maybe related to an influx in orders. Maybe not. Just FYI

How to make your own mask: Hong Kong scientists reveal temporary solution for those unable to get protective gear because of panic buying and price-gouging

Thank you! Dd's trip doesn't start until the end of May, so this doesn't include her. Definitely something to keep in mind and keep an eye on, though.

Agree! Stocking up accomplishes several things. 1) no one really knows where this might hit next and what community might be quarantined for a couple weeks (as it appears to me) they may even start making longer quarantines, but people will eventually have to go back to work. They can't shut down society for months at a time. (If that were to happen... well, pick your disaster movie to watch) 2) there will be supply disruptions, so getting ahead and making sure you don't HAVE to have something is wise 3) activity helps reduce stress

Desperate to stop virus’ spread, countries limit travel The above article by AP seems to be a very good summary update. I included a few quotes and my thoughts, for whatever it's worth.

Personally, yes, I believe so. Elderberry is a strong antiviral, proven against influenza but suspected against other viruses as well. HOWEVER Covid-19 has some indications that it causes cytokine storm. Since Elderberry is also an immune stimulant, the combination could be bad. I am using it as a preventative. Since we know it keeps influenza from replicating, I'm hoping the same is true for coronavirus. I'm also planning for frequent doses (every 2-3 hours) the first few days of being sick. If whoever is not better after a couple days, or if they get worse at any point, I plan on discontinuing the elderberry.

No one. We don't use that word anymore. We have a "global health emergency." At least that's my takeaway. It's like my local school system that does not use the words "tests" or "quizzes" because they cause too much stress on the students. Instead, they have "summatives" and "formatives". I don't know which is supposed to be which, but my 8th grader promises that she gets just as stressed as when she took tests or quizzes.