Coronavirus: Advice from ME organisations

My understanding is that the risk would be minimal if they are not coughing, you keep 3 feet away and try not to breathe just as you pass them.

I am significantly concerned about dogs since they are likely to be able to carry the virus on a wet nose and if not on a lead to tend rub up against everyone. I think it would make sense if governments introduced a requirement for dogs being on leads.

 

I have been pondering this myself. I think it may depend on the location. Our dog is walked in a rural environment and there is no need for contact with other humans. He doesn't rush up to people, just trots by.

We do occasionally get people, especially kids, wanting to say hi to him. Normally we're happy to oblige, but now.....not such a good idea.

On the rare occasions I do go out, I spend as much time petting other people's dogs. Again, this behaviour will have to change. Both for my own sake and the other owners.

Unless giving a treat to another dog I don't tend to touch their nose, though some dogs will push their noses into other people's hands. I am more concerned about the virus sitting on the fur, about the head, shoulders and back of the dog - where people are most likely to stroke them.

This will be as much of an issue for cat owners I think. Who knows where cats go, surfaces they walk on and people who pet them.

 

Just phoned my vets. The receptionist reckons they have some paperwork on it - probably just come through.

Anyway she's going to check and come back to me. I'll update you.

 

I've been holding my breath as people approach and until well after they've passed so I hope I'll be OK...

I wonder why people are being ordered off the streets in Spain and France? Would that be because the authorities just don't trust people to stay far enough apart?

 

A little black posting.


This maybe worth a separate section? But I don’t know how to achieve that.

But it’s probably worth considering your will? While here in uk the post office sell simple wills, the chance to put in place anything complicated has probably passed. So I have suggested to our challenged family that they put together a simple statement of their wishes and distribute it via email. At least it’s dated and likely to be from them. Wether, this would stand legal challenge is for later. But either way it’s a good stab for those who do not have anything in place in these exceptional times. Very clearly the traditional paper and uninvolved witnessed would be stronger should the worst occur. Delaying until one has fever or are incompetent would be undesirable. Plan, prepare and execute.

I have no legal experience, except to say a late parent did this statement of wish to clarify their existing will. As an executor it made my work a lot clearer and comforting that I was Certainly doing the right thing. The solicitor made no comment.

 

I had my will/patient's provision done years ago and put it in a prepared hospital bag I always have on hand, just in case.

I have no interest in getting intubated or anything and hope that will be respected. It's a grim topic but it gives me peace to have it, even if I didn't have ME. You just never know.

Edit: It has recently been discussed in this morning show with nurses - they too recommend to discuss this within families.

 

Not necessarily. I phoned my solicitor about updating my will and we're doing it by mail. Of course, I'll have to get witnesses to my signature but will do that in the open air and with us all six feet apart at any one time (a bit like that puzzle where you have to get a fox, a rabbit and a cabbage across the river in a boat with room for only two things, without the rabbit or the cabbage getting eaten).

 

Another thing to remember when wiping down surfaces in your home, let it sit for at least 5 minutes before wiping it away.

 

I am not sure that there is proof of that but it seems sensible to assume it is a major hazard.

 

Is there any dependable advice online about how exactly to clean things at home (i.e. with what products, how long to let things sit, etc.)?

 

This is information that Harvard puts out:

And this is what the WHO says:

 

I use this ratio from the CDC website:

4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water in a spray bottle.

 

https://www.s4me.info/threads/what-me-charities-would-you-leave-a-bequest-to.11393/
https://www.s4me.info/threads/thank...o-remember-me-cfs-causes-in-their-wills.1231/

 

Q&A written by Dr Per Julin at Stora Sköndal ME/CFS-mottagning in Sweden:

Frågor och svar om coronavirus
https://www.storaskondal.se/2020/03/16/fragor-och-svar-om-coronavirus/

Google Translate, English

 

So I've just heard back from.the vets. They say the honest answer is no one really knows how long the virus can live on the fur etc. Obviously they can't easily be wiped down!

So if you are vulnerable / have extra concerns then it's best not to let others pet your animal, if it can possibly be avoided.

It might also be advisable not to stroke or touch other people's animals.

Lastly, as always, wash your hands.

 

Articles that I've read say that doctors think most transmission has been person to person.

Also, the information I've read says to keep a distance of 6 feet, not 3 feet.

But surfaces are not zero risk! So, clean your counters, wipe down your phone, wash your hands, etc.

Some articles about how long the virus can last on surfaces:

https://www.npr.org/sections/health...surfaces-for-2-3-days-heres-how-to-clean-them

https://www.washingtonpost.com/heal...54a99e-6472-11ea-845d-e35b0234b136_story.html

 

I presume you mean stainless steel?