Are you afraid to go out due to the Corona virus?

[brokephibroke]

Can’t do a poll, but interested to hear what folks say.

I am going about my biz as usual including travel.

[beachbumbob]

1. for most americans, hasn't reached that level of concern yet

[jimfields33]

23. I hope not.

I mean yesterday 19 people died in a tornado in Tennessee. Now that’s a major tragedy. Yes it’s sad that six have died in an old folks home but in perspective, this is small.

[beachbumbob]

24. my concern is all about what we are not being told. The first rule to aways give out as little info

as possible.

[jimfields33]

26. That is very concerning

[beachbumbob]

27. been around many "crisises" and first rule is information control and what is allowed to given to

public.

Why the washington outbreak a bit concerning went from nothing to 6 dead in under 2 weeks right? Then all the hidden info concerning all those in quarantine in California and New York that was kept quiet

[Sanity Claws]

2. Afraid? No. Cautious? Yes

I will still live my life but will take precautions, like washing my hands frequently, cooking my own meals, and avoiding crowds.

[abqtommy]

56. +100 Spot on!

[FoxNewsSucks]

60. Those are good things anyway

I like to cook and have a freezer full of leftovers portioned for lunches anyway. Crowds were annoying long before this, so so far I haven't had to change much of anything

[SWBTATTReg]

3. Not really, but careful, and will clean hands more!

[Lisa0825]

4. Not right now, but...

I am a little concerned about the concert tickets I just bought for a show in July, and the trip I have planned for late September.

[brokephibroke]

15. I just went to a show last week

And have Pearl Jam tix for April. As long as the show is on, I’m going.

[Rorey]

5. Nope

I've been practicing healthy habits for years. My ex husband used to call me a germaphobe. He was always sick and I hardly ever even get even a cold.

[Rorey]

10. But that said

I don't plan on flying for awhile and have no desire to go on a cruise. Never did.

[hlthe2b]

6. I do what I can to take care of/protect myself, but I am fatalistic about these kinds of things...

The way people drive, I've always thought a distracted driver would run me down first.

I have no air travel coming up, but I would not shy away if something important came up. Just take extra precautions for hygiene, healthy diet, adequate amount of sleep and exercise, and of course my flu vaccine--every year and early.

[virgogal]

7. Nope,and family members traveling next week....within USA,flying cross country.

[bearsfootball516]

8. Not really.

[snowybirdie]

9. Yes

Because of underlying health problems that would be affected by contacting the virus. If I was younger and healthier, it would not concern me much.

[brokephibroke]

19. I get that.

[Frustratedlady]

11. I am limiting my trips into the public because I can. There are few reasons to go out, so why take

a chance until we know more. We are SO far behind in the information we need to make decisions like this, so unless I absolutely need to be out and about, I'll stay home. Spring cleaning will be mainly with disinfectants. Why not?

When your immune system is challenged, you look at situations a little bit differently. Just sayin'.

[brokephibroke]

20. Understand.

Hopefully vaccine soon...

[CountAllVotes]

32. When immune system challenged, you look at situations a bit differently

I am admittedly worried.

I had 10 infections last year! TEN!

If this hits me, will I survive?

[Frustratedlady]

43. I hear ya! The last thing I want to end up as is a statistic.

Ten infections is a bunch. Good luck on staying out of the way of this virus. Onward and upward.

[CountAllVotes]

44. I have two rounds of antibiotics on hand

I could stretch this supply to three rounds if necessary.

Given what this recurring infection is, I will die within 12 hrs. if I do not get the antibiotics going ASAP!


Not fun.

Hell no.

Not a great way to live in general and now this!

[Frustratedlady]

45. Then, don't try to stretch the antibiotics. WOW! Good luck.

[CountAllVotes]

50. I don't know how much longer I will live with this disease

It has taken my life away in chunks and now all of these infections!

I think I am very tired of life like this.

I was speaking with a good friend yesterday and I asked him what he thought and did he think many were going to die.

He told me that he "really doesn't care to be around to find out".

His response shocked me I tell you. I wonder if others feel this way too?

[Frustratedlady]

55. Don't give in to it. I'm sure 10 infections was defeating, but don't let the devil win. Keep up on

your antibiotics, as prescribed.

I made the statement to my cardiologist, Monday, that I feared the virus. He scoffed at me and said I'd be fine. I have to believe him, as he has never lied to me yet.

[moonscape]

88. Can you get your doc to prescribe another round to have on hand? n/t

[CountAllVotes]

95. The script has 3 refills

I have one on hand and filled a second one day-before-yesterday.

If the infection comes back and I have no antibiotics I must go to the ER ASAP.

I really do not want to go to the ER. I told my health care provider this and she agreed to write this script with refills.

I cannot get another one yet as it is a 10-day run if I need it.

Hopefully, if I take CARE of myself BETTER it won't recur, that is all I can say.

I am more worried abt. my 80+ year old husband that would never consider shaving off the beard. I suggested it and got some very dirty looks for suggesting such a thing.

Oh what to do?!!

[moonscape]

96. What is the danger inherent in the beard? Because easier for

airborne virus to hide?

Educate me!

[CountAllVotes]

98. That is what Dr. Campbell was suggesting

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1017570222

I guess that viruses can live in hair and that is why they were shaving their heads in China.

[DarthDem]

107. Sorry to Hear

My best to you. I sense you're going to be just fine.

[rainin]

81. Some of us won't survive. With such a long latency period, no one should assume they're safe

Everyone is at risk. Use SOAP.

This was posted on DU elsewhere:

Eugene Gu, MD@eugenegu
The coronavirus is an enveloped virus—meaning it has an outer membrane made of oil and fat that it steals from our own cells by pinching off a piece of our cell membranes in a process called viral shedding. It allows the virus to evade our immune system but there’s a trade off.

All enveloped viruses like the coronavirus are extremely susceptible to simple soaps and detergents of any kind. That’s because soap literally explodes the outer membranes of these viruses. Without the envelope, they can’t invade our cells or cause any harm. They just simply die.

So while alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective at killing the coronavirus on our hands, and should be used at every opportunity, nothing can replace the gold standard of washing our hands with good old fashioned soap and water, which also physically removes dirt and debris.

[moonscape]

97. Thanks for reposting, I hadn't seen the original nor

did I know about the membrane. Interesting.

It's the latency period that particularly bothered me because I had in mind a flu-like preparation where I would self-isolate (I have cancer) as much as possible and have lots of provisions to be able to do that.

But, being in an area of the country where the virus has popped up, it's now clear many around me have been exposed and are carrying it - maybe even me!

[rainin]

100. I wish you good health, moonscape

Here's another interesting collection of links I'm sending to my family. Maybe this will be meaningful for you. Take care

Three Intravenous Vitamin C Research Studies Approved for Treating COVID-19
ttp://tiny.cc/86otkz

[DarthDem]

109. I wish you the best of health

[CountAllVotes]

115. I read that having an rh factor can perhaps help

I have a rare blood type and an rh factor (B rh-).

Some people with rh factors tend to be immune to the flu (but are otherwise more sickly).

I think I may have had the flu once in my lifetime.

I don't think husband has ever had it.

Maybe our immune systems are better than I think?

[Dennis Donovan]

12. Not entirely. But I stocked up on 2 weeks worth of supplies yesterday, just in case

If it's gonna kill humanity, I wanna be Omega Man because, you know, free car every day!

[jberryhill]

77. And you'll need it to outrun those angry albino dudes

[Dennis Donovan]

84. That '70 Mustang should do the job

...unless it's only packing a six-banger.

[jberryhill]

89. Thanks for the avatar upgrade tip.

[Dennis Donovan]

91. Ha!! It's just for the duration...

Can't be too careful.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

13. Have no choice but to be out and about.

But if I had the stuff to do it I would go into the desert for a while.

[Renew Deal]

14. No

I/we are constantly under threat of illness, accidents, crime, crashes, terrorists, meteors, assassination, etc. That's life, until it's not.

[rzemanfl]

16. It's bad enough going out where half the people are Trumpsters.

Now anyone can be a carrier. Feeling a tad agoraphobic. Handling gym equipment is something I am probably not going to do for a while. Worried about a trip I have planned in less than two months. Not so much exposure as potential bedlam making the trip impossible. But, of course, Pence will pray all this away.

[jimfields33]

18. Nope doesn't even cross my mind unless on DU or watching the news.

[King4ADay]

21. I'm not afraid (yet), but working in New York I am certainly wary because of the sheer

number of people (and things) that you have to come in contact with just commuting.

I have two little kids so I'm much more concerned that I'd bring something home to them rather than being worried about myself.

[Nonhlanhla]

22. I am terrified

I just caught a bad cold from my 10 year old, and am currently battling bronchitis. She's been out of school since last week, and the school is closed today, but they insist that she must come back tomorrow, whereas I would have preferred to self-isolate both of us at least until I'm better. She is my greatest vulnerability, and is constantly catching stuff at school, no matter how often we talk about hand washing. If she were to catch corona and pass it on to me, I'd be in real trouble.

[brokephibroke]

25. Get better soon!

Bronchitis is the worse and a cold on top? Can’t imagine how bad you feel.

[shanti]

28. Going out about as much as I normally do

Which is not very much.

[IADEMO2004]

29. I live in the county of "flyover country" so not yet.

[redstatebluegirl]

30. I have a compromised immune system due to a chronic illness and the meds for it.

I am still going to work but have asked about telecommuting and they said yes, I could do that. My job is part time and is mainly reading manuscripts and doing research utilizing the online campus library so it is easier for me. I have 3 weeks worth of food in the house, and 3 months worth of meds I picked up the other day. I need to be careful at my age and with my health issues.

[moonscape]

90. Not afraid exactly, but due to

age and cancer am being as cautious as possible. I already had an abundance of supplies since I live in earthquake country (e.g. paper goods, water, medication, canned goods, full freezer, Purell!) and have supplemented it a bit so I'm fine. Am not going to crowded public places at all.

My oncologist has a lecturn stationed outside about 10 feet from the entrance with a lot of gloves and masks, and Purell, and a sign requesting anyone who is sneezing, coughing, has fever or chills, to please put on gloves and a mask before entering.

[chia]

31. No

[Mz Pip]

33. Being careful

Washing my hands a lot and carrying hand sanitizer with me and a small spray bottle with alcohol in it for surface cleaning.

I did go to a concert Saturday night.

If it looks like things will get bad I’ll retreat to our mountain house and just hold up there.

[relayerbob]

34. No

BUt am being more cautious

[marble falls]

35. No. Not at all.

[Polly Hennessey]

36. No. I am aware and try to take the usual

precautions. I always wash my hands well after going to store, etc. I do that normally. I am with everyone that more people die from the flu and nineteen people just died in a tornado. It is sensible to be cautious, but not overreact.

[TreasonousBastard]

37. Nope. I'm 72 and just came down with a cold, thanks to my neighbors...

Now people are constantly telling me- "Get that checked out!"

It's just a cold. I get one every year around this time.

It's a serious concern, and the death rate is higher than with past virus epidemics and scares, but I'm only changing small parts of my life over this. If it starts hitting closer to home, I might worry a little more. And I always worry about Trump's assholery making things worse.

But, I can think of at least 50 things that could kill me before this virus has a chance.

[GoCubsGo]

38. No. I am actually enjoying going out now.

Fewer people around. It's great!

I always keep a stockpile of necessities, because it's a good idea, and I always take advantage of great sales when I can. Outside of having more frozen produce on hand than usual, I'm not doing anything differently than normal, other than being a little more vigilant with the hand-washing and other hygiene.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

39. I haven't reached a heightened level of concern yet

I can't really avoid going out too much due to my job and it hasn't even been discussed at my job yet as any kind of concern (though I'm sure that management is discussing it behind the scenes). My wife and I are still basically maintaining our regular routine, but I've started becoming more conscious of my health habits, hand washing, etc. We live in Indiana and so far the only "risk" of exposure that I can personally identify is having a cubicle mate whose husband is from China and returned from visiting China last month (though I don't believe it was in the area of the "hot zone" ). My co-worker reported that his husband self-quarantined, but he wasn't/didn't get sick. The only thing looming is that my wife and daughter are planning to go on a school-sponsored trip to Europe (not to Italy, however) this summer. No word yet as to whether or not that will be cancelled but she got insurance.

[gratuitous]

40. I have made one change

I commute by bicycle, but on cold or windy or rainy days, I'm liable to go for a mile or two then bail and take a bus. I will not be taking the bus for a while, no matter what the weather.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

41. I did notice this past weekend

that places around town seemed somewhat quieter/emptier than normal, esp. the grocery store. But maybe that could have just been my imagination.

[brokephibroke]

47. The local costco was packed!

Never seen it so crowded or so many cases of water being purchased.

[Raftergirl]

42. No, but I'm being more careful

about touching my face and I washed my hands before and after playing tennis yesterday.

My 90 year old mother - who is in excellent health with no underlining conditions - decided not to visit, for the time being, a friend who is in a nursing home.

Her fitness instructor at Planet Fitness has the regular flu and she told the manager yesterday that all their employees should be mandated to get flu shots.

I have a family Bat Mitzvah on Saturday and I bet there won’t be as much kissing and hugging as usual.

[Runningdawg]

46. No I don't scare easily - but I am aware

As a young nurse I was taking care of my friends who were dying of AIDS when all this country knew about it was it was going to get rid of their "gay" problem. I didn't flinch then and I won't now.

[nocoincidences]

48. I just got back from a trip to Puerta Vallarta

and I have been in multiple airports and on multiple planes, so if I haven't been exposed yet, it is kind of a miracle.

I will still be a little cautious, and today I am going out to stock up on supplies, as much because I emptied the fridge before the trip, as because of the virus.

[AncientGeezer]

49. Not at all....

[DinahMoeHum]

51. No.

n/t

[samplegirl]

52. I wouldn't want to travel

Anywhere. I think people traveling should wear masks. And be stocked with hand wipes. I think this could get very out of control fast!

[samnsara]

53. nope.. Hubby works every day in a retail Pharmacy so he HAS to be out and about..

...he brings home supplies we need. We live 10+ miles from the nearest store so I never go out anyway unless I have to. We are traveling to Seattle Thursday for a medical procedure and the next evening we plan on going about in our town for the monthly Art walk and wine tasting. So no changes really...

[apcalc]

54. In a way, yes. NY is a stones throw and I live in a large metro area.

[wishstar]

57. No, but worried about my physician relatives in California and NYC and elsewhere

I have extended family treating patients in Santa Clara Co. as well as southern Cal. and in east coast cities. I am the only member of my family staying home while the others both my age and younger frequently travel back and forth and are exposed through their medical professions.

[ismnotwasm]

58. I work in a large hospital in Seattle.

So no.

Here’s is an update from yesterday

According to the WA State Department of Health (as of March 2, 12:30pm), we currently have 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state with 6 deaths (14 in King County including 5 deaths, as well as 4 cases and 1 death in Snohomish County). As of today, our members at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Evergreen Hospital, Overlake Medical Center, and Virginia Mason are caring for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.

I’m still going to work. I’m still planning on a trip to the Olympic peninsula in a week or so.

[Shrike47]

59. No, not yet, anyway. Did stock up on toilet paper.

[Yonnie3]

61. I am not afraid to go out now.

That may change depending on how this progresses. I am more careful about hand washing and touching things.

I was considering a dental checkup and cleaning that I have scheduled in late April. I put a reminder in my calendar to decide about canceling it two weeks prior. By then we should know much more.

I am semi-retired and work at home. I rarely eat out or go to social events, so there really isn't much to change.

[Brother Buzz]

62. No, but this Solano County resident it very leery of evil doors

I actually parked myself in a medical waiting room yesterday, and I figured how to enter and exit the doors without using my hands.

Doors are evil enough, but public restrooms are even worse; for the foreseeable future, they are on my no go list.

[davsand]

63. I'm cautious, but I deal with the public every day at work. I always am this time of year.

I am in a government office and I deal with the public every day. We live in a community with a fairly significant number of international people and international travelers, and I have wondered sometimes about the impact of that on local risks. When Ebola was in the news I remember wondering about that especially. I keep sanitizer on my desk and sanitize stuff the public touches with Clorox wipes regularly. I do this fairly regularly all year long, but it becomes more of a thing during "flu" season. With the current pandemic discussions, it has become a bit more of a priority for our office.

At home, I've discussed laying in a few supplies in case of some kind of enforced quarantine. But, even that is just not a priority, IMO. If there are more cases that turn up in this state, I might decide to stock up, but not I'm not there yet. Last week, I had to take my 90 year old mom to the ER, and I did feel kinda creeped out with that. I had a very healthy kind of paranoia going.





Laura

[Dem2]

64. Not yet

But I asked my 85 year old mother who lives in the city to be careful and minimize going out if possible.

[cbdo2007]

65. No. There is already much scarier stuff out there than coronavirus.

[ibegurpard]

66. Not particularly

I am more conscious of sniffles and coughs however. And using hand sanitizer wherever it's available. And washing my hands regularly and trying not to touch my face.
There's no way to be able to function without having to deal with some human contact. And the train has left the station as far this goes. We just have to do whatever we can to try and mitigate it.

[FloridaBlues]

67. No won't stop me but I'm concerned because I work for 4 Doctors who specializes

In infectious disease and our office is on alert. This RN is very concerned. Staying home is not an option.

[Bettie]

68. Not afraid

but I'm watching the situation develop and will change behavior when/if it is warranted.

[Kaleva]

69. Not at all. Just more cautious.

[leftyladyfrommo]

70. NO! nt

[Owl]

71. No.

[Jamastiene]

72. Nope, today, I went and voted.

I'd rather take a chance on dying than live through four more years of the Choad. I also went to the grocery store, because I needed a few things for dinner.

[Crunchy Frog]

73. Not currently. Who knows what things will look like in a few weeks?

[dewsgirl]

74. I am avoiding crowds, of course washing my hands more

often, using my knucles on the ATM/debit machine. My son is in Qatar, we argued with him for the last couple of days, trying to stop him from going to a theme park in Doha, the military has them thinking the temp. checks are keeping them perfectly safe. We lost, he said he was shocked by the number of people wearing masks. SMH
The State Dept. put out a tweet last week that they were suspending leave and liberty, for those under CENTCOM command, that was supposed to mean they couldn't leave base. Of course they aren't enforcing the policy, I don't know why I was even surprised.

[defacto7]

75. No. But I am practicing the safe routines so it's second nature.

The probabilities are that it's coming sooner or later. The number one reason to stay well and not spread it is to protect the vulnerable around us. The only other reason is to escape it long enough to get a vaccination when they exist which isn't for about a year. I'm not holding my breath on that one. I'll probably get it sooner or later.
That said, I think we just live and keep living, until we don't. I didn't get this far to die from some damned cold.

[C_U_L8R]

76. Mostly no but...

thinking of postponing an upcoming big city trip.

[Squinch]

78. It's very close to home now. So yes, but I have no choice.

[Chainfire]

79. At this point,

I wouldn't be going to movies theaters, sporting events, or other gatherings where there are a lot of people in close contact. There is just no point in adding additional risks. If I got the current flu, I would certainly spread it to my wife before I knew I had it, and it would probably kill her, maybe me too, so I will remain cautious until it passes over. I have already lived longer than I thought I would so, no tempting fate here.

[GentryDixon]

80. Not at this time.

I am immunosuppressed from a transplant, so am at higher risk. I already take extra precautions due to my transplant. I take my temp every morning, wear masks when I go into the clinic for labs, and my hands are raw from my ✋ washing.

I'm more worried about my son and daughter-in-law, as they both travel extensively for their jobs.

I've always bought in bulk, so I have plenty of provisions. I'm ready to hunker down if need be.

[Cartoonist]

82. I'm fatalistic

A lifetime of bad luck just leaves me with an outlook of "what's next?" I live in Solano county where it's landed in the US. I also have a part time job as a cashier. So I don't need to travel anywhere. It's coming to get me.

[luvs2sing]

83. Not particularly..

My husband and I are in our 60s and healthy. He is in long-term remission from non-Hodgkins lymphoma, so we have experience with infection control protocol from a few crises he had over seven years ago. Most of it became habit. We have masks, sanitizer, and latex gloves if we need them.

I’m not a prepper, but I always keep a freezer full of our favorite soups, pasta sauces, and casseroles. I have more than usual right now because we will be helping out two friends who are having surgery in the next couple weeks. My nickname is “Meals on Wheels”. 😂

I will be a poll worker in the Ohio primary on the 17th. My husband works downtown and uses public transportation. Honestly, the thing that worries me the most is the big Arnold sports event in town this weekend.

[sarcasmo]

85. No, but I am staying away from big crowds and crowded restaurants.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

87. Me too, but not because of coronavirus.

I just hate big crowds and crowded restaurants.

[phylny]

86. Nope.

Washing my hands, keeping them away from my face.

[Liberal In Texas]

92. Nope. Probably won't make any long distance travel plans.

But, no.

This whole thing reminds me of the onset of AIDS. Nobody knew what was going on and there were all kinds of wild rumors and wild speculation. I remember a network TV crew refused to be in the same studio with an AIDS patient who was there for an interview because some people feared you could contract AIDS just by being in the same room.

[sakabatou]

93. No.

[Raine]

94. No, I barely think about it

but for the way others keep on about it.

[cwydro]

99. Nope.

And though retired, I drive a county bus part time taking vulnerable people to the doctor, chemo, dialysis, etc.

Talking to them, mostly elderly, they’re not much worried. But North Carolinians of that generation are a tough bunch.

[Tumbulu]

101. Yes! But I am near the area where there has been the first community outbreak

and I want to cancel a trip coming up next week.

I feel sick and worried.

[SiliconValley_Dem]

102. I seriously think I have come down with ir

Since this am, sore throat, fever chills, light intermittent cough.

I live in a hot zone Santa Clara county in CA

[Squinch]

111. Have you called your doctor? You should. Right away.

And then tell us what she or he says.

[SiliconValley_Dem]

113. Not yet. Folks on twitter said same thing

[stonecutter357]

103. I can't do out I'm sick !

[lapfog_1]

104. Afraid, no... prepared to not go out much... yes...

and when I do, I am trying to be careful.

At this point the virus is EXPECTED to infect 40% of worlds population over the next year and a half.

Hopefully it also mutates into a less lethal version in that time.

[BlueTsunami2018]

105. No.

I’m not worried about it. I have a family to support.

[dawg day]

106. I'm doing the same activities as before, but I was hoping to go to Italy this summer...

won't be doing that now.

[FM123]

108. Afraid yes.

Not for me, I am a very "young" middle-aged boomer but for my father. He is 91 years old and lives in a retirement apartment complex with 10,000 senior citizens. I am afraid for him. For them.

[VOX]

110. No. But since my lungs tend to develop bronchitis from colds/flu, I'm always cautious.

Ever since I was seriously ill with mononucleosis at age 12 (hospitalized, missed a semester of school, no phys-ed for a year), it seems like colds and flu will turn into bronchitis if I’m not careful. I’ve had viral pneumonia twice, and don’t wish to repeat those experiences ever again.

So I’m always a bit cautious during cold/flu season, but I’m not obsessive about it. The corona virus might pose a risk, but while I don’t take it lightly, I don’t let it restrict my getting around, either. So, no, I have no specific worries about the virus.

I just do what I always do— wash my hands thoroughly after going out, and I keep those same hands away from my face while out among people. Also, I go easy on stressful issues, and get plenty of sleep.

[tavernier]

112. For Pete's sake...

[zackymilly]

114. It's times like these, being grumpy and mean to everyone and not wanting any friends, pays off. n/t

[brokephibroke]

116. LOL.

[budkin]

117. Just very cautious

And trying to pay close attention.

[USALiberal]

118. FFS, no!

[Lady Freedom Returns]

119. Can tell you homeless shelters seems to be wary.

Got a cough and they are turning you away. At least here.

Guess I'm sleeping rough again tonight.

[TexasBushwhacker]

120. Nope

I drive on the freeway in Houston. I'm fearless - LOL.

[eilen]

121. Well, I work in a hospital so it is an occupational hazard

There are not a lot of masks-- they stopped fit testing and said the employees who didn't get the flu shot can go without them.

They are conserving the iso masks for staff caring in patient isolation cases.

I am avoiding shopping on busy shopping days (going on off hours) and restaurants.

There are not many tests available to determine who has the virus.
I already had and got over Influenza A so used up my tamiflu ration (I don't thin it is useful with this virus).

I chill out at home mostly anyhow. (I'm not travelling but hoping by October it is gone because my nephew is getting married and I will have to fly to TN to attend).

I have a concern they may not have a graduation ceremony for my son's class this Fall.