Well I am a doctor(retired but trying to keep up with advances in medical knowledge) and I have trouble deciding what and who to believe. A few solid things I do know: Note: this is my opinion, not advice to you. I do not practice medicine now but just passing on common sense based on my present knowledge.
1. Almost all the masks that I see are almost totally worthless because the "holes" between the weaving is much larger that the virus particles, so most of them can go through. Granted some of the particles can get caught. Also, the virus can float around the edges just like the air does when you breath in or out. Also, even if it helps a little, many people wear them until they are loaded with larger particles of debris. Some I have seen that are so filthy, as to make them hazardous to the wearer for other reasons. The plastic visors are a joke for obvious reasons.
2. The only masks that are capable of stopping the virus to any degree are the N95 masks. They are made of a mesh material which can filter viral and other particles. They also fit more tightly around the face, nose and chin than the other masks thus reducing the amount of air that gets around the mask. They also can be recleaned and used more than once. They are "95%"effective in catching most bacteria, which are larger than viruses, and many viruses as well, but not perfect in that regard. The critical issue is getting a good seal around the nose. If you get fogging of your glasses when you exhale, then you don't have the nose fitted snugly. When fitted snugly, the center of the mask will go in and out with breathing, and the edges all around will suck up when you inhale.
You can now buy them on eBay and Amazon, so--pay more, use them and reuse them (find out how on the net). And don't let me catch you covering up your mouth but NOT your nose. (Sorry to say but I have seen doctors do that==Duh)
3. Washing for 20 seconds with soap and warm water, lots of suds, works because the virus has a fatty covering that is broken down by the soap. When that happens, the virus dies. It is the 20 seconds that it takes for the fats to break down that is important. Most people just slap on a little soap and water and a quick rinse--which does not do the job. So do it right and often. Especially after handling goods in the store, door knobs in public places, receiving change in a store or restaurant. Yes Alcohol 62% or better will kill the virus on your hands, but don't be chinsy about it. Use a large dollop.
4. You can't catch the virus at home is a myth. Carelessness is the blame. Your mail man (or other delivery person) may be infected, or incubating, and he coughs on your package. Leaves it on your porch or in mail box. You go right out as he is leaving and pick up the package or mail. Then you place it on the table while you pick your nose or rub your eye. The virus can live for several hours on those surfaces. Wash your hands properly again after handling that stuff. Sounds paranoid, but that does not mean virus can't get to you at home.
5. Yes 99.99% of the public will survive the virus--so what? That does not help people like me who are over 70, and have other risks, as in diabetes, high blood pressure, impaired renal function and heart disease plus other disabilities. Many of us will die or wish we had died if we survive and are left with residual lung and renal, liver damage. So you younger folks are not being careful for yourselves only but for those not so young and healthy around you. My young nephew, age 60, had it, stayed home and survived. It was 3 weeks of xxxx for him. Yes he survived but would not want to live thru the pain, cough and misery again.
Most teens and below don't even know they are sick, but can inadvertently kill grandpa by being careless, or being taken for granted by grandma who picks them up at school or baby sits. The kids don't spread it as easily, but that does not mean they don't spread it at all. The treachery here is that they don't know they are sick. Just be a bit more careful around them. They won't die or become schizophrenic just because you don't hug or kiss them right now.
6. A few homeopathic things are known to help your immunity to the virus:
Zinc is known to reduce the severity of this type of virus, by attaching to the sites that the virus requires and thus blocking it from attaching. 25 mg a day is recommended.
Vit. D3 2000 units or more a day increases immunity
Vit. C 1000 units a day May be helpful with healing.
Quercetin 2000 to 3000 units a day increases immunity I think by interfering with viral attachment. But really not known to my knowledge.
7. I won't discuss my feelings about the treatment medications available or controversial drugs that are used. Best left to practicing doctors. And I mean MD or DO-- not nurses, PA's, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, naturopaths. Stick with you MD or DO on this subject.
8. Vaccine--if you are over 60 get it! Either of those avail at present are good and more to come.
9. Freedom of religion--Yes! Going to church right now-not for me. I think God can hear my prayers from home just as well as from a crowded church pew. Your choice of course.
Lotsa other stuff but not for me to discuss. All the above is my opinion, based on 50 years of experience, and not personal advice to you. Ask your doctor when in doubt.
