Don't be alarmed, but YOU are PROBABLY going to get CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

I have some BAD news for you, there is a high probability you will get the Coronavirus. It spreads quickly, lives on surfaces, and unless you come in contact with NOONE from the outside world until a vaccine is developed...I'm gonna say, there's a high chance you DO GET IT.

I also have some GOOD news for you. You're gonna be okay! Just follow these steps:

 1̶.̶ ̶B̶u̶y̶ ̶a̶s̶ ̶m̶u̶c̶h̶ ̶h̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶s̶a̶n̶i̶t̶i̶z̶e̶r̶ ̶a̶s̶ ̶p̶o̶s̶s̶i̶b̶l̶e̶.̶ ̶ ̶ ̶

 2̶.̶ ̶B̶u̶y̶ ̶a̶s̶ ̶m̶u̶c̶h̶ ̶t̶o̶i̶l̶e̶t̶ ̶p̶a̶p̶e̶r̶ ̶a̶s̶ ̶p̶o̶s̶s̶i̶b̶l̶e̶.̶ ̶

 .....scratch that 

Yes, it is important to stay as sanitary as possible. You've heard by now, wash your hands often, don't touch your eyes, nose, face, or mouth especially if you have just been out in public, wear a N95 mask if available (I don't care what your opinion is on this. I'd rather take precautions with SOME barrier, rather than none), etc. With the exception of the last point, these should be normal for you anyway, to avoid contracting the flu virus, which you've likely had before.

And guess WHAT? You survived! 

Here's a flu stat for you directly from the CDC and Dept of Public Health, which are the ONLY sources you should cite, regarding Coronavirus avoidance, treatment, and statistics.

"CDC estimates that influenza was associated with more than 35.5 million illnesses, more than 16.5 million medical visits, 490,600 hospitalizations, and 34,200 deaths during the 2018–2019 influenza season." 

Now here are some #s that you need to know, based on MY research. Compiled from Chinese CDC data.

If you are 0-49, you have a 1% chance of fatality stemming from Coronavirus symptoms

50-59 = 1.3% chance of fatality

60-69 = 3.6% chance of fatality

70-79 = 8.0% chance of fatality

80+ = 14.8% chance of fatality

Chances are, if you are reading this, you are 69 and younger. YOU'RE gonna be OKAY. So, relax a little.

This virus doesn't exist if it kills all its hosts. It WANTS you to live. 

As an example, the measles virus is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS, and once upon a time, you had almost a 100% chance of getting it if you came into contact with someone who had measles.

Now, there are less than 1300 cases in the U.S. per year, usually far less. Check out statistics from the CDC on measles outbreaks.

Why? Because vaccines that's why. And soon enough our awesome scientists in a lab somewhere will develop one, and this will all be a thing of the past....in my opinion. 

So, why are schools and concerts being canceled? NBA and NHL? 

They're not canceling because the virus is deadly. They have to cancel large public events at places to REDUCE THE SPREAD of the disease. This virus is HIGHLY contagious and new to our healthcare providers. The healthcare system will implode if EVERYONE gets the virus at once. Emergency response and hospitals CAN'T handle the volume. 

So, in a nutshell, the goal here is not to KEEP YOU FROM GETTING SICK. You likely will. The goal is to slow the spread of this disease down, so that people who NEED treatment can get it, without the entire system imploding on itself. We, as a country, are extremely UNPREPARED for these large, widespread pandemics, and hopefully, this is an eye-opener for our government. 

We are underprepared for a lot of things in this country. We go about our lives, jobs, weekends, etc., rarely thinking about "what if?...." 

I bet you're thinking now.

But, what do I know? I'm just a dumb Georgia redneck.

(Important side note: if you DO think you are exhibiting symptoms of Coronavirus...do not RISK the health of others! You are only contributing to the problem. You CAN treat symptoms with Over-The-Counter medicine. There is nothing your doctor can do to treat the symptoms, that you can't get over-the-counter, to reduce fever, cough, sore throat, or runny nose. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, call 911. Please CALL your healthcare provider if you NEED advice, and only use emergency services IF IT IS AN EMERGENCY!!!)