I should have known better, but a couple of nights ago I panicked and did what every scientific expert on the COVID-19 virus has warned against doing.
After a day of reading and watching the news about the spread of the coronavirus and learning that people with diabetes over the age of 60 may be at a higher risk for complications, I bundled up with my husband and went to Target to purchase surgical gloves, face masks, and hand sanitizer.
If you’ve been similarly obsessed, you already know how this story ends: the shelves are empty. Nothing at major retailers.
As a health writer, I was aware that public health officials do not recommend wearing masks and that soap and water washing is just as effective as hand sanitizer. However, on the way home, I used my iPhone to locate two travel-sized bottles of hand sanitizer that were priced at an outrageous eleven dollars each.
I should know better. However, my emotions trumped my scientific knowledge that night.
Even though it is unclear when things will return to normal, it is now clear who should be most concerned about coronavirus outbreaks.
For young, healthy people, getting the virus might be like getting a cold, with symptoms like coughing, fever, and shortness of breath.
However, if an individual over 60 has one or even more underlying health conditions, such as heart or circulatory disease and/or diabetes, the situation can become significantly direr. Rarely, respiratory symptoms can result in severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, pneumonia, and even death.
The bad news is that, despite this, there’s some good news at the end of the tunnel. If you follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and keep your diabetes under control, you may be able to avoid getting the virus or have a milder case if you do get it.
Recommendations include regular hand washing for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice), To avoid spreading the germs and virus, keeping from touching your eyes and face, avoiding those who are constantly sneezing and coughing, and reconsidering travel plans and attendance at large group events.
Many people who have diabetes have impaired immune systems that cannot fight off infections as well as those without diabetes. With this in mind, it is important to be vigilant about covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of coronaviruses. If you suspect you may have contracted a coronavirus, stay home and call your doctor immediately.
Should I be concerned about COVID-19? Yes. However, I’m attempting to control my anxiety and respond in a proactive and rational manner. After all, stress can weaken the immune system and increase glucose levels, and a strong immune system might very well be the best defense at this time.
References
He F, Deng Y, Li W. Coronavirus disease 2019: What we know?. J Med Virol. 2020;92(7):719-725.
