We are dealing with a historical situation. Each one of us has a part to play in civic terms through collective responsibility. We must protect the most vulnerable among us and, in so doing, participate in counteracting the further spread of the disease or even halting it altogether.

We have to keep in mind that other collective problems are still present and are aggravated at present, namely that of isolation. This is why we have to look around us and make sure that no one is left in need. How can I help?

 

Heart disease is not away on vacation during the present pandemia. We have to be on the lookout for its signs and symptoms.

 

This article is meant to provide you with information on:

• the symptoms associated with the coronavirus,
• taking the necessary precautions to avoid potential infection, 
• heart disease patients are to take particular precautionary measures.

 

The symptoms associated with Coronavirus

The symptoms are different from those of the flu or of a simple cold. The danger in the coronavirus (COVID-19) infection lies in the fact that our system does not have immunity. In other words, we do not have adequate biological defences against the disease.

Because of past annual viruses, we built  up a certain amount of immunity against those, however, this is our first experience with the coronavirus.

The main symptoms are as follows:

• fever,
• difficulty breathing,
• extreme fatigue.

 

Every action counts

The protection principle is quite simple. Isolation prevents the disease from spreading. Following are life habits that will protect you and the people around you as well.

Every action counts. We can all make a difference. Simple precautions can save lives.

 

Taking precautions against potential infection

The basic rule is to stay home. This particularly concerns people over 71 years old and those who have chronic  medical conditions such as kidney failure, severe respiratory illness, and other serious ailments.

If you must absolutely go somewhere, it is very important for you to follow respiratory hygiene rules.

 

 

Respiratory hygiene rules:

• cough and sneeze into your elbow or upper arm to avoid spreading germs around you. If you use a tissue, throw it away immediately in a toilet or toss it into a securely closing garbage bin, if at all possible. Then, wash your hands!
• maintain a distance of from 4 to 6 feet (1 to 2 metres) from others;
• wash your hands regularly with SOAP for at least 20 seconds;
• do not touch your face with your hands.

 

The famous masks

• Wearing a mask gives you a false sense of security.
• In order to be truly effective, a mask should be able to block 95% of microparticles. It should fit tightly and show no air leaks around the face. Tests are available to make sure your mask matches the shape of your face.
• People who wear a mask tend to touch it often, they probably want to ascertain that it is firmly fitted to their face. Touching your face with your hands poses the risk that any germs that are on your hands will quickly pass into your respiratory system.

 

Gloves

• Wearing gloves does not contain contamination, on the contrary it might do the exact opposite. Gloves and masks similarly give us a false sense of security.
• Gloves minimize our fear of touching various surfaces.
• Wearing gloves takes away our fear of touching our face.
• There is a risk of contamination when you take off your gloves.

 

When you are out shopping:

• do not touch counters, payment terminals and showcases with your bare hands,
• if at all possible, use a no-contact Tap & Go card for payment.

 

 

When you get back home:

• have a bottle of soapy water or a hand sanitizer and a towel near the door as you walk in;
• wash your keys and both sides of door handles;
• wash your hands immediately before walking around or touching anything in your home or apartment;

            and

• clean your cell phones and tablets with soap and water.

 

A fragile virus

This virus is quite fragile. It stays viable on surfaces for about 4 hours.

 

The enemy is at our door

If you saw wartanks on your street and heard bombs dropping, you would know that danger is near and that there is a war going on.

The present danger is real, all the more so because the enemy is invisible.

Back home from grocery shopping
The risks of contamination from raw produce, namely fruits and vegetables,
remain very low. The hand-washing instructions in place are THE OPTION! They are essential and strongly recommended.

As for fruits and vegetables, the recommanded method is the same as that used at all time. For those who didn't wash them before, just use water and a small quantity of dish soap or organic soap found in most stores.

 

Why so many precautions?

People who are infected with the coronavirus may feel like they are sick with the flu. The danger lies in that it threatens directly the vulnerable people around them, their family members, close friends, etc.

 

Putting together a small group of people

Small groups of some 10 people can get together and help those who cannot meet their own needs. These generous souls can see to it that shopping is done and all necessary items are brought and left at the door of the person in need.

 

Isolation

Isolation, as strongly recommended by the government, can make things worse for people who live alone.

Think about their predicament and see if they need anything essential to their well-being.

 

 

For all information on coronavirus symptoms or for any concern you may have, please contact the following numbers:

 

Quebec:        1 877 644-4545

Ontario:        1 866 797-0000

Manitoba:    1 888 315-9257

 

Gouvernment of Canada:    1 833 784-4397

 

Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases do not go away on vacation; we must pay close attention to their symptoms. It is now possible for doctors to monitor their patients by phone. 

Doctors want you to continue on living in your own home, but not at any price.

If you feel a sharp pain in your chest, with nausea or vomiting, or if your body is drenched in a cold sweat, call 911 immediately.

People who suffer from cardiac insufficiency should be on the lookout for any respiratory deterioration felt during their regular activities. If you feel an  increased shortness of breath during the night or cannot sleep in your bed because of shortness of breath, you should contact your cardiac insufficiency clinic or your doctor or, as a last resort, go to your hospital emergency.