Helpful COVID-19 Resources

Disclaimer: This is very different from the content I typically share and I am certainly not an expert in this topic. I just hope that some of these resources are useful to you and that you can pass them along. 

It’s been two weeks since the outbreak of COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then schools have closed, many people do not have a job to go into, public spaces like the library and museum are shut down, and some areas have suggested curfews. This morning, California became the first state to issue a stay at home order. But the virus is still spreading. The amount of notifications I receive regarding the virus each day can be pretty overwhelming. And many people do not think the virus is serious given they are relatively healthy and more likely to recover. But even those who are healthy can have a severe case before recovering, and they can pass it on to vulnerable individuals either directly or indirectly. Vulnerable groups include the elderly, pregnant women, and those who are immunocompromised or have pre-existing conditions. Older members of our communities are not only one of the vulnerable groups, but they are more likely to feel the isolating effects of being unable to go out and follow their normal routines. 

There is a lot of misinformation going around, especially about the science and severity of the virus. The best thing to do is stay informed and check your sources. While following this situation, I have come across some resources that really helped me understand this pandemic and I wanted to share them.

First, here are some useful definitions that can help break down terms that you may already know, but still need a bit of clarification. 

Useful definitions:

• Virus – biological agent that reproduces in the body; requires a living host to spread *cannot be killed with antibacterial soap
• Pandemic – global (across countries/continents) outbreak of a NEW disease

*i.e. the global population has not built immunity to the disease

• Epidemic – sudden increase in cases of a disease that is higher than expected in a population

*Flu season is technically an epidemic occurring annually

Many articles show statistics about the outbreak, so here are what the most common ones mean. 

Percentages:

• Incidence – % new cases in a given time
• Prevalence – % of all cases in a given time 
• Mortality – % of cases that resulted in death, scaled to size of pop.
• Survival – % of cases alive for a period of time after diagnosis – 5 yr survival in cancer

Here are some great resources for understanding and following the outbreak and the virus causing it. 

Helpful Resources

Both WHO and the CDC have COVID-19 sites that are regularly updated with information and safety guidelines. These organizations are the most reliable sources of health information especially in situations such as these. You can also sign up for alerts or use their social media platforms for health education updates.

John Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering Global COVID-19 Cases Map → I first saw this map at the New York Epidemiology Forum meeting in February when there were only a few cases in the U.S. This map is updated regularly and tracks all cases globally with breakdowns by country. 

This Podcast Will Kill You Coronaviruses → In this episode of one of my favorite podcasts, hosts the Erins break down all things coronaviruses – a family of viruses including the common cold and COVID-19. The podcast goes into the science and history of these viruses, includes interviews with experts, and also goes over what scientists knew about COVID-19 as of February 2, 2020. 

Social Distancing and Disease Simulator → This article uses simulations to show how different levels of social distancing can impact the spread of disease. It’s a really nice breakdown of how isolation can help “flatten the curve”. The Washington Post also has a newsletter that highlights articles related to COVID-19 so you do not have to filter through tons of articles. 

How soap and water kills Coronavirus → This quick video by Vox shows the simple science of how soap kills viruses, including coronavirus. Really enjoyed the approach they used and different visuals.

Understanding the curve → This video from the team at “It’s Ok to Be Smart” breaks down what the curve we keep seeing refers to. Flattening the curve slows the spread of disease which then reduces the number of deaths and strain on resources. 

Finally, I want to say that it is important to take care of yourself right now. There is a significant amount of stress and fear right now and it’s with reason. Technically I am on Spring Break but I feel more stressed than ever. I encourage you to check in with your loved ones and take breaks when you need to. 

Stay safe and wash your hands!

-Tatyana x