This whole time I've been ignoring the talk on the news, being that person saying it is all a media thing now. Something for media to blow out of proportion because they don't have anything else sensational to talk about... It's just a flu, like so many other types of flu, or isn't it? For a while we've listened and seen it on the news and as we live in a world where we find it hard to trust anyone anymore - politicians, world leaders, news and all that is being said, discussed, opinionated in the social media channels - it is hard to know what actually is going on. What is the truth? That scares me more than the influenza itself.
However, this last week the virus has leapt over the borders to Europe in a rapid pace and with organizations like WHO (World Health Organization) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) now saying it might become a pandemic (it is not classified as one yet...), I've most certainly have changed my view on things. The fear is not to get sick - we are healthy people with no special medical conditions - the fear is for what happens if society shuts down to isolate the virus; work places, schools, shops, airports, factories, social events, transportation... you name it. That will be a shock to us all.
At mid week we decided it is time to prepare ourselves for a possible shut down and quarantine. Make sure we have supplies for at least 4-6 weeks of not being able to go outside. Call me crazy if you want, I know we all have our own opinion on this (including many of my friends and even family members who has raised their eye brows when I tell them what we're doing...), but from my point of view it doesn't hurt to stock up and we do have the space, so why not? And if nothing happens (as we hope of course) the second great thing is that we won't need to go grocery shopping for a looong time. Nothing to loose only all to win. We will still eat the food, it's not money wasted.
I think it is better to be safe than sorry if "Shit hits the fan" as we so gently put it at times. We are ready for long term isolation and for sickness. We are mentally ready and by being transparent our kids are ready. And I'm so pleased to live where I live right now, at the end of a road, isolated from the public with big fields around. We will be just fine. Summer vacations plans and buying flight tickets to Sweden and Mallorca (as we planned to do) will be on hold until we know what really is going to happen. Only time will tell.
PS Since writing this blog post on the morning of 28th of February (Friday) things have changed drastically. The number of infected people found in Europe is growing in rapid speed and has now spread to over 52 countries outside China. The virus has reached Switzerland and gone from 1 person to over 100 confirmed cases and many more in quarantine in just 7 days. Many big events have been cancelled such as the Geneva International Motor Show (which usual attracts over 600'000 visitors), carnevals, sport events, big conferences and even night clubs announced Friday they will be closed from now on. The stock market is crashing and the news keep reporting about new cases and precautions made by governments and businesses...Yes I'm worried. For a long time I wasn't but it is happening. It is real now. Not "just in China" anymore.
Kärlek
Annette
Annette
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I agree with you and although my husband is in the high risk group for this virus, I believe we should all prepare just in case of quarantine. I am not for reacting in fear, just being prepared. Just found your blog. Can't wait to read more.
ReplyDeleteI think you're wise to stock up on things and talk about a Plan with your family. We did the same thing. Here's a good quote: "The coronavirus can be dramatically slowed or stopped completely with the immediate widespread use of high doses of vitamin C. Bowel tolerance levels of C taken in divided doses throughout the day, is a clinically proven Antiviral, without equal." Dr. Andrew W. Saul. We're taking rosehip C along with higher doses than normal of D3 and elderberry syrup. Prevention is possible! Please, do not let fear and worry overtake you. Personally, I am completely trusting in God and rolling all of my fear and worry onto Him, for the Lord Jesus Christ loves and cares for us. Linn
ReplyDeleteNot everyone can prepare. My finances are such that we cannot afford to. Not at all. We have no space anywhere in any case. For some there is no choice.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, this new illness does not really worry me. Ebola did but this no. Just like most diseases it doesn't kill most people and is not nearly as nasty seeming. If it does come my way or even kill me, well so might flu or sepsis or any number of things I actually have more chance of getting.
I am not a strong healthy person, I might even be more at risk than most but for myself I am not really alarmed or bothered. I worry more for my grown daughter on the roads than this - especially on the snow and ice. I do not like all the stuff in the newspapers as it is not helpful. The reverse in fact. However, if you are able to make some preparations then why not? I am not blase, just accepting that it is what it is and outcomes are not really in my hands.
I'm so torn about this issue. Should I be worried or not? I don't know personally... I haven't really made up my mind yet. I'm from Greece and it's quite interesting to me to see how people in other countries react to it. Thank you for sharing! Evi
ReplyDeleteHi Annette,
ReplyDeleteI totally get why you'r stocking up on food and other things. My mom did the same and I don't blame her. Let not forget this is a kind of flu and panicking doesn't really help but I totally get why we should prepare to have to stay at home. If anything happens, I'm more concerned for my 87 year old grandmother and my elderly patients than myself. I think the media is blowing it up, but there's truth in all the media rush. I hope once it will get warmer and turn to spring, the corona will dissapear, just like other types of flu's. We will see.
Have a lovely day Annette.
Sweet greetings,
Emily
Hi Emily
DeleteNo panic over here, just precaution. I'm trying to avoid watching too much of the news and talking too much about it, but it is hard. Everyone is talking about it now. It is the number one subject. Hard to avoid. But I'm pretty good at disconnecting the big world out there and dive into my own. With crochet hook at hand I escape. Cross fingers this whole thing will be over soon.
Xxx
I am worried but trying not to be. I just visited my sister and they have stockpiled on food and I am thinking should I? I went shopping the other day and necessities such as toilet roll were not on the shelf. Just one pack left . I did not believe the rumours of panic buying until I saw for myself. I don’t know how this will go, I am worried about schools closing, work, childcare etc etc but all I can do is carry on and hope for the best. From a worried mum in the UK xx
ReplyDeleteOh Dear. We all worry at some degree. It's totally normal. I don't think we need to panic shop, just make sure we have essentials at home and stock up on some extra pasta and stuff if we can. I do worry too, but I think it is also because we all talk about it, it's on the news all-the-time and numbers are being reported by the hour through news sites and social media. Let;s just take a deep breathe and stay cool. It will be alright. Thanks for popping in. We are in this together.
DeleteXxx
A great post Annette. It's hard to avoid thinking about, but being prepared certainly brings some peace of mind. Just last night my kids and I drove by CFB Trenton on the way to band practice. The caution tape was up as they were getting ready to quarantine travelers who were being brought to the base. This is the second time. Talking about what's happening also helps to put my kids at ease. No need to panic. We're a bit used to having to be prepared to be at home. We live in the country and there are times in the winter we literally can't even get out to the highway until the roads are cleared.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Shelley
Scary indeed!! The fear is real, and the rate at which the disease is spreading is quite alarming. We are already seeing many manufactories getting shutdown to isolate a few cases, but is that easy to isolate this scary spread? I think it is high time people revisit the hygiene lessons and start following them.
ReplyDeleteWe are all prepared to face a lockdown that might extend well beyond May. So I am diligently keeping up with my guitar lessons. It helps to also kill time. I really hope this unprecedented crisis ends soon.
ReplyDelete