Sept. 4, 2020 – If there is a silver lining to be found with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that the public has been educated on how to prevent the spread of germs. Germs (bacteria and viruses) cause respiratory infections from colds, influenza, strep throat to COVID-19.

Graphic Novel by Redwood Learn: Handwashing – On the Front Lines with Larry Lather

Colds, influenza, and strep throat are common respiratory infections that can be prevented by following simple hygienic actions. Covering coughs and sneezes is at the top of the list. Millions of viruses are released into the air when someone coughs and sneezes. But cover any cough or sneeze with a tissue and the viruses land in the tissue, not in the air. Throwing away the infected tissue and then washing your hands to remove any germs that may have contaminated your hands would prevent millions of infections.

For influenza, an annual vaccine is the most effective strategy to prevent illness. Combined with good hygienic practices, the incidence of influenza could sharply decline. It will be fascinating to study the upcoming influenza season when it ends next spring to see if morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) declined.

Everyone can do their part to slow or stop the spread of COVID-19 by following guidelines. But look to the long term benefit of being cognizant of how to prevent respiratory infections.

COVID-19 cases to date (CDC data)
From Jan. 21, 2020 through Sept. 3, 2020, there have been a total of 6,087,403 COVID-19 cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tragically, 185,092 deaths have been reported. And in the last seven days, 288,357 cases have been reported.

The actual number of cases is higher because many people with mild or no symptoms did not seek medical attention so their cases would not have been reported.

States with more than 200,000 reported cases are: California, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Illinois, Arizona and New York. New York City alone has reported 235,839 cases.

With public health emergency orders still in place, the CDC recommends caution when traveling. Staying at home is still recommended but if people travel, the CDC advises the following actions to protect oneself and others from COVID-19:

1. Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings.
2. Avoid close contact by staying at least six feet apart (about 2 arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household.
3. Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60 percent alcohol).
4. Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

UPDATE (January 1, 2021)

1. Shipment of the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine began in December 2020.

2. As of January 1, 2021, there have been 19,663,976 cases of COVID-19 in the United States and tragically, 341,199 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said these statistics are cumulative from Jan. 21, 2020.