4/16/2024
A COVID Reminder...
Oklahoma was pounded by COVID, and it unfortunately led to an estimated 16,000 deaths here. While we are far removed from the peak of COVID, we've had a rough flu season to the point where it's been called the "Oklahoma Flu". We're seeing all the states surrounding us find animals infected with the H5N1 bird flu, so it's just a matter of time before it's discovered here in Oklahoma.
Washing your hands and wearing at least a N-95 mask when you're sick is one of the best ways to prevent the spread. Also, it may be prudent to wear a mask when you see your doctor, you never know what is still lingering in the air, or what sickness they've been dealing with that day. Personally, I'm lucky that my PCM uses HEPA filters in their rooms, and they wear masks, so it puts me at ease. I think HEPA filters should be a requirement for all doctors' offices/hospitals.
When I lived in Japan for 3 years, I noticed the Japanese masked up any time they were sick. They did this because they knew it was the respectful and courteous thing to do to prevent spreading their sickness. Coincidentally, Japan only had an approx. 590 deaths per 1m population, while the US had approx. 3,640 deaths per 1m. COVID is likely never going away, like the flu, but we can do a better job of preventing spreads of ANY infectious disease.
For more information, some good resources are National Nurses United and the World Health Network.
