It’s All A Matter Of Size

Viruses are small, very small. The reason they can be small like that, is that they aren’t burdened with the need to have structures that real live organisms need to qualify them as being alive.

To recap, viruses are tiny bits of genetic material surrounded by a shell and an injector mechanism. It has no way to generate energy, it can’t eat, reproduce on its own, or move on its own.

So considering that viruses don’t need all those bells and whistles, they can be small.

Viruses don’t fly

Since viruses are small, and have no structures that make them alive, they also don’t have wings, jet engines, wheels, or any other way to get around on their own.

In order for a virus to be spread, it needs a “vector “ (a means of transfer). It can be fecal-oral (yeah, exactly what it sounds like) like hepatitis A is spread (ewww), fomites (surfaces), or in aerosol droplets. Aerosol droplets are small, but are huge in comparison to a virus particle.

Considering this virus needs to enter through the mucus membranes of the upper respiratory tract, it’s got to get from the mouth or nose of one person to another.

Touching something that has live virus on it then touching your mouth/nose/ or face is a good way to get it, therefore the warning to wash your hands.

But think about it, how do these viruses get on the surfaces, rarely do people lick counter tops or doorknobs (this isn’t that kind of blog) the most likely culprit is aerosols landing on these surfaces.

Remember, viruses need a helper. When a person coughs, a huge number of mucus particles that necessarily contain a wide sampling of all your mouth flora spew into the air (about 6-8 ft). That’s why the social distance recommendation is made.

So the main reason for the mask, is to keep your particles from blowing all over creation and to prevent other people’s gross little virus bombs from getting on your mucus membranes.

An extra benefit is that it’s hard to touch your mouth and nose while wearing the mask.

So although technically, most masks cannot stop a free flying guided missile version of a virus, the mask doesn’t have to!

It only needs to decrease the number of relatively large particles from one mouth to the next.

This has been the basis of why surgeons use masks and wash their hands for over a hundred years. And it DOES WORK.

Wear the mask, don’t be a statistic, the best revenge is to live well and stay healthy.

It’s Beginning To Change

The “inside” isn’t so inside anymore. With fewer admissions for COVID, the hospital is clearing and cleaning entire units in preparation to begin regular operation (at least somewhat). It’s wonderful… and yet.

The closeness that developed between people who had never met before will slowly become a memory, the usual Balkanization of Hospital life returning to pit us all against each other for attention (and the accompanying allocation of resources).

I hope that the sense of unity and the camaraderie we had during this time of “combat” remains and we don’t forget what it meant to heroes to each other as well as to the patients.

There is a strong possibility that we’ll be called upon to do it again…

Medical update

Sadly, not much that we have in the armamentarium works in the way we give it now. The drugs we need to try (in combinations and earlier) are NOT generally available. From anywhere!

Vaccines (despite happy talk on TV) are NOT right around the corner. Antibodies are still not known for sure to give immunity. In short, we are STILL working with No Ammo.

The only things we can do right now is wear masks, social distance, wash hands, exercise, eat healthy, and LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Please do not take chances and become a statistic. Go out into the world again armed with as much knowledge and common sense as you can. It seems to be in short supply.

Being smart and prepared is NOT a sign of weakness, flouting common sense is.