COVID-19 Advice From Consumer Reports

Unfortunately, many people are getting most of their advice on how to cope with the present Coronavirus pandemic from the millions of people on Facebook who have become MDs, RNs, infectious disease experts and epidemiologists in the last 3 months. For those of you who want to expand your horizons a bit beyond the experts on social media, here is some advice for dealing with the situation from On Health, a newsletter of Consumer Reports.

Rely on Credible Sources

Unsurprisingly, the level of noise and static bombarding us from all sides on the subject is at record levels. Scammers with miracle cures to sell, ignorant people with strong opinions and a Facebook account, conflicting information from official sources. What's a person to do?

Getpocket.com has a library of articles from many different credible sources available for you to browse and consume at your leisure. This is a collection of opinion pieces and science-based reports. Another good source for official information (the credible kind, not the press conference variety) is available at
Coronavirus.gov. Finally, Consumer Reports itself has a library of up-to-date articles at CR.org/covid19. I like this one because CR has nothing to sell and accepts no advertising.

Avoid the Scammers

Every time there is a real problem, the scammers crawl out from under their rocks offering solutions, cures and misinformation by the truckload. Scammers are not just people trying to sell you worthless products, but also trying to pass on useless, or even dangerous information for their own reasons. Whether it is  a supplement or medication that cures Covod-19, a conspiracy theory about its origin or the top ten reasons why you should refuse to wear a mask in crowds, be suspicious. Check sources before you "buy" whatever it is someone is pitching.

Stay at Home

The safest place to be right now is in your own home. Stay there as much as you can. Skip dining out and avoid traveling by transit, train or plane. Make fewer trips to the grocery store by planning your purchases carefully, and use a mask when you do go. Go at times when stores are less crowded. Many offer "senior hours". Follow social distancing guidelines. Avoid directly touching "high contact" surfaces like handrails, doorknobs and elevator buttons.

Wash Your Hands

It turns out that your mom was right about this too. Most public health authorities cite washing your hands with soap and water for 20 - 30 seconds and the best preventive measure you can take. Wash them every time you return home from being out, before and after you handle food, every time you use the bathroom, blow your nose, sneeze or cough.

Disinfect Key Areas

Clean and disinfect "high touch" areas in your home at least daily. These include tables, countertops, doorknobs, light switches, sinks and handles on desks and cabinets. Don't neglect disinfecting your mobile phone, tablet and computer keyboard either. Use a disinfectant that is at least 70% alcohol, such as Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Or you can make your own solution by mixing 1/3 cup of chlorine bleach with a gallon of tap water.

Limit Direct Social Interaction

As unpleasant as this may be (even for introverts like myself) you should limit your direct contact with other people. People can be infected with Covid-19 and not show any symptoms for up to 14 days according to the CDC. They may look and feel fine but still be able to spread the virus.

Avoid In-person Doctor Visits

This is not to suggest you avoid necessary office visits. But always call first and see if your issue can be addressed over the phone or in a virtual visit. There tend to be a lot of sick people at doctor's offices.

Take Care of Yourself

Eat right. A healthy diet is more important now than ever. Ignore all the supplements claiming they will strengthen your immune system. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, there is no evidence that they do. Get plenty of whole grains, produce and protein.

Stay active. Exercise does support your immune system, so find ways to stay active. Go for walks. Now that you are at home anyway complete some of those household cleaning projects. Start an exercise routine. You'll feel better for it.

Stay connected. Your friends and family are feeling as isolated as you are. And there are more ways then ever to stay in touch. Zoom, Facetime, Skype or even that old standby device, the phone, all work. Use them.



Finally, don't be deluded into thinking this is over. There is still no "herd immunity" and still no vaccine. As states have opened up, many of them have seen a resurgence of infections. As Galileo famously said at his trial for heresy: "I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed me with sense and reason expects me to use neither."

Stay safe. This will pass.