(Snippets from the frontline)
COVID-19: Flies in the soup
The Santa Clarita Valley three decades ago was serene. Running in early morning hours before sunrise smelled of country with the occasional sighting of coyotes, bobcats, and hearing rustling of awakening native birds. We were an extension of urban life taking over their grounds.
One morning it was pea soup foggy as I thumped across an aged railroad trestle, while the sun rose casting stick-like tree shadows across my path. Momentarily entranced by the scene, I suddenly ran through a swarm of small flies, inhaling some causing a five minute coughing spasm.
The coronavirus is likely inhaled from a cough or sneeze, with these viral particles invading the respiratory system of a human victim. If there is a swarm of the virus, that excessive exposure will make you very sick.
This may be why in congregate work or living situations like in prisons, nursing homes, or meat packing plants, the higher concentration of virus may intensify your illness.
We don’t know this for sure, but if someone coughs or sneezes in front of you, avoiding that cloud becomes your highest priority.
Flies did not make me sick. A swarm of coronavirus would.
Wear a mask.
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
Vector cartoon stick figure drawing conceptual illustration of man wearing protective face mask running away in fear or panic chased by covid-19.
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