Viruses are a FEATURE of biology, not a bug! Your immune sy…

Viruses are important in the process of biological evolution & selection. Without them we wouldn't exist! They transmit genes horizontally in the genepool like evolutionary catalysts. Trying to "cure" them is a fools errand. Like trying to drain a river.

If you must try to avoid the inevitable there are ways you can prevent infection from coronavirus & others too. Novel coronavirus is transmitted by aerosol spread (people cough/sneeze virions into the air which come in contact with your mucosal membranes).

I work in a busy Emergency Department with lots of people presenting daily with viral illnesses. The key to not catching them is to be extremely careful what you touch, and to understand how the virus is transmitted and limit any potential it has to do so.

1. Avoid crowded public places if possible.
2. Cover mouth/nose if possible/practical.
3. Don't touch door handles / railings / PoS terminals / touchscreens / keyboards / water-cooler taps / anything other people are touching frequently / etc.

4. Wash hands immediately if above unavoidable.
5. Don't touch face until you do.
6. Don't consume any food you haven't prepared yourself.
7. NEVER eat communal "finger food".

It's also essential to cover your mouth and nose if you are in a confined space for a prolonged period of time with someone who is audibly coughing/sneezing. Like on a plane/train/bus. Any kind of mask works better than no mask. Wash your hands frequently.

If you DO actually get infected with a novel virus your immune system has not previously encountered previously even a little, then maybe you will have more sympathy for your child, the next time they are crying inconsolably when they have a simple cold.

Luckily, like with most viruses, the vast majority of people who catch it will be completely fine (except for 7-14 days of misery). Generally speaking it's only the old/young/infirm, with underlying immunodeficiency or lung disease etc, who die from it.

If you've been exposed to a novel virus there nothing you can do to prevent systemic infection other than wait until your body produces new antibodies to fight it. It WILL happen, but it takes time! You will feel awful. But you are very unlikely to die.

Realistically people should be FAR more afraid of common flu/influenza! It kills >1/2 million people worldwide annually! But the media are more concerned about a virus that has killed <200 people to date. Don't panic guys. This is mainly just media FUD.