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An Epidemiologist (in-training)’s Thoughts on the Coronavirus to Young Adults
Alison Celigoi • Mar 24, 2020
My name is Ali and I am a second-semester Master of Public Health student at the Penn State College of Medicine. When I graduate from my program in May 2021, I want to be an Epidemiologist. Epidemiologists study the pattern and behavior of diseases in humans and try to predict (and, hopefully, prevent) the next outbreak. Scientists and disease experts have often said, “it’s not about ‘if’ the next disease will come, it's ‘when’”. We knew that we were going to experience another pandemic, but a little over 100 years after the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, we find ourselves in the midst of the largest epidemic of our time: COVID-19.
This coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China in late 2019. A “coronavirus” is a common type of virus that affects your nose, throat, and other parts of your respiratory tract. This classification of viruses is not to be confused with the infamous “COVID-19”, which is a new type of coronavirus that scientists and doctors have never seen before. COVID-19, like other coronaviruses, are spread through air droplets when someone coughs or sneezes- and it can travel as far as 6 feet. Although people who are the most symptomatic (i.e. fever, vomiting, shortness of breath) are the most contagious, over half of people with COVID-19 show only mild or no symptoms. Even if you have very mild symptoms or something feels a little “off”, you could still be spreading the virus to people who are immunocompromised.
Which brings me to my thoughts on the issue. I still have a lot to learn and I see a PhD in my future, but I can say that armed with my undergraduate education in Global Health Studies and Economics and my ongoing Epidemiology education, I feel confident that I can comment on this epidemic. I understand that the majority of people will not die from this virus, but there are many who would if social distancing and isolation is not practiced. People with heart problems, lung problems, and respiratory issues are the most at risk for having serious consequences if they contract COVID-19. I am not asking you to stay home and stay away from your friends because I am worried that someone like you, a young and healthy adult, will contract the virus. I am worried about people like my mother who has breast cancer and my father who is 61 years old. If I get the virus, I know that I will be fine but personally I am going to self-quarantine and do whatever I can to keep my loved ones safe.
The Marstronaut in Training program will begin this spring, starting to prepare middle and high school students for a career that could include being one of the first astronauts on Mars....a Marstronaut. You might want to watch as we humans land there today with NASA broadcasting beginning at 230 eastern.
Photo Credit CSPAN. VIDEO link. TEDTalks Young people are a Force for CHANGE.... Let's have the courage to realize that in our moments of darkness..."there is always light if only we are brave enough to see it, if only we are brave enough to be it." Its time, young people, to "merge mercy with might, and might with right" and do the right thing to help us show compassion for all, and protect each other leading with the light of our example to wear the mask, get the shot, feed the hungry, and be kind as we come out of this challenge by making it the opportunity to create a new movement.. Be the force for health, for safety, for kindness, for change. Connect withJoin us at @ Betheforce.health .
PHOTO AND GRAPHIC CREDIT: DR. JAY BHATT HEALTH EQUITY IS A COMPLEX ISSUE. If you are not healthy, it's hard to help others or make change. Taking personal responsibility to understand issues YOU CAN CONTROL is crucial. Learn about health literacy social determinants of health, and the history of racism in America with the free Force for Health Advance the Dream Basics Group. Join and take more responsibility for your own health outcomes controlling the things you can as you work for change. #theforceforhealth #advance the dream JOIN HERE
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