How Do I Avoid Getting Sick?

Dear Edda,

This coronavirus is really stressing me out. I've already gone to Costco and stocked up on toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, and water. My husband says I'm overreacting but the news reports state otherwise. Do you have any advice on how to prevent catching this awful virus?

Sincerely,
Scared of Getting Sick

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Dear Scared,

First off, let me tell you one thing I know for sure.  Being scared, stressed or panicked only results in making bad decisions.

Second, according to the CDC website, WASH YOUR HANDS. DON’T SNEEZE ON PEOPLE. STAY HOME IF YOU’RE SICK. You know, common sense. But as we all know, common sense is not that common. And now, the Governor has issued a "shelter-in-place" order so, you know, stay at home.

Now I have a question for you.  Toilet paper? Why toilet paper? Why is it gone from the shelves of the supermarket, CVS and Costco?  Do all of you stockpilers know something I don’t know?  Is there a gastro-intestinal component of the virus that people are too polite to talk about?  Are you all shareholders of Charmin? 

When I am faced with the idea of being isolated from society and anticipate the onset of a pandemic/zombie apocalypse, I mostly focus on having enough of those little pretzels with peanut butter inside from TJ’s. But that’s just me.

And one more thing. Regardless of the valuable information circulating on social media, Tito’s vodka is not a suitable hand sanitizer substitute (there is a disclaimer on their website, for cryin’ out loud!).

Although, it apparently costs less at this point.

So, to sum up, don’t panic.  Wash your hands.  And if you’ve already stocked up on Tito’s, drink responsibly.

- Edda 

Edda is not a medical professional but a local lady who loves to give out advice, even when it's not asked of her. Submit your question to [email protected] for Edda to answer.