When the experts--CDC, Fauci, Hoda--tell us how we can best protect ourselves against Covid-19, this is what they always say:
- Wear a mask
- Wash your hands
- Don't go outside without a jacket
- Stay 6 feet apart
Wait. Which of these things just doesn't belong here?
That's right!! Nobody says anything about wearing a jacket! And while we're at it, nobody says we shouldn't go out with wet hair or with our ears uncovered. This brings me much joy because I feel hopeful that maybe NOW the 75% of people (and I'm being generous) who believe these things will finally realize:
Although I am hopeful, I still think we might need to do some FAQs to really drive this point home:
Q: But Elsa, I understand that you can't get Covid-19 from being cold but what about the common cold?
A: Believe it or not, Covid-19 and The Common Cold have a lot of similarities--the main one being that they are both classified as a VIRUS. And you catch a virus from people, not from weather.
Q: Hmmm I guess that makes sense but what if I go outside with my hair wet? Won't the cold air penetrate through to my head and I will catch a cold?
A: No. Again, the air outside does not give you a virus--cold, flu, Covid-19. In fact, being outside whether it is cold or not is a great way to PREVENT getting a virus because you are not in close quarters with people.
Q: Then explain why people get colds more often in the winter.
A: Cause they stay inside too much and spread their germs.
Q: What about windows? Do I need to keep all of my windows closed so my house doesn't get drafty and I catch my death?
A: You could catch your death if you leave your windows open--by falling out or someone breaking in and murdering you. But no, you will not catch your death via a cold.
Q: What do I do if my kids refuse to wear a jacket when they go outside during the winter?
A: Nothing. It truly doesn't matter.
Q: No way!!!
A: Yes, way. And while we're at it, could everyone please stop asking my son Leo where his jacket is? Do you ACTUALLY want to know its whereabouts? Because the answer is, it is in a closet.
So are we clear now?! I realize I am not a doctor, a nurse or even a medical office receptionist, but you can trust me. I am a writer AND a group fitness instructor. Or don't and bundle up, close your windows and dry that hair.
1 comment:
During basic training in the winter at Ft. Jackson, SC, the windows were nailed open so we couldn't close them against the bitter cold. The brass thought it would protect us from illness. It might have helped, but I got the worst case of flu ever; probably from being housed with guys from a lot of different states.
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