COVID-19: We're in this Together

On my first day of medical school, the dean said, "I have some good news and some bad news.  The good news is that least half of what you're about to learn is right. The bad news is that we don't know which half."

Each day we move closer to evidence-based answers to these pressing questions:

• What is my risk of being exposed to COVID-19? 
• What is my risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, and 
• What's the likely outcome if I DO get infected?

Over the past few days I've seen a shift in focus from protecting individuals to protecting the PUBLIC GOOD. For most healthy people the most pressing question may well be

• What is my risk of potentially exposing other vulnerable people to COVID-19?  

​It's clear that we're in this together. Your actions impact you, your family and your community.

To help you make better choices, here are today's best answers to a few frequently-asked questions coming my way.

Why is COVID-19 So Worrisome?  

• As of March 12, 2020, data suggests that the death rates from COVID-19 could be ten times that of influenza.  In other words, for every 1000 people infected with the flu in the average year, one person will die.  Right now with the limited data we have, it looks like for every 1000 people infected with COVID-19, about 800 will have very mild illnesses; however ten to thirty could die.
• Right now it appears that people can be contagious before they feel sick, which makes person-to-person spread more likely. 
• The virus appears to live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours.  If you touch a contaminated surface,the viral particles can stick to your hands, and enter your body through your eyes, nose or mouth. 

How Do You Get—And Recover From—Viral Respiratory Illnesses?
Our environment is filled with disease-causing germs.  

Why doesn’t EVERYBODY get sick? 

Think of your immune system as your own personal homeland security system.  Its job is to keep you healthy.  

Think of COVID-19 as a viral terrorists.  Their goal is to invade your body—primarily through your eyes, mouth and nose— hijack the cellular machinery of your own body and turn your cells into virus-producing factories.  The viruses have mechanisms to trigger coughs and sneezes, which allow the virus-laden droplets to infect the next person.

You don’t remain sick with a cold or flu forever.  Your immune system swings into action, eliminating the virus from your body.

This explains why the viral illnesses pose the greatest risk those with compromised immune systems like the elderly and those with underlying illnesses.  

How Do You Stay Healthy and Become Part of the Solution?

Simple steps are highly effective.  At the risk of sounding like a broken record....

• Get a good night's sleep, eat well and exercise regularly
• Wash your hands regularly
• Stop touching your face
• Stay home if you're sick
• Stay informed.

How Do You Help More Doctors Protect Their Wealth?
​You see the epidemic of fear as investors navigate the "COVID-19 Bear Market." This is a time of opportunity for advisors who want to work with more doctor clients.

Join us Sunday, March 15th, 2020 at Noon Eastern to learn how.

Click here  to register.