To live out your maximum possible lifespan in the best possible health, you must first survive the current threat to your life and well-being, the COVID-19 pandemic. A pandemic disease is one that occurs over a wide area and affects a major portion of the population living in that wide area. It has been over 100 years since the last true world-wide pandemic, the 1918 flu, which killed millions of people all over the world. Now, over 100 years later, COVID-19 has been officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). COVID-19 is potentially the most dangerous infectious disease to affect humanity since the 1918 strain of flu.

Unlike the 1918 flu, which preferentially killed young adults, the death rate from COVID-19 grows exponentially with age. Young children appear to be the least likely to develop severe illness. They can, however, pass on the virus to more susceptible individuals, even though they show no symptoms of the disease themselves.

The chart shows that less than one percent of the victims in China through February 11 were children under ten, and no deaths in this group were reported. People in their fifties had the highest percentage of cases and a fatality rate of 1.3 percent. People older than that, represent a smaller percentage of the cases, but were much more likely to die. Eight percent of victims in their seventies died, and 14.8 percent of those eighty and above died.

There are several things you can do to protect yourself from a COVID-19 infection, and there are other things you can do if you suspect that you are infected.

To protect yourself from infection:

• Practice social distancing. DON’T SHAKE HANDS!! This is one of the worst things you can do. Greet others with the Vulcan “Live long and prosper” hand gesture instead.
• Stay at least six feet away from other people, but especially people who are sneezing or coughing.
• Wash hands frequently to protect yourself.
• Do not touch your face.
• Sanitize surfaces that people touch, such as kitchen counters and dining tables.
• Sanitize computer keyboards that are used by other people besides you.
• Sanitize doorknobs and toilet flush levers.
• Whenever possible enter buildings using automatic doors rather than those that require you to grasp a handle or doorknob.

If you suspect you may be infected:

• Call your medical provider to ask about testing. Do not just show up at the emergency room.
• Isolate yourself. Stay home and stay away from family members.
• Wash hands frequently, this time to protect others.

The COVID-19 epidemic that has now been upgraded to a pandemic is the most serious health crisis in a century. We must all take it seriously in order to mitigate its effect. My wish for you is that you live long and prosper.

BIO:

Allen G. Taylor is a 40-year veteran of the computer industry and the author of over 40 books, including Develop Microsoft HoloLens Apps Now, Get Fit with Apple Watch, Cruise for Free, SQL For Dummies, 9th Edition, Crystal Reports 2008 For Dummies, Database Development For Dummies, Access Power Programming with VBA, and SQL All-In-One For Dummies, Third Edition. He lectures internationally on astronomy, databases, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He also teaches database development and Crystal Reports through a leading online education provider. For the latest news on Allen’s activities, check out his blog at wwwallengtaylor.com or contact him at allen.taylor@ieee.org.