Let's Talk About COVID-19
62k Likes, 1,038 Comments - World Health Organization (@who) on Instagram: ""Young people are not invincible from #COVID19. The #coronavirus could put you in hospital for..."
These last few weeks have been intense, to say the least. With news breaking of a confirmed COVID-19 case in Plumpton, and with pockets of cases here and there, we knew it was time for us to step up and do our best to inform our readers and greater Western Sydney about this medical pandemic.
It’s important to be as empowered as possible with information, particularly in a news and media cycle that is constantly changing. Feel free to take the below with a grain of salt, and we hope, if anything, that our readers become more aware moving forward.
Disclaimer: We are not medical experts of professionals. We are relaying facts, information, and sources to access both.
What is the COVID-19?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. On an editorial note, it’s important to acknowledge that the virus is not tied to any race or ethnicity, and neither are factors in whether you are more susceptible to contract it.
What are some of the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
133.6k Likes, 3,879 Comments - World Health Organization (@who) on Instagram: "🚨 BREAKING 🚨 "In the days and weeks ahead, we expect to see the number of #COVID19 cases, the..."
Student Life During COVID-19
In this past month, we have witnessed the immediate impact of COVID-19 in retail, hospitality, entertainment, and more recently, education. During these precautionary measures, universities across Australia have made the switch to remote access learning, where all lectures, tutorials, seminars, and studios are now conducted online. Macquarie University, University of Sydney, and University of New South Wales are the few Sydney institutions that have transitioned to online learning. For international students, this could also mean travelling back home to reduce the risk of carrying the virus.
However, these precautions existed long before the teaching period began. On 27 January, UNSW sent an email confirming a student had tested positive for COVID-19 and had been taken into isolation. Since then, UNSW have regularly updated students on the virus during these challenging times, supplying students with resources such as a 24-hour student helpline, how to practice above-average cleanliness on campus, and an information centre that provides regular updates on COVID-19.
The stress and anxiety surrounding COVID-19 may indicate low morale for many students. As a final-year undergrad, the transition into online learning required me to recalibrate parts of my student life, including my sleeping habits, physical health, study routines, and even where I studied while I practiced ‘social distancing’. It also removed many parts of face-to-face learning l thoroughly enjoyed - connecting with classmates in seminars, workshopping on creative projects, or just the simple pleasures of watching lecturers speak passionately about their expertise. If you’re currently a student - be it first-year, postgraduate, or even high school - take a moment to check in with your peers during this challenging period, and ensure they’re still maintaining good health.
473.3k Likes, 6,260 Comments - 9GAG: Go Fun The World (@9gag) on Instagram: "Wouldn't be able to find him if he's in the grocery store ✍🏻 @pedrola__ - #whereswaldo #whereswally..."
What can I do to help?
A range of sources suggest its best practice to socially distance yourself over the next few weeks. This doesn’t necessarily mean putting your life on hold - it means being mindful of others and your surroundings enough to know when leaving home is a necessity and when it isn’t.
Practical things include detailed and consistent hand-washing, sanitising surfaces and skin, sneezing and coughing into your elbow, and keeping a physical distance with those around you.
The WHO have advised against hoarding when stockpiling and purchasing goods, particularly with medical equipment. Think rationally when buying, and be mindful of those who don’t have guaranteed access to groceries and goods ie. elderly individuals, those with disabilities, and low income families etc.
Besides observing your own health, be sure to check in on your family and friends - particularly those who are stuck at home or working remotely. Isolation in any form can impact both physical and mental health, so be sure to maintain communication where possible. It’d be good to lean into this network for anything you may be missing in lieu of panic buying.
Finally, be mindful of the messages and pockets of information you’re ingesting, and be sure to lean into reputable sources. Be aware of the fear mongering that comes from spreading misinformation. Social media is such a volatile platform in crisis, and it’s crucial that we don’t feed into false narratives.
878 Likes, 7 Comments - NZ Human Rights Commission (@nzhumanrights) on Instagram: "Remember to keep calm, listen to the facts, adhere to the advice from the Ministry of Health, and..."
Where can we get more information?
Honorary Westie and media whiz Jan Fran has put together some handy links to reputable sources for COVID-19 updates, medical information, and expert advice. Atop this, the WHO have produced fact sheets, FAQs, and live updates on the virus.
Novel Coronavirus Information Center
[https://www.elsevier.com/connect/coronavirus-information-center]
This is a resourceful site curating research and information together by medical experts for both clinicians and patients. It is regularly updated and includes several peer-reviewed articles written both English and Chinese.
AUSTRALIAN DATA
[https://www.covid19data.com.au]
This is an up-to-date site on where Coronavirus is at in Australia. Very good to keep abreast of developments nationally.
INTERNATIONAL DATA
[https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports]
These are the World Health Organisation's daily situation reports. They give an overview of what's happening in countries around the world.
THE WASHINGTON POST
[https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/world/corona-simulator/]
A very good visual representation of what it takes to #flattenthecurve and the enormous difference social distancing makes.
CORONACAST
[https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/coronacast/]
This is an ABC podcast hosted by Dr Norman Swan and ABC health and science reporter, Tegan Taylor.
SMART TRAVELLER
[https://twitter.com/Smartraveller]
For travel related updates.
MEDICAL EXPERTS TO FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA
PROF BILL BOWTELL [https://twitter.com/billbowtell]
Infectious disease expert from UNSW's Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity.
DR NORMAN SWAN [https://twitter.com/normanswan]
Physician and ABC reporter.
PROF JULIE LEASK [https://twitter.com/JulieLeask]
Public Health + Vaccination Expert from USYD. Also, an excellent communicator, which is vital in this time.
PROF NICK TALLY [https://twitter.com/mja_editor]
Editor of the Medical Journal of Australia.
ASSOCIATE PROF IAN MACKAY [https://twitter.com/mackayim]
Virus and Infectious disease expert and researcher from UQ.
DR DAN SUAN [https://www.facebook.com/dan.suan.3]
Clinical immunologist and researcher at the Garvan Institute. Dan has been particularly outspoken on #coronavirus and I urge you to check out his personal Facebook page.
