Three mistakes to avoid during the COVID-19 outbreak

The news media is panicking!  A novel virus is circulating!  What am I supposed to do?!

For starters, I like to remind myself that panic and worry are not the most productive uses of energy.  To stem the panic and anxiety, I find information and the application of scientific principles helpful.  As I have been involved in the response to numerous emerging infectious disease outbreaks, I have come up with a list of the three biggest mistakes that a person can make during an outbreak.

Mistake #1: Read the news, believe it all, and PANIC!

 As I mentioned before, panicking is less than helpful and could prove to be counter-productive.  As my friend, a boarded veterinary behaviorist, says: “the panicking brain cannot learn.” It is important to remain calm, ignore the hype, and look to credible sources for guidance. For example, with the current COVID-19 outbreak, it is a good idea to review characteristics of known coronaviruses. It is likely that COVID-19 will have some similar properties. Then, listen to the news media and stay calm as the stories become wilder and wilder.

Mistake #2: Ignore the news.

As with almost everything in our lives, moderation is key!  During an outbreak, it is important to maintain situational awareness.  You should have some idea of what is going on with the pathogen: where are cases now, where are they moving, what population is getting the sickest, potential for zoonosis, etc.  Just don’t get too caught up in the media hype and fall into mistake #1.

Mistake #3: Become a hermit.

Despite the trepidation, once you understand the mechanism of transmission for any disease, the threat is effectively neutralized because you can take steps to avoid infection. The most effective thing to do is to talk with your family, especially children, your staff, and your clients about routine standard precautions to prevent disease transmission. Wash your hands more often. You should always feel comfortable taking a step back from a stranger who is clearly dealing with a respiratory disease, and choosing to nod your greeting rather than shake hands.

In the end, COVID-19 too shall pass.  Avoid panicking, but continue to remain informed, and in turn, inform those around you.  By avoiding these top three mistakes, you will feel empowered and healthier as we all navigate this and the next emerging infectious disease outbreak.