Since the beginning of March, the coronavirus situation in Germany has evolved rapidly. Are you wondering what's really going on and what you need to know now? Do you want to know why #flattenthecurve is now a top priority ? You can find an overview here. We'll also be following you in the coming days on Instagram and in our newsletter with important updates, tips for your immune system , the best hacks for working efficiently from home , and inspiration on training and mindfulness during the coronavirus pandemic. Let's master this together!
Table of contents
1. Corona profile: Who is it about?
The currently rampant coronavirus is COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). This novel virus first caused infections in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 [1]. By mid-March 2020 (as of March 20) , more than 209,000 people in 168 countries had been infected [2]. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the number of infected people in Germany is currently over 13,000.
2. Corona - how dangerous is it really?
First things first: The insidiousness and danger of COVID-19 don't necessarily lie in its symptoms. Rather, they lie in the combination of a high infection rate (the so-called "basic reproduction number") and a relatively long incubation period . It takes up to 14 (on average 5-6) days for the first symptoms to appear after infection [3]. During this time, you won't feel anything – yet you're still contagious. On average, an infected person will infect 2.4-3.3 people [4]. These, in turn, are also contagious before the first symptoms appear – and will infect other people. This creates exponential growth, where a single person can infect around 3,000 other people within 8 weeks [5].
Although the infection is mild in 8 out of 10 cases, depending on the age group [6], the number of seriously ill people within the risk groups is also increasing – in the worst case, to a level that the current healthcare system cannot cover . Put simply: There is only a limited number of hospital beds with ventilators, which are needed if respiratory distress occurs as a result of a coronavirus infection. If the number of cases increases too quickly, medical care for the most severely affected can no longer be guaranteed – and death can occur. Risk groups include people aged 50 and over, smokers, and people with a weakened immune system or a pre-existing condition (e.g., asthma, cancer, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, or heart disease).
3. #flattenthecurve - what it's all about now
Experts now agree that the novel coronavirus can no longer be stopped and that more infections will occur. What matters now is slowing its progression – and thus ensuring sufficient capacity in the healthcare system [6]. Every individual plays a crucial role in this. #CommonCare
4. #StopCorona - what can you do yourself?
As a so-called potty infection , the coronavirus is transmitted through inhaling pathogens from the mouth and nose (e.g., through coughing and sneezing) – or through the hands, if the hands have been in contact with them [7]. To contain the further spread of the virus, you should consider the following rules:
1. Reduce social contacts to a minimum
To prevent transmission from person to person, the first thing to do is keep your distance . Large events have already been canceled nationwide in Germany. In many federal states, bars, gyms, schools, daycare centers, and event venues are closed. Many companies have also already switched to home office as a precautionary measure. The responsibility of the individual is now required. While you don't have to lock yourself up at home at the moment, you can still go for a walk or shopping - provided you observe the necessary hygiene measures; however, you should reconsider unnecessary group gatherings with friends, private birthday parties, or similar events [8]. Otherwise, keep your distance from other people and generally avoid shaking hands [9] and hugging .
2. Ensure adequate hygiene measures
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It's all in your hands: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for about 30 seconds each time.
Keep it safe: Sneeze and cough only into your elbow.
3. Protect risk groups
Support at-risk groups by, for example, doing their shopping or providing information. You should also especially avoid physical contact with them.
By the way: If you notice symptoms such as fever and cough, stay at home and call your doctor if you suspect you have the virus instead of going straight to the doctor's office.
5. #StayAwayToStayClose - this is how we continue with Corona
We want to actively support you in the coming days. Learn more about your immune system , work more productively from home , discover the best tips for sports and leisure activities within your own four walls, and stay informed. Together with you, we want to contribute to the well-being of all and use this time to demonstrate strength and solidarity and to grow as individuals . Be part of this and sign up for our newsletter now or follow us on Instagram to stay up to date.
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To protect you and your immune system, we're not only working on numerous tips, but have also put together a discounted IMMUNE BUNDLE with important supplements for your immune system . You can find it now in our shop:
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5. Sources
[1] NDR (2020): Corona Guide. https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/ratgeber/gesundheit/coronavirus-fragen-antworten-100.html#sprung0 (accessed March 16, 2020)
[2]WHO (2020): Corona Dashboard. https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd
[3] WHO (2020): Report of the WHO-China Joint Mission on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19 ). Report. World Health Organization (WHO); 2020 February 16-24, 2020; quoted from RKI (2020) https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuhaftes_Coronavirus/Steckbrief.html#doc13776792bodyText3 (as of March 16, 2020)
[4] RKI (2020): Corona Profile. https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Steckbrief.html#doc13776792bodyText4 (as of March 16, 2020)
[5] ARD Mediathek (2020): The Corona Crisis. https://www.ardmediathek.de/daserste/player/Y3JpZDovL25kci5kZS85M2FjNWEyMi1kYjg3LTRlZDMtOThkYy1mOTQxYmQwMmUzNmU/die-corona-krise-wie-drastisch-muessen-die-massnahmen-werden (as of March 16, 2020)
[6] RKI (2020): COVID-19: Act now, plan ahead. https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/Infekt/EpidBull/Archiv/2020/Ausgaben/12_20.pdf?__blob=publicationFile (accessed March 16, 2020)
[7] NDR (2020): What you need to know about the coronavirus. https://www.ndr.de/ratgeber/gesundheit/Coronavirus-Fragen-und-Antworten,corona100.html
[8] NDR (2020): Coronavirus Update Episode 13; Script for the podcast interview with virologist Prof. Dr. Christian Drosten; https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/info/coronaskript126.pdf (as of March 16, 2020)
[9] Federal Ministry of Health: Daily information on the coronavirus. https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/coronavirus.html (as of March 16, 2020)
