Being a farm/country girl.... even tho I now live in semi-rural area... I have 3 cats... dedicated mousers all 3. When I lived in the country we had all kinds of critters come in "share" our abode - and old 1920's farmhouse modernized up a bit. Mice,snakes and others always came in during inclement weather.. or ..were brought in by the kids LOL Have you ever considered getting a cat? Lovely creatures and shelters are always full fo those in need of loving homes. ;-)
I have had three cats in the course of my adult life(no pets as a child except goldfish - long story)
Perhaps this is why I've gone this long without sharing my home with mice.
I lost my last beloved cat Jasmine about three months after I lost my mom in 2016. Admittedly, I have retreated emotionally since then. My beautiful dog (god spelled backwards as all of us who have them will attest) Lucy loves to eat cat leavings, and I have used that as an excuse not to adopt a new cat. Four years later and I still feel raw. Definitely need to open my heart again - and I am imperfectly working on doing just that.
Here in Washington State, the governor has declared a state of emergency after the first death of a Coronavirus patient occurred near Seattle. This patient was in a care facility and many more patients and staff are ill, a definite Coronavirus outbreak yet to be confirmed. The latest I read is that the virus was probably spreading in Washington over the past six weeks and that the few confirmed cases are probably the tip of the iceberg. Most cases are mild as you know and people can treat themselves at home. However the State Department of Health has cautioned people to prepare in case schools need to be closed. People may need to work from home, if possible. I understand that grocery stores, Costco and other provision outlets in Seattle have had a run on food supplies, cleaning products, Clorox and hand sanitizer. Where I live, there doesn't seem to be any panic buying.
So this is how it begins. I'm not writing this to scare anyone because I do believe we will get through this experience, but there will be disruptions to normal life.
I think it's a good idea to be pragmatic and ask yourself what items you would need if your community asked you to self quarantine for several weeks. Everyone has been so helpful with useful ideas here and I have a few more for you. Considering that 80% of people infected have a mild case, they will be able to care for themselves at home. There's no cure or treatment for this virus, but you could prepare to treat symptoms and make yourself more comfortable. So do you have Tylenol, Advil or Alleve for a fever? Do you have cough syrup on hand? Or Mucinex or Theraflu? The virus can also cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea. Immodium would be good to have on hand. Many of you probably know herbal remedies to treat symptoms and I would be interested in what you recommend.
Eucalyptus and menthol are good at combating mild breathing difficulties- they open the sinus and lungs. Vaporubs and "halls" like cough drops are good. Mint and citrus essential oils in a diffuser or vaporizer are good. I've heard turmeric and ginco also help with lung issues. I've cooked with turmeric, and find it undetectable as far as my tastebuds and gastrointestinal tract goes. It does make food more yellow/orange.
Ginger root is great for stomach problems. Add it to soups, tea, get the pickled version (think sushi) and eat it. Yes, they sell the pickled version- talk to your friendly grocery clerk. I wouldn't advise eating it raw, but maybe that's just me.
Certainly have a fever reducer on hand and mucinex has saved me from many a sinus infection - the super meth ingredient version you have to register for is not necessary unless you're already too far gone. If any of these methods don't help within a week, contact a health line for further instructions - then decide if those instructions work for you.
And please - if you have a fever (unexplained chills or feeling overheated) dry cough (not having flem come up in your throat when you cough, or feeling like there is something you need to spit out after a coughing bout) lung congestion (can't get a normal full breath or feeling like your chest is on fire when you breathe) take as much time as you can to keep out of your normal daily life. I get that many feel they can't call in sick for a variety of reasons from personal "duty" to a very real need to be paid so they can pay bills.
Now is the time to call in sick with these symptoms. In doing so, you're putting on your oxygen mask first for all of humanity.
How to clean your hands:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.
For more info, including the science behind hand-washing, go here. https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/hand/handwashing.html
Big hugs... at my age I have had many come and go in my life... each..as special ...each took a piece of my heart.. and left me a piece of theirs. To paraphrase the lovely poem by unknown author..." “It came to me that every time I lose a pet they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new pet who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be pets, and I will become as generous and loving as they are.”
My heart is made up of horses,goats,cows,chickens,squirrels,wild song birds I rehabbed, a fawn I rehabbed,dogs,cats and a raccoon and an opposum. :-) Hmmm.. perhaps that is why I love animals much more than people. ;-)
When your heart is ready... those who went ahead of you..will send the right one to you. Promise.