\u201cThe risk is real, so let\u2019s put on the record right now that this is a concern,\u201d speaking of the coronavirus \u2014 aka COVID-19 \u2014 and again quoting David Ropeik, an expert on risk perception and communication. \u201cThe challenge is keeping your worry in perspective.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why does the coronavirus scare us?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s new. Says Ropeik, \u201cWhen something is new, we don\u2019t know all of what we need to know to protect ourselves, and that feels like powerlessness. And that\u2019s what makes it scary.\u201d \u201cNew\u201d and knowledge are often incompatible; the complete clinical perspective is unknown to experts at this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It feels out of our control \u2014 referencing that powerlessness. There\u2019s no shot, vaccine, nor seemingly full-proof preventive measure. Washing our hands continues to be the most encouraged deterrent, but that doesn\u2019t feel targeted enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s spreading. First reported in late December in Wuhan, an eastern Chinese city with a population of approximately 11 million people, it has since spread to Europe and now to the US. American cases were initially reported on the West Coast, but as of March 6th, two deaths were reported in Florida. More than 330 cases in the U.S. have been confirmed, with 17 fatalities, and the numbers increasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Should<\/em> it scare us? In other words, do the facts support the fear?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let me first say it is no one\u2019s prerogative to tell another that they have no valid reason to fear; we are often too quick \u2014 and not always empathetic and sometimes a little arrogant, truthfully \u2014 to tell another they have no reason to be afraid. We don\u2019t know their life experience; we don\u2019t know their history; so that said, let\u2019s be clear about the facts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the World Health Organization, \u201cCOVID-19 is still affecting mostly people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The elderly, special needs, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk. Still the mortality rate from the virus is currently estimated to be approximately 3%. The flu mortality rate is considered to be approximately 0.1%. Hence, the chance of death is low, but compared to the flu, it is notably higher. Comparison makes a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What perpetuates the fear?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Call it just me, but the Intramuralist really has little trust in most media. Don\u2019t get me started on those rote \u201cfake news\u201d chants; the reality is the media has an agenda; politicians have an agenda. With the media so intertwined with politicians in 21st Century America, we can\u2019t always discern exactly what the agenda is, as it\u2019s hard to tell what is true and what is not. And often, pieces<\/em> of a story are true, but specific verbiage is utilized in order to promote a desired emotion to accompany the reporting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Writes David A. Clark Ph.D. in this week\u2019s Psychology Today<\/em> about the virus, \u201cMedia coverage of health issues is biased. The news outlets devote more time to emerging health hazards, like the COVID-19 outbreak, than common health threats. Anxious or fearful individuals tend to pay more attention to threat-related information, which then drives up their anxiety and distress.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n So what can we do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A couple of things, no doubt. Back to Dr. Clark, for a moment\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n And lastly, say your prayers. I go back to Dr. Clark\u2019s advice, \u201cDon\u2019t let fear rule your daily living.\u201d <\/strong>I continue to recognize that in my prayers and in all those who have shared historical encounters with the great big God of the universe, in each encounter, what\u2019s the first thing God says?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFear not.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Time and time again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Increasingly more, therefore, I see us neglecting the wisdom of the great big God of the universe. It\u2019s not that concerns about coronavirus are invalid; indeed, we should be mindful and aware. Even error on the side of caution. But when fear becomes our greatest driver \u2014 recognizing the actual, paralyzing and even physical toll fear, stress and worry take on our lives \u2014 I question how wise is our response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR \u201cThe risk is real, so let\u2019s put on the record right now that this is a concern,\u201d speaking of the coronavirus \u2014 aka COVID-19 \u2014 and again quoting David Ropeik, an expert on risk perception and communication. \u201cThe challenge is keeping your worry in perspective.” Why does the coronavirus scare us? It\u2019s new. Says Ropeik, … <\/p>\n
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