COVID-19 and Military Families: What You Should Know

Editor’s note: This is a personal piece from a member of AWN’s Band of Bloggers. The information included in this post should not be considered medical advice. If you have questions about the virus itself, please consult with medical personnel. 

Most people around the world are being exposed to information overload on the COVID-19, also known as the Novel Coronavirus. Over the course of four days, my adopted home of northern Italy (where we are currently stationed) has gone from simply hearing about the virus (like everyone else) to being front and center of a news onslaught. Italy now has the third highest rate of outbreaks in the world and an astonishing 200 confirmed cases in those four days. This has everyone in the Veneto and the surrounding regions trying to make sense of what is happening and where to go from here.

So before we get too far into this, let’s establish some facts about the coronavirus from the CDC:

• While coronavirus is not particularly new, this particular strand of the virus (COVID-19) has not been previously identified. It is also not the same thing as influenza, but exhibits some similar symptoms like fever and mild to severe respiratory symptoms.
• While there is no vaccine for COVID-19, the CDC recommends that you avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, stay home when you are sick, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Basically, what you should already do to protect yourself and your family from any illness. 

Here in northern Italy, the Italian government and military are being aggressive in their handling of the outbreak of cases. However, I am seeing a tremendous response on social media that I felt needed to be addressed. Posts ranging from statement of facts (good) to fear mongering (not good!) have made everyone in this community on the edgier side. The officials are operating under the idiom “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and trying to get ahead of the illness.

In a situation like this, we should be concerned. However, panicking is not the answer. So what’s the difference?  

Concern is letting your kids know there is a virus being passed around and we need to make sure we are washing our hands, covering our mouths when we cough or sneeze, and giving extra space to other people who are ill.

Panic is buying the commissary and PX out of Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer or local hardware stores out of masks because you read an article begging you to do so. 

Concern is being aware and vigilant about the situation and ready to respond should the need arise.

Panic is posting every new case, fatality, or news briefing the local government or military is issuing (regardless of fact-checking status).

As I talk to family and friends back in the States, is bothersome because I hear a lot of “media is sensationalizing,” and “the flu has a higher mortality rate.” That is true and worth stating. But it is also a good reminder to not believe everything you are reading, seeing or hearing, and finding the balance is a work in progress for many of us!  

While Coronavirus hasn’t directly impacted the United States in significant ways yet, it is impacting thousands of soldiers and their families around the world. We in Italy are under travel advisories and certain cities in my area are under self-quarantine protocol. Locations around Europe are taking careful steps to keep everyone as safe and protected as possible, and South Korea is doing the same with many bases restricting access to post and releasing government updates via text messages throughout the day. 

I encourage you to say informed and vigilant. For accurate information concerning COVID-19 and how it is affecting us around the world, check out the CDC. 

For any specific information concerning service members abroad, I highly encourage you to follow your specific garrison Facebook pages. Garrisons around the world are keeping service members and their families informed and aware of the most up-to-date information available for those specific areas.

Remember, readers—there is a big difference between concern and panic. We encourage you to find your ideal empowering balance.

Oh—and don’t forget to wash your hands.