Life in the Times of Corona
There’s a disease more dangerous and destructive than the virus that is going around…
It has infected over seven billion people in the world; resulting in mayhem, a global economic slowdown, cancellation of all major sporting events and activities, closure of schools and colleges in many countries and tremendous physical and mental distress all around. It has brought the world to its knees and shows no signs of abatement in the near future. It is yet to be given a name but some have proposed ‘Coronitis’ and is defined as ‘a mortal fear of getting infected by COVID-19’.
The disease manifests in 3 different forms based on underlying symptoms – mild, moderate and severe. Fortunately majority of those infected have the mild variety at this time, but this can rapidly change form with time and is characterised by a frequent need to update oneself with information about the global spread of COVID -19 and pass it on to others via social media. People suffering from this typically demonstrate an exterior of calm refusing to give in to the natural impulse of taking special precautions recommended for containment of the virus, but are always wary of their surroundings and watchful of the reactions that others exhibit to the changing scenario.
In the moderate form of the disease, the affected individual has a compulsive need to hoard masks, sanitizers, medicines and food items to safeguard against any lock-downs. Such a person is obsessive about covering his face with a mask at all times during the course of daily activities and when meeting even close friends and family members. A significant part of the day is spent judiciously following all instructions to avoid any risks of contracting the disease.
Severe Coronitis begins with refusal to talk or to meet strangers along with a morbid fear of going out. The individual gets startled easily whenever somebody nearby coughs or sneezes and in extreme cases harbors thoughts of murdering anyone suffering from as much as a cough, cold or a fever. Being forced to listen to repeated mobile phone caller-tune warnings for protection and prevention of virus spread in addition to causing migraine headaches and ear pain has been proved to be one of the trigger-points pushing one onto this stage. Some may exhibit personality changes and instances where people have locked up their partners in the bathroom on suspicion of carrying the virus have been recorded.
Like everyone else I too have had manifestations of the disease, initially of moderate severity when one morning I instructed my wife to stock up on a month’s provisions and medicines, donned a mask for some hours and glared at those who coughed or sneezed in my vicinity. Fortunately these symptoms settled down to a milder form of watchful expectancy which I am told may continue on for a few months.
I have to draw the analogy of the time when we were preparing for a long and protracted examination during our college days where initially we are all raring to go and give our best but halfway through, the stress and strain makes us just want to get it over with – even if it meant not getting the best outcomes. We are soon going to be at that halfway point.
There is no data or evidence to prove that exposing ourselves and developing herd immunity against the virus is the better option and the risks involved are considerable. On the other hand experts believe that it may be a few years before a cure or vaccine for COVID-19 is discovered and much before the world could deteriorate into a mass-frenzy.
The consequences of not following social-distancing norms and welcoming the virus with open arms may not augur well for the elderly and the infirm. But at the same time the news that young children and infants develop rapid immunity against the virus, if exposed, is something that may force a wry smile amidst all the gloom.
drumanathknayak@gmail.com
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18 comments
Pravn
March 15, 2020 at 2:29 pm
Good one sir,I diagnose myself to be a mild coronitis.
Though scary Coronitis seems bto b regaining lost ecological balance and brand new aam adani microbiologists.
Obaida Aslam
March 15, 2020 at 2:32 pm
In Kuwait right now, we are observing a two week lockdown to try and contain whatever we can, with almost every second person showing symptoms of Severe Coronitis, as you would call it. 🙂
This was a very interesting read about the times of Corona, very light hearted and thought provoking.
Shriram
March 15, 2020 at 11:14 pm
Great article Dr. Nayak! Could not stop laughing through the entire commentary! Thank you!
Sandhya
March 16, 2020 at 4:18 am
Enjoied reading 😁😁👌
Ravi krishnamoorthy
March 16, 2020 at 2:23 pm
Nice interesting piece to read…We too fall in the mild category!
Vidya Nair
March 16, 2020 at 2:56 pm
What a timing sir…I just opened ur blog mins after a ‘hair pulling’ experience with a patient…no marks for guessing…d pt was suffering from mod-severe case of coronitis….I fear d chronicity of the condition mite lead something I wud like to call a ‘coronoma’…sir, mite need ur help then😬😂😂
Ps: enjoyed reading it
Harihara Murthy
March 16, 2020 at 3:16 pm
Umanath you have a way with words. Caught the sense of the world so well. The fear of Corona is outstripping the effect of it. The meltdown it’s causing has far more damage that the disease itself. Fear it the key! Only proves how man is so afraid and the bluff and bluster of the most intelligent animal on the earth takes a beating so easily. I’m no hero. All of us live in a chimera.
Dr G G Laxman Prabhu
March 16, 2020 at 3:20 pm
Are we overeating or just being cautious ? The author has succinctly brought out our fear of the ununderstood.
True biological character of this bug will be known only in fullness of time. Till then Umanath being a surgeon he is will remind us of the age old maxim ” stich in time saves nine’
Carrissa
March 16, 2020 at 3:47 pm
Great blog Dr.Nayak and enjoyed reading it. I am equally amazed with the amount of internet traffic “Coronitis” has been generating and the impact it has created over the past few days…whether be it stocking up toilet paper and hygiene products or hoarding up on long storage edible products, thus wiping out shelves dry across supermarkets…one trait is evident, we humans, especially techno-savvy humans can be easily swayed and/or pushed into paranoia. Taking nothing away, the grief and impact this catastrophic pandamic has had on families and society, I strongly feel that a sense of responsibility and calm is needed and we, individuals rise above to fight the challenges that we as a society are facing.
Vasavi
March 16, 2020 at 4:14 pm
😂 Good one, Sir!
Purnima
March 16, 2020 at 9:50 pm
Enjoyed reading your hilarious take on the current situation sir
Jaya
March 18, 2020 at 1:13 am
Sir,
Your article is very interesting and makes us pause for a moment ,then a with broad smile shrug the melancholy we are all shrouded in. Time to quarantine ourselves not from people but the media,and distance ourselves from mortal fear of death.
Better to overcome and cure the virus of hatred ,which is more dangerous
Dr.Sheena
March 19, 2020 at 4:38 pm
Very good article sir👍
Where there is a lockdown everywhere, this article gives a lot of strength to work and let go off things with some good precautions🙂🙂
ITheresa Chilufya
March 23, 2020 at 12:14 pm
How can those with stoma protect themselves
Umanath Nayak
March 23, 2020 at 2:36 pm
Keep your stoma covered always, wear a protective mask over your face when you go out and keep your distance from others.
Niranjan Rao
March 24, 2020 at 1:06 pm
Nicely articulated Umanath👌🏽. So many COVID -19 experts on SM suffering from Coronitis. Also amazing is how curfew in India means going out and playing tag…..Your Coronated!!!! 😁.
blog
April 15, 2020 at 6:13 am
This design is steller! You obviously know how to keep a reader amused.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent
job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that,
how you presented it. Too cool!
ปั้มไลค์
June 22, 2020 at 4:52 am
Like!! I blog frequently and I really thank you for your content. The article has truly peaked my interest.