How long until we know definitely what to do about the virus for people with compromised immune systems?

[max3732]

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I have a compromised immune system and am concerned about the virus and very confused by the advice given by "experts".

The China said there was no evidence of human to human transmission and the WHO agreed with that.

The after it spread in the US the WHO and CDC said to not wear face masks since it would give people a false sense of security, people could possibly get infected not wearing it right, and there was no evidence ones other than the N95 masks would be effective. At the same time some of my friends forwarded me information from Eastern Europe saying to wear masks, even home made ones since they were effective. The "experts" were saying that was misinformation. Now the CDC and many places in the US require non-N95 masks, but the WHO still says it is not required.

In the beginning we were told to stay home for a few weeks (since that's how long it would take to show symptoms) to "flatten the curve" and get enough ventilators and other supplies ready. Then we never heard about ventilators again or other supplies and some people/places were saying the quarantine would have to last months, maybe even until we find a vaccine. There were all these PSAs about staying home to save lives and that going outside and gathering would cause a huge spike and kill hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions. They were arresting people for going to funerals or kids going to birthday parties saying that gathering in large groups kills people and will not be tolerated.

Now I see the same people that said they'd arrest you for walking on certain kinds of sand or doing anything outside of with your household actually encouraging people to gather in large groups where they are shouting and getting extremely close to one another. I read an article before saying that shouting would spread the virus even more. Whatever you're opinion for the reason behind them gathering why was gathering something that would get you arrested before and now the same people are saying it's encouraged? Won't all the people involved in these recent gathering risk spreading it to others?

Is it safe to gather in large groups or not? 

The "experts" also said the virus could be spread by contact with surfaces, then I read someone from the CDC said it was very unlikely, and then I read other people said it could be spread by surfaces.

There is so much contradictory information out there and the numbers of people infected and deaths also seem to be revised often. How can I tell if an increase in # of people with virus is from additional transmission or just more testing? Would it be safe for me to go on a date or meet friends for lunch or go out to dinner with my parents or not?

Are we ever going to get definitive answers about what the right thing to do is to stop the spread of the virus and what's safe if you're at a higher risk like I am?

[schlumpy]

Your guess is good as mine. I do recognize that you are correct about the backtracking and obfuscation of medical information. I'm in the same situation you are. At some point we will all have to take our chances.

Until then I suggest you use your own brain and be aware of what is going on around you. Keep up the distancing until you are satisfied the odds are in your favor. If that's before the government give you the green light then that's OK. Trust your own instincts. 

It's very possible that in the end, we will all be exposed to this virus no matter what we do aside form living in a sterilized bubble.

[Foxhall]

7 hours ago, max3732 said:

s it safe to gather in large groups or not? 

Indoor large group gatherings  continue to look ill advised at this point, especially if you are a "higher risk" person. 

on the other hand, small outdoor gatherings with people keeping a distance of two metres from each other, they are safe enough. 

take obvious precautions, such as dont put your hand to your face after touching a surface, without cleaning your hands first, 

 

[elaine567]

Forget about the Govt or the "rules"
What you need to concentrate on is that this is a virus and viral particles if they can get into your body will cause the infection.
So your job is to protect yourself against that,
The virus in an infected individual is transferred to others in droplets from coughing and sneezing.
Particles are also dispersed in the air around anyone who is speaking or shouting.
Anyone with the virus also can end up with viral particles on their hands so thus can transfer particles onto surfaces too.
Keeping away from people is the best thing you can do 
Social distance and keep away from all others as much as possible, as it is contact with others that puts you at risk.
Forget large and even small groups and avoid anyone that is coming too close to you.
Keep washing your hands and stop touching any part of your face especially the eyes, the mouth and the nose as these moist surfaces are where the virus gains entry.
Gloves and masks can be worn but be aware that the outside of the gloves and the mask are potentially contaminated after wear, so be very careful taking them off, and dispose of them carefully and then wash your hands thoroughly. NO stuffing of gloves and masks into pockets and bags to use them again later...
As soon as  you touch the outside of your mask or gloves then your hands can potentially be contaminated.
Washable masks need to go straight into the washing machine with as little touching as possible, no scrunching up.
NO wearing masks around the neck and no fiddling with it or taking it on and off. Once on leave it on, until you can dispose of it and wash your hands.

[Ellener]

11 hours ago, max3732 said:

Are we ever going to get definitive answers about what the right thing to do is to stop the spread of the virus and what's safe if you're at a higher risk like I am?

I think it will take time, it's a lot of situations and nations trying to figure it out. 

All we can do is minimise our risks and hope for the best I think.

As @Foxhall says, indoors is higher risk, very few infections were found to be transmitted outdoors so far.

11 hours ago, max3732 said:

Would it be safe for me to go on a date or meet friends for lunch or go out to dinner with my parents or not?

We're in later stages of opening up here and of course the numbers went up. I haven't been out to eat since February, I walk with two friends, one of whom visited me here last night- first visitor in my new home, and I've only hugged my son and one male friend in months. I tried dating online and talking but it's not a good way to get to know someone and I'm not quite ready to meet up in person...maybe next week for a walk. My walking group meets Sunday and I'm going to go walk the first half mile with them ( I have some foot problems )

I feel I need to get back to life but also in limbo, so just keeping myself calm and occuped with positive stuff.

I am missing human touch so I put a massage seat in the car and bought one of those weighted blankets. I'm using the time to swim and work out and complete little projects but I do feel disconnected from my former life.

Hang in there!!!

[max3732]

19 hours ago, elaine567 said:

Forget about the Govt or the "rules"
What you need to concentrate on is that this is a virus and viral particles if they can get into your body will cause the infection.
So your job is to protect yourself against that,
The virus in an infected individual is transferred to others in droplets from coughing and sneezing.
Particles are also dispersed in the air around anyone who is speaking or shouting.
Anyone with the virus also can end up with viral particles on their hands so thus can transfer particles onto surfaces too.
Keeping away from people is the best thing you can do 
Social distance and keep away from all others as much as possible, as it is contact with others that puts you at risk.
Forget large and even small groups and avoid anyone that is coming too close to you.
Keep washing your hands and stop touching any part of your face especially the eyes, the mouth and the nose as these moist surfaces are where the virus gains entry.
Gloves and masks can be worn but be aware that the outside of the gloves and the mask are potentially contaminated after wear, so be very careful taking them off, and dispose of them carefully and then wash your hands thoroughly. NO stuffing of gloves and masks into pockets and bags to use them again later...
As soon as  you touch the outside of your mask or gloves then your hands can potentially be contaminated.
Washable masks need to go straight into the washing machine with as little touching as possible, no scrunching up.
NO wearing masks around the neck and no fiddling with it or taking it on and off. Once on leave it on, until you can dispose of it and wash your hands.

The only thing I've done outside my house since this pandemic started is play tennis with a pro under very controlled circumstances a handful of times. I parked so that I could open my door and walk right through the gate to get in the court. I stayed away from the pro and didn't touch any balls or anything on the court. That's it. 

I've turned down requests to play from many people including a single woman. Now that doubles is allowed even more people are asking me to play.

I've been cooking all of my own meals and have had all my groceries delivered. A lot of studies have said the chance of transmission from food is low, but I don't know about the packaging or know if I can trust the studies.

With what we know about the virus it doesn't seem like going to doctor or dentist would be safe. For the doctor I go into the building lobby and then the waiting room and am in an enclosed area where they take my blood and pay. Then when I come back to see the doctor he normally looks at my eyes, throat, everything. He's around people all day.

For the dentist I have to go inside an elevator and then I've got my mouth open with someone on top of me and people walking through the hallways.

In both cases they are just scheduled appointments. I do have my blood levels tested to ensure my medication is working so that's important, but with the dentist it's just a cleaning.

Based on what you said it doesn't seem like either one is safe to do. The tennis (even doubles) seems a lot safer.