What is Hantavirus?

I don’t know and I’m not going to pretend to know, but we should talk about it. 

Currently, my for you page has been full of discussion about this topic. Apparently, this virus began in Argentina and this specific strain is transferable to humans. In typical cases of this virus, it is not contagious to other humans. It’s being spread amongst a cruise ship coming from Argentina, which was unable to dock until recently. I read that seven people have passed because of this virus at this point. And, to make matters more severe, the incubation period for symptoms to present is eight weeks. After that cruise ship docked, the passengers obviously traveled home, which create new opportunities of spreading. 

I guess there is some speculation that since the World Cup is being hosted in Kansas this year, the spreading of this virus will go crazy. 

So is this the new Covid-19?

Honestly, who can tell? But, when Covid started I was 17. I’ll be turning 24 in a few days. I can’t imagine how a pandemic would go over now. I feel like our world is so different now. I mean for one thing we have experience, so I don’t know if people would take it as seriously or if people would take it more seriously. I also wonder if the world would recover more quickly because it wouldn’t be our first rodeo. 

Also there’s been a variety of journalists who have confidently stated that this virus is not the catalyst of a pandemic. I’m not sure how they know this but I guess they do. 

I will say this though, I will be doing the same thing I did then. When Covid hit, I lived with my parents and worked out three times a day. I was super healthy and I had time to devote myself to that. I’d also start making tiktoks, fast. If Addison Rae has taught us anything, it is to post yourself online. 

Covid was a really interesting time in everyone’s life and so many people suffered. There were some positives though. The environment kind of got a break and people appreciated life a little bit more. We spent more time with the one’s were the closest with. We had time to do things for ourselves and slow down a little. But obviously it was also a really hard time. People suffered financially and medically. People died and some were stuck in abusive settings. We also only socialized through a screen. I know that when life got back to normal, I couldn’t be in big groups without anxiety. I still cannot be in a crowd without hating every second of it. I think Covid also made us more sensitive. Everything is cancellable today and that started in Covid. It’s important to bring light to issues around our country but I firmly believe that if we really wanted to create sustainable and impactful change, we need to start in our own communities. Start local and bring about positive change. That’s where you will make the largest impact. People start at the federal level and shout and shout but make no real difference. The issues are still there and you really aren’t helping anyone. By starting local you bring change and positivity to your neighbors and eventually that will spread to surrounding communities. 

Anyways, a new pandemic is scary and clearly has a lot of elements to consider. How is it spread? How long does it last? What are the symptoms? How dangerous is it? Is there a vaccine? How do you test? What would quarantine look like with this virus? How do hospitals treat and manage patients? And then the social and political elements as well. To be honest, I don’t know how government leaders manage and limit a pandemic. I don’t think anyone truly knows. 

I would try a whipped coffee again. I was pretty spectacular at making those. And, a new documentary like Tiger King would sustain me for another few years. I think about him and the other characters way too often honestly. But a good one is Kings of Tupelo if you’re looking. 

Anyways, if you feel so inclined, comment and tell me what you think of this virus.

With love and lightheartedness,

Cici