I feel this sense of uneasiness. It grows each day. I’m grateful for when my mind and attention are actively focused on something other than the coronavirus.

Then a news alert pops up on my watch or cellphone. Or I overhear a conversation. Or there’s an email message from my healthcare system. Or I tune into the news right before my near nightly indulgence of The Daily Show which entertains and slowly lulls me to sleep. It’s good to catch a few laughs after the news so I can re-gain my clarity.

What is within my control to protect me? According to my healthcare provider and the CDC, “wash your hands.” Well, I’ve got that one down even though I refuse to sing Happy Birthday during the process.

I’m avoiding crowds and I cringe if I hear someone near me cough or sneeze. I’m a little hesitant to hug friends now when I see them…but I have. It pops in my head when they’re approaching me for a hug…should I be doing this? This is the hardest part. I love connecting with people and don’t want to view other humans as pariah.

But we know so little about this virus. People are walking around, asymptomatic, and they could be carriers. As persons with chronic health conditions, we are more vulnerable. Some of us have compromised immune systems. I know a common cold can wipe me out and take close to a month for me to get back to my level of optimal health.

I wouldn’t call it a widespread panic but personally, the uneasiness is like an internal itch that tenses my nerves. It doesn’t help to have government leaders who lack knowledge and compassion.

I have no great words of wisdom to convey. I’m scared and I suspect many of you are too. I’ll take all of the sensible precautions.