"Social Distancing" & Virus Misinformation

I'm practicing a little responsible "social distancing" here at home (as you can see in the video below) and I would advise you do the same:

Look, as we all spend more time at home and likely, more time in front of the computer, we really need to work together to stop some of the misinformation circulating out there about the current global pandemic.

While this outbreak is viral, so is the spread of bad information, and we can work together to stop both.

One thing that specifically caught my eye is a "Navy SEAL test" that's supposed to be a simple self-check for the virus, that involves holding your breath.

Folks, this is just nonsense. Yes, SEALs are required to be able to hold their breath for long periods of time during our training. I can talk more about that at another time.

But holding your breath without discomfort is not a way to test yourself for infection, full stop.

The truth is, many people exhibit no symptoms at all, and others have mild issues, particularly at the outset, when you could still be contagious.

So let's stop spreading this falsehood around.

Also, you may see recommendations for sipping water every few minutes, or gargling with salt water or vinegar or garlic, or even dangerous recommendations that involve bleach. None of this is true.

My advice to you is to practice vigilant personal hygiene. Frequent hand washing. Stay away from crowds as much as you can. If you're older, or have underlying health conditions, you should be even more careful.

Your best bet is to stay home if you can.

There are things you can do to support your health and your immune system. Get adequate rest. Limit alcohol consumption. Stick with your healthy diet. And keep moving – a walk around the neighborhood is still ok, and the fresh air could do you some good and help you relax a bit in the face of cabin fever.

Together we can ride this out, stop the flow of misinformation, and give our heroes in the medical community, law enforcement and other folks who have no option to shelter in place a fighting chance here.

And if you do have to venture out for supplies, do me a favor – thank the people at the grocery store, pharmacy and other vital hubs of our society for being there for all of us.

They are performing a valuable service and showing valor in the face of real uncertainty.

These are unprecedented times. But we will get through this. If we work together, do our part, and help keep each other safe and calm.

Be a survivor... not a statistic,

Cade Courtley
Former Navy SEAL / 4Patriots Contributor