The hashtag #FlattenTheCurve is currently on Twitter. The reason is the corona virus. Why we are all now asked to do something about the spread of the virus – and how to do it.
Thousands of people are currently twittering under the hashtag #FlattenTheCurve, calling for the containment of the coronavirus. The Süddeutsche Zeitung, for example, explains in a detailed article why this has nothing to do with scaremongering, but is important.
Corona virus spreads exponentially
The spread of the coronavirus is exponential – and not linear. People can understand linear processes because they are used to them, the article says. With linear growth, a fixed number is added at fixed time intervals. It is different with exponential growth. It is much faster because the cases double in a fixed period.
There are currently 1,218 infected people in Germany. Christian Althaus, head of the Epidemological Research Group at the University of Bern, goes to the Southern Germans from a doubling time of six to seven days. Accordingly, on May 19, 1,247,232 people in Germany could already be infected – if the virus could spread unchecked.
In an graph, such exponential growth shows a steep curve upwards. If the virus is braked, this curve is kept flat – and that is the goal at the moment.
The Ministry of Health illustrates this in a video to help you understand:
“Let us show solidarity”
For most infected people, the disease is harmless – because they have no previous illnesses or a strong immune system. But about every fifth person has to be treated in the hospital. Often these are people with previous illnesses and the elderly. To protect the latter, it is important that everyone helps to reduce the spread of the virus.
On Twitter, many people are currently calling on the hashtag #FlattenTheCurve to keep the curve flat, i.e. to contain the virus.
So Silke Gebel demands from the Greens, “Let us show solidarity and create ‘FlattenTheCurve’ together.” Just like the author Natascha Stroble, who writes: “We are doing this now with solidarity, ok?”
Greta Thunberg also calls for solidarity and behaves reasonably as usual: “We young people are least affected. But it is essential that we show solidarity with those who are most at risk and that we act in the best interests of society. ”
Measures to slow down the spread
The example of Spanish flu, which spread to the United States in 1918 and 1919, shows how effective simple measures can be. Unlike the city of Philadelphia, St. Louis took early action and was able to curb the spread of the virus.
A few simple measures help to protect yourself and other people from the virus:
- Frequent and thorough hand washing. The Federal Center for Health Education advises for at least 20 seconds. So just count to 20 while washing your hands – or twice in a row happy Birthday to sing. If that’s too boring for you: Zett’s colleagues have choruses picked outthat are around 20 seconds long. Our favorites: bungalow of Picture book and Oops … I did it again of Britney Spears.
- Keep two meters away from people with flu symptoms.
- Sneeze into the crook of your arm or into a disposable handkerchief, which is then disposed of in a closable trash can. And turn away while sneezing.
- Do not press elevator buttons, handrails or door handles in public buildings with your hand, but with your elbow or ankle.
By the way:
- A face mask is usually superfluous and does not help against infection. But it protects others when you yourself are ill.
- In our article, we explain that many disinfectants don’t help – and which ones do.
- Anyone who develops flu symptoms should call the doctor and avoid the public for safety reasons. In addition, you should not go to the doctor unannounced so as not to endanger other people.
More methods to do that To prevent coronavirus, the Öko-Test colleagues have put together in a detailed article.
Read more on Techzle.com:
- Everyday racism: When it wasn’t meant to be bad
- You have to see these 15 documentaries
- Climate protection: 14 tips against climate change