Coronavirus is in the US: Learn How to Protect Your Family
Medical Disclosure & Note: If you are concerned or have questions about the Coronavirus please contact your local county Health Department. For Corpus Christi residents, the Nueces County Health Department can be reached at: 361-826-7200
It all started as a mystery virus that originated in Wuhan, China on December 2019. Now, the Novel Coronavirus, also referred to as 2019-nCoV and given the official name COVID-19, has claimed the lives of more than 250 people worldwide.
Historically, the human coronaviruses cause little need for alarm. They are the culprits behind mild to moderate illnesses such as the common cold. We have been infected with one of these viruses at some point in our lives, however, the most recent strain, the COVID-19, is deadlier – sweeping rapidly across China and spreading across the world.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (1) there is currently no vaccine to prevent the COVID-19 infection. So what can families do in the face of this massive outbreak? What are the steps you can take to minimize your risk of getting infected?
Physicians Premier, your ER in Corpus Christi, TX, recommends taking daily preventive actions. Here are some protective measures from the World Health Organization (2):
Do this regularly, and do this often: wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 20 seconds. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of washing your hands to prevent, not just coronavirus, but a host of other infections and diseases.
In the absence of water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. Practice respiratory hygiene
The virus is spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing, and properly dispose the tissue.
Your hands are capable of transmitting illnesses, as anything you touch is a common surface. The virus may spread when a person coughs or sneezes into their hands and touches an object or surface, and another (uninfected person) touches the contaminated surface and then touches their nose, eyes, or mouth.
3. Maintain social distancing
The World Health Organization recommends standing at least 1 meter away from other people in order to avoid spreading or contracting an infection. Being too close to infected people might cause you to breathe in the virus when they cough or sneeze.
4. If you experience the symptoms of the COVID-19, seek medical care right away
Be sure to inform your doctor if you have recently been to Wuhan, China, or were in close contact to a person that was, and experienced the following respiratory symptoms:
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
5. Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products
Health officials suggest cooking eggs and meat thoroughly, since scientists believe that the virus started in animals and then spread to humans.
Physicians Premier, your ER in Corpus Christi, TX, encourages families to stay safe and keep up-to-date about the latest information to prevent the virus from spreading. We also offer some of these links to resources which include advice on prevention and travel warnings.
Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), World Health Organization
Coronavirus Prevention and Treatment
More information from Physicians Premier:
Take Action to Prevent the Flu
Prevent Flu Through Regular Handwashing
Sources:
(1) “Prevention for 2019 Novel Coronavirus.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/prevention.html.
(2) “Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) advice for the public.” World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public.
(3) “Novel coronavirus: What is it and how can I protect myself?” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/expert-answers/novel-coronavirus/faq-20478727.
