As of March 12, over 1,400 people across the United States have tested positive for coronavirus with thousands more across the globe. COVID-19, also known as coronavirus is a mew respiratory illness that began in China at the start of 2020.
Because this is a new virus the complete clinical picture is unknown, but information suggests it is mild in most cases. Much like other illnesses, the elderly, immune suppressed, and people with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of developing serious or even deadly COVID-19.
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- While a fever could be considered any body temperature over 98.6 degrees, a person is not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature reaches 100.4
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
While most cases of coronavirus are mild and otherwise healthy patients are expected to make a full recovery, we as a society need to look out for those around us that are more susceptible to major complications.
- Avoid contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. You can carry COVID-19 for up to two weeks with little or no symptoms while spreading it to others so the CDC recommends avoiding public places as much as possible in the coming weeks.
- Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
For continuous updates on coronavirus visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
