Novel Coronavirus is a concern for everyone … a growing concern. It seems that understandably, everyone wants to know how to deal with Coronavirus. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring developments from an outbreak of a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a new Coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. In light of the new outbreak, we want to provide you with information about the virus and prevention. Please note, the CDC has issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for China. That means that all non-essential travel to China should be avoided.
If you have recently returned from China or have had contact with anyone potentially exposed to the Coronavirus, please notify your healthcare provider immediately.
Coronavirus Symptoms and Transmission
Currently, very little is known about how the Coronavirus spreads. The CDC believes that the new strain of coronavirus is spread from person-to-person, mainly via respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Its transmission is similar to the manner in which the flu and other respiratory illnesses spread. Symptoms of the virus include the following:
- Fever
- Coughing, sneezing
- Shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing
- Other flu-like symptoms, including
If you develop a fever or other symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately to seek medical treatment.
Protecting Yourself from Coronavirus
Please exercise precautions to safeguard your health and the health of others around you. There is currently no vaccine to prevent Coronavirus infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The most up-to-date information regarding the virus is available on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Additional Information
Additional information on how to deal with Coronavirus outbreak is available at the following links:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019