A coronavirus is a type of virus that belongs to a large family of viruses which may cause illness. In December 2019, a new type of coronavirus was discovered in Wuhan, China and since then has spread rapidly throughout the world. COVID-19 is the specific name for the infectious disease caused by this newly discovered coronavirus. Symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus.
Here are some resources that help explain the novel coronavirus: https://youtu.be/mOV1aBVYKGA https://youtu.be/OOJqHPfG7pA COVID-19 is especially dangerous for people of any age with underlying health conditions such as asthma, heart conditions, lung disease, or immune disorders. Anyone in these categories, and anyone above 60, should be extra cautious.
The following link contains good information about people who are at higher risk: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html How Does COVID-19 Spread?
The main way in which the virus spreads is from person to person who are in close contact with each other. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they can produce respiratory droplets that contain the novel coronavirus. These respiratory droplets can float in the air and land on nearby surfaces. In fact, a single cough can produce up to 3,000 ultra-fine droplets. If these respiratory droplets are breathed in by someone nearby, they can be exposed to the virus. It is also believed that the virus can spread by people touching surfaces that have these respiratory droplets on them and then touching their nose and mouth, or rubbing their eyes.
For more information on how the virus spreads, the following links are very useful: https://youtu.be/WfJSVbQtHsk?list=PLvrp9iOILTQaJa78zFQ0QgvShQ2HEwHxP https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/transmission.html What Can People Do To Protect Themselves From COVID-19?
Practice Social Distancing The best thing to do to protect yourself from being exposed to COVID-19 is to practice social distancing. This means avoiding people who are sick and during this time of crisis, maintaining a distance of 2 meters from other people. Whether you are standing in line, taking the bus, walking, or grocery shopping, maintaining a distance of 2 meters will help to avoid being exposed to the virus.
View this video about social distancing: https://youtu.be/bYQjssb7xdk Wash your Hands Regularly and Avoid Common Surfaces It is also very important to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly and to not touch your face, eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. When washing your hands, it is recommended that you wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If available, a rubbing alcohol based hand sanitizer is recommended as well. Remember that common surfaces like grocery carts, petrol pump handles, elevator buttons, door handles, etc. can potentially have the coronavirus on them. After being out in public and touching common surfaces, it is very important to wash your hands and to not touch your face.
View this video about washing your hands: https://youtu.be/d914EnpU4Fo For more information on how to protect yourself from COVID-19 and what you can do to prevent spreading it to others, visit the following links: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public https://youtu.be/9Ay4u7OYOhA?list=PLvrp9iOILTQaJa78zFQ0QgvShQ2HEwHxP What To Do if You or Someone You Know is Sick?
If you or someone you know develop symptoms similar to a cold or a flu, such as a fever or cough, they may have COVID-19. For most people, the illness is mild and they will be able to recover at home.
Good information on what to do if you are sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/caring-for-yourself-at-home.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/care-for-someone.html If you are experiencing any of the following emergency warning signs, seek medical attention immediately: · Trouble breathing
· Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
· New confusion or inability to arouse
· Bluish lips or face Please note that this list is not all inclusive. It is important to seek the advice of a doctor if you are experiencing these or any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. |
