Coronavirus has changed the lives of everyone in the world. While we journey through some challenging times, it important to know a much as you can to help prevent the spread of the infection to you or your loved ones.

What is Coronavirus?

• Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which can cause diseases in both humans and animals

• The newly identified virus is being called, COVID-19, causes respiratory (lungs) illness

• The virus was discovered in Wuhan, China in December 2019

• There has been connection between a large seafood and live animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread

How is it spread?

COVID-19 is spread through person-to-person contact. This means people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet). Within the 6 feet range, you are at-risk for being exposed to respiratory droplets that maybe infected with the virus.

A respiratory droplet are made by the nose, mouth, lungs and throat by breathing, talking, sneezing, coughing)  and includes saliva and mucus. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

While research is still been done, there is a possibility that COVID-19 can be spread to touching contaminated surfaces and objects and by someone who does not appear to be sick at all.

Symptoms

• Cough (often reported as a a dry cough meaning not producing any mucus)

• Fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher)

• Shortness of Breath

Other symptoms of Coronavirus are similar to that of the flu including:

• Fatigue

• Runny nose

• Body aches

• Sore throat

• diarrhea

• loss of appetite

• loss of smell/taste (not common)

Symptoms can be mild to severe. In severe cases, the infection can lead to pneumonia, kidney failure, respiratory failure and even death.

Treatment

Since COVID-19 is a virus, antibiotics are not effective at treating the illness. Antibiotics only treat infections caused by bacteria. As of now, there is no specific treatment for Coronavirus. The infection is treated with supportive measures- those that relieve the symptoms such as giving medicine for a fever.

Fast developing vaccines and clinical drug trials are being made during this crisis but not available to the general population until safe.

Prevention

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds

• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands

• Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze

• Then dispose of the used tissue immediately

• Stay at least 3 feet from anyone who is coughing or sneezing

• Stay home if you feel unwell

• If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention

The key to stopping the spread of COVID-19 is social distancing. Stay home and stay safe.