Is it time to worry about the Coronavirus outbreak?
General, Outreach, Social Media

Is it time to worry about the Coronavirus outbreak?

 
With all the recent press, I wanted to provide clear information on the status of the global coronavirus situation.

Is it time to worry?

It is not yet time to worry, but it is time to become knowledgeable about this virus.

There are 4 types of coronaviruses that cause upper respiratory infections (the common cold) endemic around the world all the time. Most coronavirus infections are more of a nuisance than a medical emergency or concern.

COVID-19 (also being called SARS-CoV-2) is from this same family of coronaviruses. As you likely already know, it originally emerged in Wuhan, China and was found to pass human-to-human shortly afterwards. This COVID-19 is a more virulent coronavirus than those that typically cause the common cold.

Symptoms may appear in 2 to 14 days after exposure. The symptoms of a coronavirus infection, from the common cold to COVID-19 are:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Other coronaviruses with more severe disease processes include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS). COVID-19 currently has a lower mortality rate than SARS or MERS had. The deaths from COVID-19 are often from the virus causing a lower respiratory infection, like pneumonia, or a secondary infection adding to the pneumonia.

People at higher risk for severe complications are those over 65 years old, young children, pregnant women, people who are immunocompromised, and those who have chronic heart, lung, or kidney conditions.

This virus is spread mainly from person to person in either close contact (within 6 feet) or through respiratory droplets from a cough or sneeze.

Unlike SARS, COVID-19 is transmissible during the incubation period, meaning people can transmit the virus before they realize they are infected themselves, though this is not the main way it is spread. Additionally, some who have recovered from COVID-19 have been reinfected. This suggests the possibility that it will be more difficult to contain that SARS. Right now, the areas with sustained community spread are only in China, Iran, Italy, Japan, and South Korea. As this virus continues to spread in this manner in more and more areas of the world, we move closer to meeting the definition of a pandemic.

Your individual risk is dependent on exposure.

Right now, we (those not returning from China or not close contact with the 60 people with the infection) in the United States are overall unlikely to be exposed. As of today, there are just 2 COVID-19 patients in Florida. Our immediate risk of infection is low.

The way things are currently going, we should expect this virus to cause a pandemic. At that time, the risk of infection will be different.

The CDC, attempting to establish potential expectations, stated the following:

“More cases are likely to be identified in the coming days, including more cases in the United States. It’s also likely that person-to-person spread will continue to occur, including in the United States. Widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the United States would translate into large numbers of people needing medical care at the same time. Schools, childcare centers, workplaces, and other places for mass gatherings may experience more absenteeism. Public health and healthcare systems may become overloaded, with elevated rates of hospitalizations and deaths. Other critical infrastructure, such as law enforcement, emergency medical services, and transportation industry may also be affected. Health care providers and hospitals may be overwhelmed. At this time, there is no vaccine to protect against COVID-19 and no medications approved to treat it.”

COVID-19 Prevention:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

What about facemasks?

  • The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Should you get sick with COVD-19, this is what you should do:

  • Stay home except to get medical care
  • Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
  • Call ahead before visiting your doctor or hospital
  • Wear a facemask
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Clean your hands often
  • Avoid sharing personal household items
  • Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday

Final Thoughts

Remember, it’s currently the flu and respiratory disease season and CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine and taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs.