When the news of coronavirus came out in January I wrote a blog about it before the "panic" set in and here it is (click here). So what has changed other than the the media is panicking everyone and the stock exchange seems to be reacting, well, the virus has spread to some more countries but how does it affect the U.S. and more specifically Florida? Not much change yet. And how do you prevent from getting COVID-19? The exact same way you would to avoid getting a cold or a stomach virus: wash your hands frequently and if you're sick, stay home! I had a respiratory infection a week ago today and I did exactly that: I stayed home not just for my own health but my coworkers as well.
Several state governors — including the three most populated, California, Texas, and Florida — had a press conference yesterday to ease any panic regarding coronavirus entering the states.
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pledged to notify the public if anyone tested positive for the new virus in his state. The state's surgeon general declined to confirm if any suspected cases had been investigated. He and the governor cited state laws for withholding any statistical information.
Various state's top health officials have met with members of President Donald Trump's administration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned public institutions, businesses and individuals to get ready for the disease, President Trump has said there is no need to panic and that the U.S. is “very, very ready” to handle any outbreak. As I wrote before, since January 17th "the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Customs and Border Protection began "enhanced health screenings" to detect travelers sickened by coronavirus coming into the United States from Wuhan. The screenings are taking place at airports in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. The CDC said it is monitoring coronavirus and the risk for spreading into the U.S."
So what do you look for in form of symptoms from the coronavirus? Very similar to a cold, look for fever and coughing and, in serious cases, shortness of breath or pneumonia. Some symptoms may also be similar to influenza, which the CDC says has sickened tens of millions of U.S. residents and led to thousands of deaths since last fall.
Though the number of COVID-19 cases remains low in the U.S., the spread of the virus from China through Asia and elsewhere has alarmed some state and local officials. It's fine to be "alarmed" if it means prepare to soften the affect of the virus. Remember "recovery will depend on the strength of a person's immune system. Reports indicate those who have died are known to have been already in poor health."
So let's recap this is what is known about the coronavirus:
- The viruses can make people sick and is similar to a cold however, it can come with a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness and could lead to pneumonia. And is the case for for those with a weakened immune system, the elderly and the very young, there's a chance the virus could cause a much more serious, respiratory tract illness like a pneumonia or bronchitis.
- As with other viral illnesses, antibiotics are of no use. Recovery will depend on the strength of a person's immune system. Reports indicate those who have died are known to have been already in poor health.
- Scientists say the coronavirus can be passed human to human affirms a top Chinese expert on infectious diseases Zhong Nanshan tells state broadcaster CCTV
- You may be able to reduce your risk of infection by avoiding people who are sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash your hands often with soap and water and for at least 20 seconds.
- If you are sick, stay home and avoid crowds and contact with others.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and disinfect the objects and surfaces you touch.
If you feel ill, stay home. If the symptoms get worse get to your doctor immediately, not that it's coronavirus but like me my recent respiratory infection, you dont' want to get your coworkers ill with whatevery you have. ~grace
