How To Prevent & Understand COVID-19.
Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. There is still much to learn, but it is believed the virus is spread mainly from person-to-person in one of the following ways: (1) Between people who are in close contact with one another at a distance of about 6 feet. (2) Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. The aggressively transmissible nature of this disease is what sets it apart from many others of its ilk. In other words: It spreads quickly, widely and fatally. So protect yourself in the appropriate ways prescribed by the health authorities in your area and the Centers for Disease Control website.
Wash, Wash and Wash Some More!
You may have noticed that alcohol-based hand sanitizer has become largely unavailable. This is because people worldwide are stocking up on it, as it is a key component in our defense against this new, invisible enemy. While it is strongly suggested that you wash with soap and warm water for no less than 20 seconds per session (several times per day) using hand sanitizer before and/or after is always a good idea too.
In fact, lots of people are carrying around pocket-sized bottles of hand sanitizer so they can keep clean throughout the day. At this current state of disease spread, you should take as many safety precautions as possible.
Social Distancing
Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. But how do I know who's sick and who's not? you might be asking yourself. That's a good question. You don't know, and that's a big part of the problem. The scarier thing is that even they might not know. Your best bet is to keep six feet of space between yourself and others, as stated above. This is especially relevant if there are reports of COVID-19 spreading in your community. Don't be afraid to keep a face mask and gloves on hand at all times either. Also, remember: Family members can spread the disease to one another just the same as strangers. So practice the same safety precautions in private as you would in public. For additional safety reading please click here.
So Am I Sick?
The more you hear about coronavirus on the news and from other people, the more likely you are to think you have it. I do feel a tickle in my throat! or Didn't that guy in the subway sneeze near me two weeks ago? are the types of thoughts that are currently running through everybody's minds. Statistically, you are probably not sick, so take a deep breath. However, as this disease spreads so rapidly it is best to be proactive rather than reactive. Take the necessary measures (and then some) to prevent sickness, but if you feel any of the following contact East Elmhurst Primary Medical Care right away to schedule a test: fever, cough, shortness of breath. Please click here to learn more about symptoms and emergency warning signs.
Are You Part Of An At-Risk Group?
COVID-19 doesn't care about you personally. It doesn't know whether you're a male or female; it doesn't recognize race, creed, color, political leaning; and it doesn't know how old you are. It is equally transmissive for everyone, so don't buy into the misnomer that "only old people can get it." No, anyone can get it. It is well documented at this point that people who are immunocompromised (i.e. have weak immune systems) and 65+ years of age are at much higher risk than those who are not.
This risk also increases with age, which is why we've seen a number of deaths in the 80+ demographic. If you're not elderly yourself, it is still your responsibility to be safe and clean to protect those who are. In all likelihood you know people in that age group; probably family and friends. So, please, take the necessary precautions as if you were in the primary risk group yourself.
This is no time for selfishness and ignorance.