Unfortunately, so much of the COVID-19 news we’ve been exposed to is scaring us instead of educating us. Read on to learn more about this disease and how to prevent it.
WHO
As of today, 132,758 people globally are confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus, out of whom over 70,000 have recovered. There have been 4,955 deaths. Older adults and people with pre-existing chronic medical conditions, like heart or lung disease and diabetes, are at a higher risk of getting sick from this illness.
WHAT
Coronavirus (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. A new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is causing an outbreak of respiratory disease which has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (abbreviated COVID-19).
WHEN
The virus was first reported in China in December 2019. The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern” on January 30, 2020. On March 11, 2020, the disease was characterized as a pandemic.
WHERE
COVID-19 was first detected in China but has since been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including the United States. Coronavirus initiated as an epidemic in China before making its way to other countries; the virus has since been characterized as a pandemic. To clarify, a pandemic is a global outbreak of a disease. Plainly put, this term pertains to the geography of a disease and is not designed to instill fear. This description should not change anyone’s perception of the threat posed by this virus.
HOW
The virus can spread from person to person not only through direct contact, but also through the coughs or exhales from an infected person. Small droplets from the nose or mouth land on objects or surfaces; others can get infected by touching their eyes, nose or mouth after touching these objects or surfaces.
Watch for Symptoms
A range of symptom severity has been reported for COVID-19. From as little as two to as many as 14 days after exposure, affected patients experienced coughing, fever and shortness of breath. Contact your doctor immediately if you don’t feel like your normal self.
Let’s Talk Prevention
Wash your hands, cough and sneeze into your elbow and keep your work and home clean.
Wipe down your grocery store carts with an anti-bacterial wipe, sanitize after adding sugar to your Starbucks and shower after a trip to the gym.
Sanitize your cell phone and computer!
Avoid shaking hands to help protect yourself and others from spreading germs.
If you want to self-quarantine, stock up on your pantry essentials and go for it. Avoid overexposure to media coverage, take care of your body and connect with others. Don’t isolate yourself.
The CDC and WHO can be credited for contributing facts for this post. Please tune back in the weeks coming for a post on how COVID-19 is affecting the events industry.
Viruses are contagious, but so is fear, panic, hysteria, calm, love, enthusiasm, kindness and joy. Continue your education on how to stay safe and take a deep breath. This too shall pass!
