Yes, it is serious and precautions must be taken.  Understanding the risk is more important than panic and reaction based on fear.

            This virus is most likely to affect the elderly and those with underlying health issues.  The average age of those who have fallen victim to the corona virus is 80 according to the Surgeon General.  Youth have much greater probability of contracting the flu.  Symptoms for young and healthy individuals tend to be mild ranging from unnoticed to a bad cold or the flu.  Symptoms include fever, dry cough, fatigue or muscle pain, and breathing difficulty.

            The same precautions against Coronavirus can help to reduce spread of viruses.  You can play a part by protecting yourself and your family and in that way help in stopping the spread of this infectious virus.

            HAND WASHING – Probably the most important thing you can do is wash your hands.  This means wash your hands thoroughly, with soap and water, fronts and backs, for 20 seconds and not settle for a rinse or quick wash. When soap and water is not readily available hand sanitizer should be used.

            CLEANING SURFACES – Coronavirus can survive up to 9 days on surfaces.  Attention should be focused on surfaces that come into contact with many people.  Door handles, gas pumps, shopping carts, service counters and high use areas should get most attention. These surfaces should be wiped down with a disinfectant prior to handling. Household surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water followed by a disinfectant solution, such as bleach and water.  

            DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE!! – A virus’s fastest path into a person is by way of eyes, nose and mouth.  Unclean hands help in transporting the virus.

            FIST OR ELBOW BUMP – It is quickly becoming more acceptable to avoid hand shaking.

            CONTAIN YOUR COUGH – Cough into the inside of your elbow… not your hand.  Do not openly cough in ways that can spread virus.

            STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK – Don’t share illness. Practice social distancing, a distance of three to six feet is recommended, if you are infectious.

            MASKS – There has been panic buying of masks.  The Surgeon General states that masks are not effective in preventing the general public from contracting Coronavirus. Surgical masks will not protect you. The shortage of masks may create health risks by reducing availability for health care professionals.

            Yes.  It is real and presents risks that should not be shrugged off.  The measures we all  take to protect against Coronavirus will help cut down on the spread of the virus, which is a killer that we should not accept as normal.  Awareness, understanding and taking preventative action will push COVID-19 onto the list with MERS and SARS.  It takes all of us practicing effective hygienic practices to stop communicable diseases from spreading and degrading our community’s quality of life.  Do your part.

For updated information visit Center for Disease Control and Prevention