What is the Coronavirus
Corona viruses are a family of viruses that infect thousands of people per year. This year, COV-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that the CDC and WHO have never encountered in humans before. It came from an animal (bat) viral mutation that was transmitted to a human. The virus originated in a meat market in Wuhan China. This is where the vast majority of cases and deaths have been accounted for. The disease is now spreading throughout Europe, and a few cases have been popping up in the USA. The risk of contracting the virus is here, so how do we prevent ourselves from contracting it in the first place? Let’s dive in to the facts.
how coronavirus spreads
The spread of the Coronavirus (COV-19) is slowly becoming more understood by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), but there are still questions being asked. We know it is spread by small droplets of saliva or secretions that are released into the air within 6 feet, and onto surfaces (hands, handles, door knobs, etc) which are then touched by the next person. This person then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes and the virus has a clear path into the new host. This is exactly how Influenza is spread. There are speculations that CoV-19 may be airborne, which means the virus is able to suspend in air for extended periods of time, infecting the host by them breathing in the air. This is a more serious situation than just droplet precautions, and this blog post will be updated if there is confirmation that that is the case.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
A person who contracts the virus may not see physical symptoms for 2-14 days. That is why you may see people around the world being put into quarantine for 14 days. This is called the viral incubation period. Symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. Sounds a lot like influenza doesn’t it? That’s because it is! You can contract the flu just as easily as the Coronavirus (as far as we know). If you are experiencing symptoms and have been in contact with someone who has had the virus, or if you are returning from international travel, call your doctor immediately.
WHO IS MOST AT RISK?
Those most at risk are the elderly. As you age your immune system becomes less vigilant in the fight against virus and bacteria, and you are more susceptible to community acquired infections such as Influenza and CoV-19. The immune compromised are also at an increased risk, including those with cancer, autoimmune diseases, or taking immunosuppressive drugs. Children are also at risk because their immune systems are still developing. Healthcare workers are also at an increased risk due to their close proximity to the infected. Antibiotics do not work against Influenza or CoV-19 because these illnesses are viruses. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. CoV-19 as killed 2,858 worldwide as of February 27th. The vast majority of the fatalities have been elderly.
how to prevent the coronavirus
Now for the most important part! How can we prevent getting any virus in the first place? The most important thing you can do is keep your hands clean. This includes washing your hands under proper hygiene discretion. Whenever you come in contact with a surface that you may believe is compromised you should wash your hands. If you touch a person or shake hands with somebody do not touch your face before washing your hands. Wipe down surfaces with disinfectants that include at least 60% isopropyl alcohol. Avoid hospitals, schools, and areas where large crowds gather as much as possible where the highest concentration of sick people are (within reason of course).
If you think that you may have symptoms, cough into the crook of your elbow rather than your hand to avoid the spread of your illness. Stay home from work or school if you are experiencing symptoms, and call your doctor immediately if you have symptoms and have recently traveled internationally, or come into contact with someone who may have COV-19.
Wearing a mask is not recommended at this time unless you are symptomatic and are using the mask properly. Often people touch their mask and around their face more often than if they are not wearing a mask. This is concerning according to the CDC and is a controversial topic.
Boosting immunity
Eating immune boosting foods such as citrus, garlic, spinach, turmeric, green tea, ginger, and yogurt can help you fight off the viruses you may have come into contact with before you become symptomatic. Get adequate sleep every night. This means 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. Drinking adequate water is necessary for proper immune function. Aim for half of your body weight in ounces per day. Above all protect your mucus membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) from dirty hands and avoid coming into contact (within 6 feet) of a person who is symptomatic.
