Health care professionals point out that while COVID-19 is a new respiratory disease it appears that people in good health, without an underlying health condition may catch the virus but will recover. Those who may be in danger of severe sickness or death are older people with an underlying health condition.
The virus can be spread through person to person contact via respiratory droplets from coughs or sneezes within 6 feet. It can also spread by touching infected surfaces or objects such as commonly touched railings, doorknobs, keyboards, etc. and then touching your own mouth, nose, or eyes.
Local health districts have been sending messages with recommendations on how we can prevent coming down with the virus. Much of the advice is common sense actions that apply to common sicknesses such as influenza. You probably have heard or read the recommendations to,
· Wash your hands with soap frequently for 20
seconds. You can also use hand sanitizer instead of soap. One health department
official has recommend washing your hands before eating.
·
Keep you hands away from your face. The idea is
that the virus can be on your skin without hurting you, but if it gets inside
your body then you will be sick.· If you are sick, stay home.
· Consider not going to places that have large crowds.
With the expectation of more people becoming sick with COVID-19, it is prudent to take steps to prepare your household for a member of your family to come down with COVID-19. Some things you can do to help yourself survive the virus or a precautionary quarantine include,
· Make an emergency plan of action with your household members, relatives, and friends.
· Decide who will pick up and watch children if schools or child-care facilities are closed, or if children get sick.
· Have emergency supplies like nonperishable food, water, personal hygiene supplies, and medicine or other medical supplies available in your home – enough to last your household for at least 14 days.
· Make a list of emergency contacts as well as a list of medical conditions and medications for household members.
· Set up a separate room in the household for someone who is sick and clean the room regularly. Clean, disposable facemasks may be useful for the individual who is sick. Masks are not recommended as a prevention measure for COVID-19 for people who are well.
· Know your neighbors or friends in the area and be ready to support each other during an emergency. Check in on those who live alone or have underlying health conditions and may need extra support. If you live alone, talk to your friends and family members about who would be available to check in on you if you become sick.
What are the symptoms of this coronavirus and what should I do if I get sick? Symptoms may not be much different from a common cold or a flu. Symptoms can be mild to severe. Look for fever, cough and shortness of breath.
If you get sick,
· Call your regular doctor for advice. Do not go to the emergency room unless you are very sick. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
· Stay home when sick.
· Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including handwashing, coughing into tissue or elbow, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
· Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system.
A goal of public health professionals in handling the spread of this virus is to limit contact of people who have the virus with those who do not and especially limit their contact with those who might be susceptible to severe illness.
This is a fast-moving situation. While serious, care needs to be taken to act on provable facts and not rumors.
For the latest information check out the following organizations:
Snohomish County Health District:
https://www.snohd.org/484/Novel-Coronavirus-2019
Public Health- Seattle & King County:
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus/FAQ.aspx
If you have questions about the COVID19 coronavirus you can call the COVID19 Hot Line (Washington State Department of Health)- (800) 525-0127.
Washington State Department of Health:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2Fabout%2Fprevention.html
WHO:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
No comments:
Post a Comment