Coronavirus 101 – What it is and How to Prevent it
Now that Orange County has declared a local state of emergency, the coronavirus is on everyone’s mind. What is the coronavirus? Are there tips to help prevent contraction?
What is the Coronavirus?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (often referred to as COVID-19) is a respiratory illness. It’s highly contagious and spreads from person to person. It’s caused by a virus that was first identified in Wuhan, China where the outbreak began.
As of today, there are over 100,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and over 3,400 deaths. That said, over 55,000 people have recovered from the virus, proving that it can be beaten.
How does the Coronavirus spread?
According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), the main way this virus spreads is from close contact with an infected person. If someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, they produce respiratory droplets that contain the virus.
The virus also spreads through physical contact. If the virus gets onto a surface that is then touched, it can spread. For example, if someone with the coronavirus sneezes into their hands and then touches a door handle to open it, the virus is now likely on that door handle. Anyone who touches that door handle has a risk of contracting the virus.
What are the Coronavirus Symptoms?
There are three main symptoms of someone with the coronavirus:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
How do You Prevent Getting the Coronavirus?
There are a few things you can do to help keep yourself healthy:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. This can be difficult because you don’t always know if someone has the virus. However, if they are showing symptoms, it’s best to keep your distance.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Even if you get the virus on your hands, it may not make you sick. It’s when you touch your face or eat with hands that have the virus on them that makes you more likely to get sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Keep soap on your hands for at least 20 seconds, though longer is better. You need to give the soap time to kill the virus, which is why you can’t wash it off too quickly.
What Else Should I Know About the Coronavirus?
There is currently no vaccine for the virus, even though companies are working around the clock to develop one. Many areas of the world have declared a state of emergency, and some companies are even having people work from home to prevent the spread of the virus.
Even if your area doesn’t have any confirmed cases, start taking action now. Considering how fast the virus is spreading, there is a good chance it will be in your area soon. Start washing your hands often and avoid people who are sick if possible. If you or your loved ones start showing symptoms of the virus, seek medical attention quickly.
This is also an ideal time to review your health insurance. If you think a new policy is in order, give us a call at (877) 600-7347. We look forward to helping you keep your family healthy and safe.
Courtesy of Cuselleration
