Let me put this Public Health – Masters classes I’ve taken so far to use and share some little thoughts on Coronavirus.
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)?
Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that ranges from a common cold to more severe disease like MERS-Cov (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) coronavirus and SARs-Cov (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) coronavirus. Coronavirus originated in animals, and some of these viruses have the capability of transmitting between animals and humans.
The current coronavirus pandemic is called COVID-19, and its symptoms include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, breathing difficulties, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, the virus can cause pneumonia, kidney failure, and acute respiratory syndromes.
COVID-19 disease is spread from person to person in close proximity, similar to other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu. It is also spread through droplets of bodily fluids like saliva or mucus from an infected person, which is dispersed in the air or on surfaces by coughing or sneezing. If these droplets are contacted by touching the contaminated surface, and the face, it could infect those who pick them up.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
Over 175,000 people globally have been infected with COVID-19 (22.6% / 1 million population of the world), 6400+ new cases and nearly 7,800 total death and 212 new death recorded. 77,000+ have recovered from the virus, 91,000+ active cases, and approximately 6,000 severe and critical cases
Those who are most at risk include people over 60 and those with underlying medical conditions. The mortality rate (the risk of dying after contracting the disease) among people ages 10-49 is 0.2%. Children with confirmed COVID-19 have shown very mild symptoms. It’s not known yet whether some children may be at higher risk for severe illness, for example, children with underlying medical conditions and special healthcare needs.
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED?
More people die every day with cases related to flu, malaria, and pneumonia than COVID-19. In the next few weeks, we will see the number of cases and deaths increase; this is not because the disease is accelerating, but because it has been in existence before it was given a name.
Although the total number of deaths has now exceeded those recorded during the 2002-2003 outbreak of (SARS) severe acute respiratory syndrome, the current mortality rate is much lower than that of SARS. The coronavirus mortality rate stands at 2.4 percent, while SARS killed 9.6 percent of those infected.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent (COVID-19). The best way to prevent this illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Even with recent advances in medical technology, it is unlikely a vaccine could be available for mass distribution within a year.
Here are some safety measures to protect yourself and others.
Steps to protect yourself:
1. Clean your hands often.
-
-
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
-
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
-
2. Avoid close contact.
-
-
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
-
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. It is especially crucial for people who are at risk of getting very ill.
-
Steps to protect others:
1. Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
2. Cover coughs and sneezes.
-
-
Make sure you cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
-
Throw used tissues in the trash.
-
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
-
3. Wear a facemask if you are sick.
-
-
If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
-
If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is ill (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply, and they should be saved for caregivers.
-
4. Clean and disinfect.
-
-
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. It includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
-
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water before disinfection.
-
Sources:
CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Worldometers – https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/
WHO – https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Aljazeera – https://www.aljazeera.com/topics/events/coronavirus-outbreak.html
Thanks for stopping by my blog today
Xoxo
Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Pinterest // Youtube
