You may have heard the news about coronavirus. With several cases reported in King County, the virus is close to home. That can be unnerving.
While it is true that there are no vaccines or medications specifically approved for coronavirus, most of the cases have been mild with a fever and cough. Only a much smaller percentage of people get severely ill—mainly, the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough, or difficulty breathing. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, stay calm. It doesn’t mean that you do have coronavirus. These symptoms are also what people experience when they have a cold or flu.
If I have those symptoms, when and where should I seek medical attention?
If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, do not go to the emergency room. Coronavirus is currently believed to be spread through respiratory droplets (when people cough or sneeze), and between close contact with one another.
If you have these symptoms, we don’t want you to spread them. Give us a call first. We’ll advise you over the phone and direct you from there.
How can I protect myself?
If you’re feeling scared or helpless, know that you can help protect yourself and reduce the spread of coronavirus by taking some preventive measures:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. But if your hands are visibly dirty, make sure to clean with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wear a face mask if you have symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing).
Remember: stay calm, and stay informed.
Additional Information
This article was published on March 2, 2020. For more up-to-date information about coronavirus, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus.aspx
For information about how to prepare for a possible coronavirus outbreak, visit:
This article was written based on information from the King County Novel Coronavirus fact sheet:
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash