Coronavirus

A potentially dangerous coronavirus outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 17 people. The strain of this particular coronavirus originated in China and has spread to at least 5 other countries, including the United States. With an epidemic of this proportion, it is important to become educated on coronavirus, and how to prevent spreading it.

Coronaviruses most often cause various common human illnesses, such as the common cold. Many symptoms of common coronaviruses include runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, and a general feeling of malaise. Other strains of coronavirus, such as SARS, can cause more severe illness. SARS symptoms include body aches, fever, chills, which can progress to pneumonia. MERS is another serious strain of the coronavirus. Symptoms of MERS include shortness of breath and coughing, which usually progresses to pneumonia. Symptoms of the 2019-nCoV include shortness of breath, cough, and fever.

Coronavirus can be spread through the air, by coughing or sneezing. Other ways of coronavirus transmission include being in close contact with an infected person, touching an object or surface with the virus on it, and rarely, through fecal contamination.

Although there is currently no vaccine, the CDC recommends reducing your risk of contracting the illness by:

• Washing your hands often with soap
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoiding close contact with infected persons

If you become infected with a coronavirus, avoid spreading the illness to others by:

• Staying home while sick
• Avoiding close contact with others
• Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces

There are currently no specific treatments or cures for coronaviruses, and they go away after running their course. To relieve your symptoms, drink lots of fluids, take pain and fever reducers, and stay at home and rest.

If you believe you are sick, call Premier Health Associates and let them know if you if you have traveled to China or have been in contact with anyone who has traveled top China within the past month. We are open 7 days a week.