Coronavirus Updates
With the Coronavirus spreading throughout the media, many people have become anxious about contacting this new virus. In affected areas, companies are asking their employees to work from home, school systems have put “Coronavirus Plans” into place and disinfect supplies are selling out in the stores. So what can we do daily to protect ourselves from this virus and others that loom during flu season?
WASH YOUR HANDS
According to the World Health Organization, the media and almost any health professional you ask, the key is simple and effective. WASH YOUR HANDS! We have heard it from the time we could run around on our own two feet from parents, grandparents, family members, teachers and probably every other adult in our life. But we are the adults now, and honestly, we might need that same reminder to WASH OUR HANDS that we did as children. To protect yourself from this new virus and any others, you should regularly clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Once you have cleaned your hands, dry them thoroughly with paper towels or a warm air dryer, but not by wiping them on your clothes, which pick up germs all the time.
MYTHS ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS
The world is talking about the Coronavirus on almost every social media platform. With so many people weighing in, myths are bound to arise. According to the World Health Organization, the following are myths you can officially throw away.
Extreme cold or heat will kill the Coronavirus. False.
Cold weather and snow cannot kill this virus or other diseases, and taking hot baths cannot prevent you from catching the Coronavirus.
The Coronavirus can be transmitted through goods manufactured in China or other country reporting cases. False.
The World Health Organization states, “Even though the new Coronavirus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days (depending on the type of surface), it is very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after being moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures. If you think a surface may be contaminated, use a disinfectant to clean it. After touching it, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.”
The Coronavirus can be transmitted through mosquitoes and pets. False.
At this time, there has been no evidence that suggests the virus can be spread by mosquitoes or pets such as dogs and cats.
FACTS ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS
“The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.” The World Health Organization True.
“To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.”
The World Health Organization True.
With all the information we are receiving about the Coronavirus it can seem overwhelming and many can feel helpless. But just remembering this one thing can help us stay healthy, WASH YOUR HANDS. If you want to talk over your health care options please call us. We are here to make you feel as safe as possible.
Reference: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters
