The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (designated: 2019-nCoV) is a 'coronavirus' that has recently been identified as producing an outbreak of respiratory illness first identified within Wuhan, China. Officials believe that the disease is being spread person-to-person in much the same way as other 'respiratory' virus infections (like 'the flu') are spread, although it is presently unknown just how easy it is to spread the disease.
Despite having the exact vectors of transmission known, authorities believe that coughs or sneezes of infected persons, similar to how 'the flu' and other respiratory infections are most commonly spread pose the greatest risk of transmittal.
Cover that cough
Standard hygiene procedures to prevent such transmission is the best prevention including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Presently, America's Center for Disease Control (CDC) believes that the incubation period is between 2 and 14 days with mild to severe respiratory symptoms developing over the course of the illness including cough, fever and shortness of breath. There is presently no known cure and no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection. People infected with 2019-nCoV should be treated with supportive care aimed at managing their symptoms, with severe case treatment including critical care life support by qualified medical personnel.
If you happen to have traveled to China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should immediately:
- Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. Follow their directions regarding the proper location for your care.
- Avoid contact with others.
- Do Not travel while you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
The first case of 2019-nCoV in the United States was announced by the CDC on January 21, 2020, and the CDC has dispatched a team to the State of Washington to assist local health and medical personnel in regard to that case.
Regarding World Travel
On January 23, 2020 the CDC raised its travel alert related to 2019-nCoV for Wuhan City (China) to Level 3: Avoid Nonessential Travel, the CDC has also issued a Level 1 alert: Practice Usual Precautions for the remainder of China. The CDC has also implemented,, in accordance with FAA and local officials procedures for the entry screening of passengers on direct and connecting flights from Wuhan, China to five major U.S. airports: Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), New York City (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO).
The Risk Need Not Be Alarming
Each year, hundreds of thousands of persons are impacted by the common 'respiratory flu' worldwide despite annual flu vaccines, and tens of thousands of persons die from the illness. The flu virus spreads easily because people simply are careless and they do not follow good hygiene to reduce or prevent the spread.
We have one of the best 'Public Health' systems in the World right here in the U.S. and the CDC is at the heart of that system. Thousands of dedicated health and medical professionals are on the front lines and in the research facilities to aggressively deal with infections like 2019-nCoV so as to less the impact.
In addition our 'medical care' is also the best in the world, and physicians and hospitals here stand ready to provide the supportive and life sustaining care that make a difference in the time of need. But you can make the biggest difference, just remember the basics of standard hygiene to prevent the transmission of these and so many other diseases... because remember to 'Cover That Cough' and 'Good Hand Washing' does in fact SAVE LIVES.
This is the link to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Coronavirus website.
Acknowledgements:
All information provided has been provided from various CDC or other Health Resource websites.