The Trump administration declared a public health emergency in the U.S. yesterday (January 31, 2020), which will become effective Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. This enables the government to take temporary measures to contain the spread of the Novel coronavirus, (nCoV) which has been confirmed in seven people in the U.S.
U.S. citizens who have been in China's Hubei Province in the
past 14 days will be subject to 14 days of mandatory quarantine if they travel
back to the United States. This is the first time a mandatory quarantine has
been implemented in 50 years.
As
frightening as this sounds, the risk to the public is deemed low.
However,
the bigger risk is the flu, which generally reaches its peak between December
and February but can be active as late as May.
Below
is information on the nCoV as well as prevention strategies, which are similar
for cold and flu. Following the prevention information are a list of resources
where you can stay up to date on nCoV.
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?
Coronaviruses are an extremely common cause of colds and other upper
respiratory infections. These viruses are zoonoses, which means they can infect
certain animals and spread from one animal to another. A coronavirus can
potentially spread to humans, particularly if certain mutations in the virus
occur.
Chinese health authorities reported a group of cases of
viral pneumonia to the World Health Organization (WHO) in late December 2019.
Many of the ill people had contact with a seafood and animal market in Wuhan, a
large city in eastern China, though it has since become clear that the virus
can spread from person to person. Harvard Health
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The symptoms can include a cough, possibly with a fever and shortness of
breath. There are some early reports of non-respiratory symptoms, such as
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Many people recover within a few days. However,
some people — especially the very young, elderly, or people who have a weakened
immune system — may develop a more serious infection, such as bronchitis or
pneumonia. Harvard Health
COULD I CATCH THIS VIRUS?
Unless you’ve been in close contact with someone who has the coronavirus —
which right now, typically means a traveler from Wuhan, China who actually has
the virus — you’re likely to be safe. Harvard Health
If you have been in Wuhan or Hubei
Province within the past two weeks or have been in close contact with a person
with 2019-nCoV, and develop a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing,
contact your health care provider right away.
FLU
IS A CONCERN: Flu is widespread throughout the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates
that so far this season there have been 19-26 million flu illnesses, 180,000-310,00
hospitalizations and 10,000-25,000 deaths from flu.
If you live in the US, flu is a far bigger concern than nCoV. This year is being referred to as a “double-barreled” flu season as two flu outbreaks over one another, which is very unusual. In short, the potential is there to get sick twice this flu season. Sorry, You Might Get the Flu Twice This Year —Here’s Why
With
the exception of a vaccine for flu prevention, which does not exist for colds
or the nCoV, the prevention of all three conditions is the same.
COVER
& WASH
• Cover
your mouth and nose every time you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue and throw it
away. Use your arm (not your hand).
• Observe
regular cleaning habits if someone at home has the flu. Pay special attention
to doorknobs, faucets, refrigerator handles, phones, smartphones and toys.
• Vaccinate
(flu only)
• Every
time you use a tissue, throw it in the trash and then wash your hands. Skip the
antibacterial stuff (unless you don't have access to soap and water) as it may contribute to the rise in antibiotic resistant
bugs.
• Remember not
to share anything that goes into the mouth.
&
• Wash your
hands often and well. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Skip the
antibacterial soaps as regular soap and water works fine.
• Avoid contact with sick people. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands.
• Stay home
when you are sick.
• Have alcohol
hand sanitizer on hand if you don’t have access to soap and water.
OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT COLDS & FLU
• Get plenty of sleep-at least six
or more hours a day.
• Get sufficient Vitamin D. The sun is a
lot less effective in providing Vitamin D during the winter months-peak time
for colds and flu-so talk to your medical provider about the use of a
supplement
• Take Exercise Breaks
• Skip the handshake. Elbow bumps
are replacing handshakes during cold and flu season. If you're really hip, the
‘Namaste’ bow is becoming very popular- put your hands together at chest level,
make eye contact and give a little bow
In the Work
Place:
In addition to practicing Cover & Wash, consider the following
•
Use Disinfectant Spray to clean
doorknobs, handles, light switches, phones, computer mice, keyboards, railings,
microwave, coffee maker handle, elevator buttons and escalator rails. Note that
viruses can live up to 48 hours on plastic and stainless steel surfaces.
Identify the germ “hot spots” in your office and make sure they are regularly
cleaned.
•
Use Hand Sanitizer when soap & water aren’t available: Reduce transferring
nasty cold and flu germs by using hand sanitizer wipes to clean public
surfaces, such as keyboards.
•
Don’t share pens with colleagues
as these can be particularly dirty.
•
Ask your manager to supply the office
with the necessary tools to keep the workplace healthy.
• Stay home when you are sick
At Home: In addition to
practicing Cover & Wash, consider the following:
•
Create a “sick room” where the
person who is sick can have all the things they need.
•
Sanitize shared items
• Take care of yourself so your
resistance isn’t lowered
STAYING
CURRENT ON nCoV
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