If you’ve turned on the news in the last two weeks, you’ve seen plenty of reports about the Coronavirus and how it is affecting people across the globe; more than 500 people have died from it thus far and the number is expected to rise. More than 27,000 people across 25 counties, as of this writing, are affected by the virus and are currently seeking treatment. As the virus spreads and pops up across the US, it’s important to stay healthy and avoid contracting it.
At present, there is no cure for the Coronavirus, known as 2019-nCoV, only treatments. The only current measure to protect yourself is to not contract the virus in the first place. However, with an incubation rate of approximately 14 days, you can’t be entirely sure that you are always in the clear. We’ve compiled a list of expert tips to help keep you safe as the virus spreads and medical experts delve into research and attempts to find a cure and/or vaccine.
Wash your hands: While it’s unlikely the virus is in your local grocery store, it’s better to be safe than sorry and cover your bases. Wash your hands with hot water and soap for 30 seconds to kill all potential germs on your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes and/or mouth: If you haven’t washed your hands and touch these vital areas, the virus can get into your system easily, spread, and make you fall ill.
Use hand sanitizer: If you do not have access to soap at any time to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer to kill bacteria and the potential virus off your hands.
Avoid people who are sick: This is a tough one as you might need to be in contact with sick individuals when you go to work, to run errands, or go out. In essence, do your best and keep your distance if you are forced to be in contact with them.
If you are sick, stay home: Do not overexert yourself and compromise your immune system any more than it already is. If symptoms are particularly bad, visit a doctor immediately.
Cover your mouth when sneezing: Use a handkerchief, tissue, or (at a minimum) your sleeve to stop the spread of germs.
The Coronavirus causes sicknesses similar to the common cold and the flu, though with greater severity. Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for and to keep an eye on if you are currently under the weather.
- Fatigue
- Body ache
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fever
If you suffer from any combinations of these symptoms, feel they are worse than the common cold, and have suffered for several days, call your physician immediately to discuss your wellbeing and to determine next steps. The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control are actively working towards finding a cure, but until then, we can only try to avoid contracting the virus in the first place.
Contact us if you have any questions regarding Texas medical malpractice, or if you’ve been the victim of mistreatment by a medical professional.