2019, also called COVID-19, is caused by a virus that can be passed from person to person. It first appeared in people in December 2019, and has quickly spread around the world. COVID-19 affects your respiratory system. In some cases, it can cause problems with your lungs, like pneumonia.
There is a lot out there about COVID-19. Guidelines and recommendations are changing quickly as we learn more about the virus and how it acts. Trying to keep up with what to do and what not to do can be confusing and overwhelming. So let's break it down. Let's talk about what is going on and what practical steps you can take to keep you and those around you safe and healthy. How does COVID-19 spread? The virus is spread through droplets.
So when an infected person coughs or sneezes, they project droplets of the virus out into the air.
Those
droplets then land on or are breathed in by other people.
That's the most common way the virus can spread. Another way it can spread is when those infected droplets land on surfaces (like door handles and elevator buttons). If a healthy person touches the surface that has droplets on it and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth, it's possible for them toget sick. These are gateways for the virus, so the less you touch them, the less chance there is for the virus to enter your body. That's why everyone keeps saying, Don't touch your face!
If the virus gets on your skin, like on your hand, you want to wash it off by using soap and water or hand sanitizer BEFORE it reaches your eyes, nose, or mouth. It may be possible for a person with COVID-19 to pass the virus to others when they aren't showing signs of being sick (this is called asymptomatic transmission). It often takes 2 to 14 days before people start
to feel sick after being exposed to the virus. So you could be getting other people sick without knowing it. That's why, when there are a lot of cases of COVID-19 in an area, leaders recommend staying home unless you really need to do something (like get groceries). And if you are feeling sick, stay home and call your doctor. What are COVID-19 Symptoms? Some signs of being sick with COVID-19 are a fever, cough, body aches, and trouble breathing. Some less common symptoms of the virus include headache, sore throat, runny nose, problems with sense of smell or taste, nausea and diarrhea. I know it can seem like anything can be a symptom, so if you aren't feeling well, stay home and call your doctor. Most people who get the virus will experience mild symptoms. Some people won't experience any symptoms at all. Most people, including children, who get sick with COVID-19 can recover at home. But, for some people, especially people who are 65 and above, people who have other health problems (like lung conditions, diabetes, and heart disease), and for people whose immune system (or infection-fighting system) doesn't work so well, COVID-19 may lead to more serious problems that require hospitalization. What should I do if I'm feeling sick? If you are feeling sick, have a fever, cough, or are having trouble breathing, call your doctor or local urgent care facility. This is important. Call first. And, if you are sick, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth mask, scarf, or handkerchief. It will help protect the people around you. If you live outside the United States, check with your national health agency on mask recommendations. When you call, your doctor can tell you what to do next. Some people may need to come in and be seen by a doctor, and some people may need to stay at home and limit their contact
with
other people. Your doctor can tell you what you should do.
What
should I do if I'm worried I've been exposed? Your chances
of
exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 increase if you
were
within six feet of someone who is infected (about the
length of a bed away from them) you live in or have traveled to a the location that has a lot of cases or you were at a crowded event with someone who is infected (like a party). If you think you've been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, but AREN'T having any symptoms, call your doctor, hospital, local urgent care facility, or public health office. They can tell you what to do next. If you think you might have been exposed, AND
you
have symptoms like fever or cough, you should call BEFORE
going
to your doctor's office or to a hospital. Your doctor can
tell
you what to do and if you need to be seen in person. If
you
are asked to come to the hospital, you may be asked to
follow
special procedures (like using a special entrance away
from
other people and covering your nose and mouth). It's
important
to know that currently there is no proven treatment for
COVID-19.
But, doctors can help support your breathing and make
you
as comfortable as possible. Most people will NOT need to
stay
in the hospital and will be able to make a complete recovery
at
home. What can I do to stay healthy? Wash your hands with
soap
and water. Really. I know it sounds simple, but it has a
big
impact. Basically, it's because soap breaks apart the
container
that holds the virus. Once the container is open, the
virus
just washes away with the water. For this to happen, you
gotta
spend some time washing your hands, and you need to
scrub.
You want to wash your hands for 20 seconds (that's the
happy
birthday song two times). You'll want to rub your hands
together,
clean your wrists, fingernails, in between your
fingers,
and dry your hands with a paper towel you can throw
away.
Lastly, turn the water off using a paper towel instead of
your
hand. Now, if you have kids in your household, make sure
they're
washing their hands this way too. If you aren't around
soap
and water, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60%
alcohol.
Make sure to rub it in until it's dry. What else can
you
do to stay healthy? You'll want to keep your distance from
other
people (this is called social distancing). And you
really
want to stay away from people who are visibly sick or
coughing.
If you can, work from home. And, speaking of home,
clean
surfaces that you use frequently. Clean doorknobs,
countertops,
your phone screen, and other items you touch a lot.
Lastly,
it is a good idea to limit travel to places that have
a
lot of COVID-19 cases. Ok, let's talk for a quick minute
about
what DOESN'T help protect you against COVID-19. It doesn't
help
to hold your breath if someone sneezes or coughs around
you.
The virus can be passed in multiple ways, so not breathing
around
people don't really do anything. Let's also talk about
masks.
If you live in the United States, check cdc.gov/covid19
for
that latest recommendations on masks and face coverings. If
you
live outside of the United States check who.int or your
national
health agency for recommendations. How can I help
slow
the spread? I know COVID-19 sounds scary, but there are some
good
things to keep in mind. For most people, COVID-19 is a mild
infection
that is not life-threatening. You can do a lot to
keep
yourself and others healthy by washing your hands, staying
away
from people who are sick, wearing a face covering and
practicing
social distancing. Remember, if you are feeling
sick,
stay home and call your doctor. By taking these
practical
steps, you can protect yourself and those around you
and
help slow the spread of the virus...
THANKS FOR READING MY BLOG
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