The Corona Virus: History & Where it’s at Right Now
By: Trevor Manning
Coronavirus is a large family of viruses commonly found in animals. There are different types of coronaviruses. The symptoms of a coronavirus include pneumonia or bronchitis. The difference between the coronavirus we are facing now and the coronavirus we have known about, is that scientists tell us this is something that we’ve never seen before. We are still trying to find out reasons for the modern outbreak. The most likely reason is that a market for seafood in Wuhan started with some type of animal.
Symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, coughing, shortness of breath after about 2-14 days of possessing the virus, and pneumonia. Many patients have died since the virus has spread. However, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) have alerted the people to call their health care provider. The following link is a list of steps to take with persons who are confirmed or have been suspected of becoming infected with the corona virus. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html
So far, what we know is that it is spreading through China, and some of their neighboring countries. Although, locally it is said that someone from the gem show brought the corona virus to Tucson, Arizona recently. According to Business Insider a person in Maricopa County is currently in isolation.[1]
So to summarize the steps you can take to prevent becoming infected with the corona virus include:
- You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas
- As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.
- If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may the corona virus. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
- You should wear a facemask when you are around other people, a room or vehicle, & before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask, because it causes trouble breathing, then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, immediately clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
- Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., shortness of breath or difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for the corona virus. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people from getting infected or exposed. Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.
- Patients confirmed with the corona virus should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
This is Trevor Manning reporting from PRA, reminding everyone out there to stay vigilant and healthy.
[1] https://www.businessinsider.com/wuhan-coronavirus-us-cases-health-risk-2020-1#three-other-us-cases-were-confirmed-on-january-26-two-in-california-and-one-in-arizona-5
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