While seasonal influenza (flu) viruses typically detected year-round in the United States. Flu viruses are most common during the cough and cold season from October to April. In December 2019, health authorities found a new viral illness, the Coronavirus, in Wuhan, China. Today, let’s cover this novel Coronavirus, facts you need to know.
What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a large family of viruses. Some of the viruses cause mild illnesses like the common cold, while others cause severe diseases like SARS and MERS.
It’s interesting to know that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports four influenza strains that circulate in the human population: A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and two B variants. When someone suspects they have symptoms of the flu and visits a medical provider to confirm if the results are positive, that data is reported to state health systems. The CDC collects the respective state’s data daily to keep track of the flu strain.
Current United States Coronavirus Statistics:
♠ Nearly 90, 000 cases
◊ Across 60 Countries
♦ First Death Reported in the U.S. (Washington State, New York, Rhode Island, and more cases announced)
◊ Washington State declares a State of Emergency.
How Does Coronavirus Spread?
The virus spreads when infected coughs or sneezes, and tiny droplets land on people. Touching an object or surface with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before thoroughly washing your hands.
Groups at Risk of Getting Coronavirus:
♠ Health Care Workers
◊ Smokers
♣ Children
◊ People Over 65 and immunocompromised
♦ People With Weakened Immune Systems (including respiratory illnesses and pneumonia)
◊ With comorbidities such as heart disease and liver disease, you are at higher risk of developing severe pneumonia and dying from the disease.
Death: Most victims die from complications, including pneumonia and swelling of the lungs. This virus causes swelling of the respiratory system, making it hard for the lungs to pass oxygen into the bloodstream and leading to organ failure.
What Are The Symptoms?
The most common symptoms are nasal Congestion, headache, dry cough, sore throat, and high fever. In some patients, these signs can worsen into
◊ Pneumonia
♣ Chest pain
◊ Shortness of Breath
How Do I Prevent the Coronavirus?
Currently, there is no vaccine for novel (new) Coronavirus. Practice preventive health—not smoking, getting enough rest every day, having a consistent exercise routine, eating well, and getting the flu vaccine.
Practical advice to Avoid Getting Coronavirus:
♥ Limit handshaking; consider a fist bump
◊ Clean hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
♣ Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
◊ Maintain social distancing (at least 3-foot distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing)
♥ Practice Respiratory hygiene: Cover coughs and sneezes
◊ Thoroughly cook meat and eggs
♦ Avoid unprotected contact with live wild or farm animals
◊ When you’re sick, stay home and rest
When To Wear A Mask:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthy people wear a mask only:
♦ If you are taking care of a person with suspected novel Coronavirus
◊ If you are coughing or sneezing
♠ Covers used in combination with frequent hand-washing with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water
◊ Make sure you know how to use the mask and dispose of it properly
Treatment: There is no vaccine or medicine
Coronavirus is no longer a mysterious illness. Health authorities and agencies are already following the science and the evidence. Next year’s flu vaccine will offer antibodies to fight this strain. However, in the meantime, the bottom line is to seek Medical Care early if symptoms turn severe.
As you know by now, here at The Age of Grace, we’re not just about fashion and lifestyle but essential health information to help keep you informed. Quick question: Do you routinely get flu shots or the pneumonia vaccine? If not, why not? Please share your response via this Facebook post or using Disqus.
As always, thank you for reading. Have a fabulous week.
