New Coronavirus Outbreak in China
The news has been fixated on an outbreak of coronavirus in the Chinese province of Hubei. At this point, there is absolutely no reason to panic or even worry outside of China. Here are the facts:
- Coronavirus refers to a class of viruses; much the same way lizards are a class of animal.
- Both the common cold and many gastrointestinal viruses are coronaviruses, as were the SARS and MERS viruses, which hit the news several years back.
- Most coronavirus infections are minor in humans, unpleasant but not dangerous unless someone has other underlying conditions.
- Medical authorities have confirmed that the virus is now being transmitted through human-to-human contact.
- Chinese authorities are restricting travel in some areas to help slow the spread of the outbreak, even shutting down public transit in the city of Wuhan (which has a larger population than New York City).
While there is no reason to worry, it’s still the depths of flu season in the US and western Europe, so it’s as good a time as any to brush up on our contagious disease prevention protocols.
- The single most effective way to stave off respiratory infections is also the simplest: wash your hands. Simple soap and water (no need for antibacterial agents) before any meals, taking medications, putting in/taking out contact lenses, etc.
- Check your home’s heating and ventilation system. A dirty HVAC system could be a breeding ground for pathogens.
- If you begin to feel sick, go to the doctor. They can do a simple test for the presence of flu viruses in your system. If the test comes back positive, they can prescribe a broad antiviral which shortens the duration of the infection.
- If you do get sick, try to stay home as much as possible. Going to work/school/church/etc. while you are contagious doesn’t make you brave, it just makes everyone around you sick.
- Be particularly careful about interacting with people who have health problems, and this includes your senior loved ones. Staying away from them for a week is better than giving them a dangerous respiratory infection.
While there is no reason to worry, it’s still the depths of flu season in the US and western Europe, so it’s as good a time as any to brush up on our contagious disease prevention protocols.
