The newly identified coronavirus, known as COVID-19, was first recognized in Wuhan, China, in early December 2019 and has spread throughout the world. While COVID-19 has been widely covered in the news media and the number of cases has grown substantially, respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing are much more likely to be caused by a seasonal illness like the flu, rather than COVID-19. The steps to protect yourself from COVID-19 are generally the same as those for flu prevention:
-Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
-Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands).
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
-Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
-Stay home if you are sick, restricting activities outside your home, except for seeking medical care.
-Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a household cleaning spray or wipes.
-“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including the flu and COVID-19. Face masks should be used only by people who show symptoms of these diseases to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because you are an older adult or because you have a serious long-term health problem such as heart disease, diabetes or lung disease, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.
If you think you may have come into contact with a person who has recently traveled to a country with a COVID-19 outbreak, and you have respiratory symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing, call ahead to your healthcare provider so they can take precautions to avoid the potential spread of germs during your appointment. If possible, wear a face mask on the way to your appointment to help prevent the spread of germs. If you develop life-threatening conditions such as severe shortness of breath, changes in mental status, severe dehydration, or other complications, contact 911 immediately.