Simple Protections Best Advice as Coronavirus Concerns Grow

Wash Your Hands, Cover Coughs and Sneezes, Health Experts Say

There is a growing, global concern about the coronavirus outbreak. Even with increasing warnings about the potential risk, a simple fact remains according to Capital BlueCross Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Chambers.: The best way to avoid any kind of respiratory illness from the common cold to the new coronavirus “is to avoid exposure,” she said. 

“If you’re really sick, then stay home. If you can work from home, work from home. Don’t infect the people around you,” Dr. Chambers added. “Influenza is still the biggest worry on the home front as of today.”

The warnings about coronavirus echo warnings about previous outbreaks of influenza and other respiratory viruses, Chambers said. 

• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

News about the coronavirus outbreak has dominated the headlines, sparked intense concern among public health officials worldwide, and fueled unprecedented government actions here and abroad including outright travel bans and firm travel warnings.

As of March 1, the WHO reported 87,137 cases globally, with over 7,000 confirmed cases in 58 countries including the U.S. On Feb. 28, the WHO changed its “global risk assessment” from high to very high. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that as of March 2, there were 43 cases in 10 U.S. states, with 17 of those hospitalized, and two dead.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). 

Doctors first detected the new virus in Wuhan, China in late December. Scientists are concerned about the virus because it can spread from person-to-person, can cause severe illness or even death, has delayed symptoms, and because there is currently no vaccine.

In response, President Trump created the White House Coronavirus Task Force led by Vice President Mike Pence. It has enacted travel restrictions including a ban on travel from Iran, and an advisory that people do not travel to specific regions of Italy and South Korea. 

Despite the concern, Task force member Dr. Anthony Fauci, a noted epidemiologist and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease at the National Institutes of Health, said the risk currently to Americans “remains low.”