COVID-19 INFORMATION

Everyone is hearing about Coronavirus, more commonly referred to as COVID-19. It may surprise you to learn this isn’t a new virus. In fact, it has been around for decades. Yet the awareness of it today is due to the powerful nature of it. Experts forecast it could spread rapidly and become an epidemic if citizens aren’t pro-active. What has been around before though was very mild compared to what is out there now.

Many individuals took notice of it when the news reports identified many people being held in quarantine. Such individuals were on airplanes with passengers from China. They were held for a period of time to ensure they didn’t test positive for the virus before they could return home. Those that did test positive received medical care.

There is still plenty that we don’t know about this virus, and that means extra precautions should be taken when possible. It is better to be overly cautious and to stay away from others than to take a risk of being vulnerable to it. The virus is not believed to be spread to animals from humans or vice versa. Your pets are safe from COVID-19.

There is some inaccurate information circulating. This virus can’t be spread to others through drinking water sources or through sewer lines. However, it isn’t recommended to share a drink with anyone because the infected particles can get into that beverage and then be transmitted. This virus can’t be spread to others through the shared use of a swimming pool or hot tub.

However, particles from an infected person can be transferred in such an environment if they cough or sneeze on someone. This is also true if the cough or sneeze in a locker room or other area where others can come into contact with the contaminants.

What is Covid-19?

It is believed this particular strain virus is different from anything we have ever seen before. It is believed it has the ability to spread rapidly and it is very powerful. It can make people very ill and it can result in death. Since this virus can be spread very quickly, the biggest concern is keeping people away from each other.

We live in a society where it is common to socialize in large groups. This can be for work, for fun, to celebrate an event, or just to break away from the daily grind. The COVID-19 was officially named and acknowledged in February of 2020. Experts believe it began in Wuhan, China and has spread to countries around the globe.

We live in a society where contact with each other and travel is quite common. This has made it possible for the virus to reach many people in a short amount of time. The goal now that it has been identified is to limit the number of people adversely affected by it. This can be accomplished through accurate information and by people being proactive in their actions.

How is Covid-19 Contracted and Spread?

The virus is one which is easily spread to others, and that is why there is so much concern about it. Someone that is coughing or sneezing can get particles on others. Such particles can also become airborne, landing on people or surfaces. A single person is potentially able to spread it to numerous others in a short amount of time. Respiratory droplets make it possible to easily and unknowingly spread the virus to other people or other surfaces they will come into contact with.

For example, someone who is on an airplane may have Coronavirus. They may leave such particles that several others come into contact with. They also spread such particles to those they live with and work with. Each of the people that have come into contact with such harmful particles of the virus then have the potential to become ill and also to spread it to those they come into contact with.

Since it can be spread so easily, those who may have come into contact with it should be quarantined and tested. This prevents them from being able to spread the virus to other people. The amount of time it will take for someone to be deemed safe to be around others again will vary from one individual to the next. Such decisions should be made by medical professionals.

What is tricky is someone may come into contact with the virus, and not know it. Think about that example on the airplane again. Someone who is coughing or sneezing around you may go unnoticed. Yet days later, when you have traveled to a new location, you may become ill. It can be very difficult trace it back to the source.

You may not see or hear that person actually cough or sneeze. Instead, they may have done so before you got on the airplane. Yet those particles settled on a seat you were in or on a tray you used to put your drink on during the flight. There are too many scenarios, and that makes the risk of Coronavirus being contracted and spread a real threat to just about everyone in society.

Ideally, someone who is considered no longer a risk should no longer have a fever or rely on medication to control body temperature. They should be tested and it should come back negative. They shouldn’t be coughing, sneezing, or experiencing any difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of Covid-19

It is very important to be aware of the symptoms of COVID-19. Individuals may have already been exposed to the virus for several days before they experience any such symptoms. Some of them are similar to the flu and others are similar to the common cold. Don’t ignore such symptoms of the Coronavirus. It is best to be tested and rule it out if you experience the following:

• Changes to normal breathing
• Coughing
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Sore Throat

Testing for Covid-19

If you have been around someone who tests positive, you should also be tested as soon as possible. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is recommended to be tested. It is better to find out you only have a common cold or allergies than to not get adequate treatment and the Coronavirus continues to attack your body and destroy your well-being. You should be tested if you have recently traveled or been around a large group of people. This is to be done as a precaution because you may have been exposed.

Call your doctor in advance if you feel you may have the Coronavirus. Wear a mask to the appointment and don’t sit where there are other people. When you make the appointment, let them know why you need to be seen so they can make it a top priority. If you have a high fever or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention from your nearest emergency room facility.

Many communities have set up drive through testing centers. You can get in line and be tested in a short amount of time. You can do so without getting out of your vehicle, going into a facility, or being around anyone other than medical professionals. This will ensure that you aren’t spreading the virus should you test positive.

While the statistics about positive tests are being shared with the proper agencies, your name and other details will not be shared. You don’t have to be afraid to go get tested because you worry about retaliation or everyone knowing about your test results. Such testing should be done so you can quarintine if you need and also get the medical care to fight Coronavirus. The longer your symptoms linger, the more risk you have of infecting others. It also prolongs your recovery time too.

Treatment Options for Covid-19

Seeking immediate medical care when a person tests positive for COVID-19 is essential. This increases the chances of a full recovery. The longer the symptoms go untreated the more difficult it is for the body to fight it. The risk of death is higher in those that are vulnerable, have breathing issues, or that put off getting treatment.

Many of the medications given for those with Coronavirus are designed to help reduce and control body temperature. Getting the fever under control is a very important part of the treatment. When the immune system is continually trying to battle the fever, it doesn’t have enough resources to help fight the infection or to slow it from progressing.

Zinc is a good supplement to take because it helps with the healing process. It can slow down the movement of the harmful cells. It also promotes the development of healthy cells within the body. At the same time, Zinc gives the immune system a powerful boost. The immune system needs all the help it can get to fight this ailment.

There are some medications being used at this time to help fight the Coronavirus. Such medications fall under various umbrellas. Some of them are used to fight HIV/AIDS and others are used to help with Malaria. Some of them are created for breathing issues or to assist with reducing fever.

There is no one medication that is being given to those who test positive for COVID-19. It will depend on their symptoms, the severity of them, their overall health, and how well they respond to the treatment. An individualized treatment plan has to be created for each patient once they are assessed by medical professionals.

It is encouraging that there are medications being used for patients, and they are making a full recovery. Some of these medications that are gaining attention include:

• Chloroquine with Zinc
• Lopinavir / Ritonavir
• Ribavirin

The dose of each medication and how frequently it is given will depend on the needs of the patient. The types of medication and the dose may need to be modified throughout the treatment as the patient changes. They may get worse before they get better while others seem to improve dramatically as soon as they start a regiment of medications.

The duration of time someone will need to take such medicine also varies. They should continue to receive it until the fever is no longer an issue. If it returns once medicine has stopped, it will need to be started again. The patient should continue the medications until they are no longer coughing, sneezing, or having trouble breathing correctly.

There can be various side effects a patient will experience with the use of these medications. The number of side effects and the severity of them will depend on the dose and other variables. However, the side effects are deemed to be worth it in order for the patient to fight COVID-19 and to be on the road to recovery.

Who is at Risk with Covid-19?

Everyone is at risk of contracting the Coronavirus. However, most people will be able to recover from it after a period ranging from 1 to 2 weeks. Yet that can be a long time to fight a fever, a cough, fatigue, and other symptoms. However, the elderly, the very young, and those with serious health concerns are at the greatest risk. Individuals with heart and lung disease are very vulnerable.

They don’t have an immune system that is able to successfully combat COVID-19 successfully. As a result, they may spend a number of days in the hospital under medical care. Unfortunately, this virus can also result in death for those that have breathing difficulties as a symptom. This can lead to pneumonia, infections, and the body may not be able to survive such an attack.

How can you Prevent Covid-19?

There isn’t a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, and it is transferred from one person to the next. The best way to prevent it is to avoid being in contact with others when possible. This includes avoiding social gatherings. If possible, work from home and pick up your groceries through online ordering rather than walking around the store.

Change your schedule to cut out all activities that aren’t 100% necessary. This includes going to the gym, going to church, and keeping your children from extracurricular activities. If the schools in your area haven’t been closed due to this virus, you do have the right as a parent to home school them for a period of time. The school can provide you with their assignments and you can return them to the school once they are completed.

Don’t travel unless it is absolutely necessary. You may need to reschedule or cancel business trips and vacations. While this can be disappointing, it isn’t worth the risk of getting sick while you are around others due to the exposure. It isn’t worth it to bring home the virus to your loved ones after you have traveled.

Avoid going out to eat, going to casinos, and going to large events such as plays or concerts. Self quarantine at home as much as you can for your entire household. This can be a great time for more bonding, to teach the kids something new, and to spend time taking part in fun activities. It doesn’t have to be boring and it doesn’t have to be a negative thing.

Avoid touching others including shaking hands and hugging. No one will be offended during this challenging time. They understand everyone is trying to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Make sure you wash your hands several times per day, not just after you have used the bathroom. Wash for a minimum of 20 seconds each time.

Wipe down commonly used areas of your home and place of business. This includes tables, chairs, light switches, remote controls, mobile devices, keyboards, and doors. Anything that you touch on a regular basis should be disinfected with bleach or with Lysol spray. This should be done very day because you don’t know what germs have been brought into your home recently.

Carry hand sanitizer with you. This allows you to clean your hands when you don’t have access to soap and water. It also allows you to wipe down surfaces you may come in to contact with after others. Upon returning home, immediately wash your hands to destroy any germs you may have picked up while you were out.

Avoid touching surfaces that you don’t really need to. Such surfaces can include handrails because of the number of other people that have come into contact with them. Try to avoid touching your face as this can spread germs, even after you have washed your hands well.

Stay away from others if you have a runny nose. Make sure you use a tissue or the sleeve of your shirt when you sneeze. If there is any possibility you have Coronavirus, you need to be tested as soon as possible. In the meantime, don’t interact with others and stay home from work. This will help to reduce the risk of it spreading should your test be positive.

If you are sick, wear a face mask to prevent the germs from easily being spread to others. It is best to stay in a room away from the rest of your family. This will reduce the risk of everyone else in the household becoming ill also.

Social Impact of Covid-19

The shelves in grocery stores are being wiped out by those who are hoarding. They are stocking up on food, toilet paper, and other items they feel are necessities. This is creating a panic though because then others find the shelves are virtually bare when they show up to do their shopping. While the Coronavirus is serious and you need to take precautions, don’t panic. Be logical, do your part to avoid spreading it, and pay attention to the information shared by the experts.

While you may enjoy watching the news or reaching social media feeds about COVID-19, you have to be careful. There is a great deal of misinformation out there, and that can cause you to be anxious or to panic over it. Limit your exposure to such details, and make sure the information you are exposing yourself to is credible.

It is unfair to blame certain individuals or cultures as a whole for this virus. Some are being biased against Chinese and Asians due to reports of the virus coming from their native countries. It is important to understand many such individuals have not been to those countries or ever resided there. They may be of such nationalities, but they are citizens of the United States.

Talk to your children about COVID-19 because they already know something is going on. Older children may be worried and scared, so they need you to share some basic information with them. You don’t have to go into great detail, but do let them know about changes to their routine for the time being. Teach kids how to properly wash their hands and to avoid touching any unnecessary surfaces during this time.