Our elderly population are one of the most vulnerable group of people in our society almost every time and in every situation. And our present reality once again put their population at risk. With this Corona Virus Disease 2019 (CoVid-19) lurking around us, panic and mayhem are just around the corner. We need to understand what this virus is all about so that we can prevent it from spreading if not totally stop it. I know that the news we hear everyday are not very encouraging, but if we look at the brighter side of life...these news and updates makes our government and health agencies more prepared for what is inevitable.
So let us take a few minutes to learn what we need to know about CoVid-19 so that we can take actions to protect ourselves and the ones we love.
HOW DOES CoVid-19 SPREADS?
Since CoVid-19 is a new strain, how this virus is spread is still not definite. The CDC describes it as a "novel virus that is emerging and rapidly evolving". They based their advice on the current knowledge of similar strains of Coronavirus and from what they know now from the current situation of those infected. To be safe these are general precautions to prevent the spread of a virus (until we know something more definitive). It is considered an "outbreak of respiratory disease.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from PERSON-TO-PERSON
Close contact (meaning within 6 feet) within one another.
Through droplet infection, meaning when the infected person coughs or sneezes the respiratory droplets spreads in the air and inhaled by another.
These droplets can come in through any openings in our body like our nose, eyes, mouth and possible inhaled by another.
The virus can also be spread from CONTACT WITH INFECTED SURFACES or OBJECTS.
Even though this is not thought to be the main way of getting infected with CoVid-19, if we are not careful this can spread the virus really fast.
Any object or surfaces touched by an infected person then touched by someone else who then touches their face, nose, mouth or eyes can get the virus easily.
"People are thought to be MOST CONTAGIOUS when they are MOST SYMPTOMATIC" meaning when they are the SICKEST!!! - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
"COMMUNITY SPREAD" is when the virus that causes CoVid-19 has infected people in an area who are not sure how they got infected at all.
THIS IS ALL the CDC knows at the moment, and from this knowledge WHAT CAN WE DO TO PREVENT THE SPREAD and STAY HEALTHY?
"The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus."- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Here are some PREVENTIVE ACTIONS recommended by the CDC to prevent the spread of virus:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including CoVid-19.
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility). -Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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.
Don't think that we know everything, get involved. Be aware of what's going on around you. Get your facts right and do not just panic with everybody else. Make sure you get your FACTS from reliable sources, FOR MORE INFORMATION check this link Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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