The Coronavirus also known as COVID-19 has been the topic of the world lately. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. What started in China is now in many countries and even here in Minnesota. Schools are shutting down turning the rest of the year into online classes and businesses are taking every precaution to keep their employees and everyone else safe. It basically seems like a madhouse out there, people are going crazy over toilet paper, diapers, soap and hand sanitizer, etc. If you go to your local Walmart or Target odd are the shelves that should be holding those items are going to be bare. Here is what you need to know about it and how you and keep yourself safe.
There is a difference when it comes to COVID-19, allergies and the flu. Allergies will cause you to have itchy eyes, stuffy nose, and sneezing. The flu comes with fever, coughing, muscle aches, fatigue and weakness, chills and sweats, congestions and sore throat. COVID-19 symptoms are fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing and they appear 2-14 days after being exposed. A lot of people are getting sick and scared that they have coronavirus. There is no need to freak out. It is recommended that if you are having the symptoms of COVID-19 not to go into urgent care or the ER and rather call your doctor and they will tell you a place to go. This way there will be less people exposed to the virus if you do have it.
President Donald Trump on Friday declared the coronavirus a national emergency. The designation frees “up to $50 billion” in funding that state and local governments can use to fight the spread of the disease. It has now been declared a pandemic according to the World Health Organization. With that there is no travel from Erupope to the US for the next 30 days. The people at the highest risk are older adults and people with underlying health risks and conditions such as diabetes, heart and lung disease.
How can you protect yourself? Stay away and avoid others who are sick and if you are sick yourself stay at home. Avoid touching your face like your eyes and nose, this way the germs have a less chance of getting inside your body. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds and do this on a regular basis, not just when they feel dirty. If you feel sick or have any of the symptoms stay home not only to protect yourself but also the ones around you. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue then discard that tissue into the trash and wash your hands after. Clean and disinfect door handles, surfaces and any other items people regularly touch. Avoid going out of the country and even the state if possible. The more people you come into contact with the higher risk you have. Be safe and be cautious.