Coronavirus (COVID-19): Keys to Prevention

You may be feeling concerned about coronavirus (also referred to as the illness caused by coronavirus, COVID-19), which has been in the news. If so, you’re not alone.  Below is information is provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has infected some people in the United States, including in Oregon. For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to the virus at this time, the immediate health risk from this coronavirus is considered low, the CDC said. This is because individual risk depends on exposure to the virus, which remains low.  As such, current efforts are focused on preventing spread of the virus from person to person

We can all take steps to reduce the risk that the virus will spread.  The same practices that stop the spread of the cold and flu also help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).  The following steps are recommended:

• 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.
  • If you don’t wear a watch, consider singing the alphabet song twice to help track the time.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.  After this, wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.  For example, wipe off surfaces and door handles between clients.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• 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 – particularly health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).  For example, offer a mask to a client who is coughing or showing other symptoms.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website.

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.

CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) usually causes an upper respiratory tract illness like the common cold. Patients with this new coronavirus have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath according to the CDC.

While there remains much to be learned about coronavirus (COVID-19), public health officials know that most people who contract it will suffer relatively minor symptoms. Roughly 80% of those who come down with coronavirus (COVID-19) will experience what might feel like a bad case of the flu: a fever, bad cough and shortness of breath. Another 15 to 18% might require more advanced care from a doctor or a stay in the hospital. Most infected people will recover on their own.

There is no specific treatment for coronavirus (COVID-19). If you or a family member have traveled recently to an area of risk, or if you think you may have been exposed to the virus and have symptoms of respiratory illness, you should call your primary care physician.