As news sources continue to announce new cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we know many of you have questions.
While this is a “novel” or a new version of the coronavirus, we’ve been battling other varieties of coronavirus for many years. There will be serious illness in some, and we must take all precautions to decrease COVID-19 spread.
For most healthy people, however, mild cases will have symptoms similar to the common cold. People begin noting symptoms five days after exposure and are sick for a week; then, symptoms start improving. We all know how to take care of mild cases—stay home, drink lots of fluids and curl up in bed for a few days. Things will generally get better with time and rest. If symptoms are worsening, you should contact us for a video visit, or if your symptoms are severe, go to your local emergency room, calling ahead to let them be prepared for you; otherwise, stay home until symptoms are fully cleared. Like any new infection, the first round in society is the hardest, and then things start getting better.
What should you do?
1) Wash your hands. 20 seconds (2 rounds of Happy Birthday) or when soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizers.
2) Practice social distancing. Keep a six-foot bubble between you and your neighbor, cough and sneeze into your elbow and avoid touching public surfaces with your hands. Shop at odd hours. Leave space between you and your neighbor when you’re in public. Avoid shaking hands and hugging. Avoid large gatherings in confined spaces.
3) Practice self care. Our best defense right now is our own immune system, so eat a healthy diet, limit inflammatory foods like sugar, starches and dairy, continue regular exercise and most importantly find ways to help manage stress. This is a stressful time for many but we know that stress affects our immune system, which can make us more likely to become sick. Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Immune Defense, and Probiotics are good for all of our immune systems throughout this and cold and flu season.
4) Take caution if you become sick. Whether you have a cold, the flu or suspect coronavirus, it is important to take care of yourself. Video visits are available through our clinic in order to prevent the spread of this virus if you have concerns. Most healthy people can treat this at home with usual home cares. Testing is not available at our clinic at this time. If you’re not seriously ill, then stay home, stay warm and avoid infecting others.
5) Support those who are vulnerable. Who does this include? Anyone over age 60, those who have lung problems, those who have blood pressure issues and those who have a compromised immune system. They may need extra help with coronavirus, just as they do with the flu or a cold. The more severely ill need to be the focus of hospitals and other healthcare resources. Let’s all work together so they have healthcare resources when needed.
We hope that these measures can help you feel empowered and prepared rather than fear and panic.
There is an ongoing investigation to determine more about this outbreak. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.
https://www.cdc.gov/
