How to Avoid Contracting the Coronavirus

More than three-quarters of the coronavirus (COVID-19)cases in China have been classified as mild but it appears to be very contagious. Someone can pass the germs on before they even feel sick. Symptoms include low-grade fever and a cough, fatigue, headaches and, sometimes, diarrhea.

Overall, the death rate in China is estimated at 2%, and the average age of death among those with the virus is in the 70s. People with underlying medical problems, and particularly smokers, seem to be at higher risk.

Compared to prior outbreaks of novel viruses, this virus appears less deadly than other human viruses, which had mortality rates of about 34% for MERS and about 10% for SARS.

COVID-19, like other viruses, is not responsive to antibiotics that can knock out a bacterial infection. A virus is a tiny microbe that can be picked up on a tabletop, shopping bag, door handle, or any other surface. It can even be inhaled in a droplet of aerosol after a cough or sneeze as far as 15 feet away.

So it is imperative to avoid it if you can but breaking bad habits can be difficult. The CDC recommends the following ways to avoid it:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. These are the entry points into the body but a lot of people habitually touch their faces.
• Stay home when you are sick. This is easier said than done!
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. It is most likely covered with germs.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe in order to kill the germs.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. The 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).
• 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. Dry your hands on a clean towel or paper towel to avoid picking up more germs.
• 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. It’s remarkable how many people I see with dirty hands.
• If you cough or sneeze, and don’t have a tissue, do it into your elbow to avoid inoculating others.

The CDC also has specific guidance for travelers.

It’s also a good idea to check your medicine cabinet to ensure you have basic medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Think about backup plans if schools were to close or you must miss work during an outbreak. If you normally take prescriptions, make sure you have the medications on hand in case you get sick. It would be a good idea to minimize activities that lower your immunity such as extreme exertion, not sleeping, drinking alcohol, etc. And think about minimizing travel and working from home if that is an option.

Good luck and stay healthy!