CORONAVIRUS DISEASE...How To Protect Yourself and Others
I am hearing from both clients and colleagues about their concerns about the Coronavirus. I have been doing a lot of reading and also speaking to medical professionals about their thoughts. Yesterday I went to the Supermarket to purchase a few items and at first seeing so many empty shelves I was wondering what was going on? I asked a cashier and he said, “people are panicking with coronavirus and buying up major staples”. I was surprised but then again I can understand people being so afraid and reacting. There are so many articles and misinformation being spread by the media outlets. Since we know so little about it we must keep informed by going into our local and national public health authorities.
The virus is a type of coronavirus — a family of viruses that can cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
Because this virus is so new, not much is known about it yet. Public health groups, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are investigating. Check their websites for updates.
I have included precautions and advise provided by the Mayo Clinic. How I am helping my Clients right now is discussing their fears, educate on precautions and plan a game plan ( this helps give a sense of control). We need to be informed, smart, and use common sense. To panic will help nobody, there is no reason to panic, the flu has killed more people then the coronavirus. I am letting my clients know to cancel if they are ill (I do this every flu season), I will cancel if I get sick, I am choosing not to shake hands or hug family and friends for now, I am using disinfectants more then usual and I am making sure my elderly Mom and Aunt basically stay home until we know more. Since it affects the young and elderly, that is who we should most be protecting. My clients also have the option to do TeleTherapy sessions if they don’t want to go out.
What we do know:
The new coronavirus appears to be spreading from person to person. It may be spread by respiratory droplets when someone infected with the virus coughs or sneezes. It's unclear exactly how contagious the virus is. Its best to stay 6 feet from anyone that is sick with a cold, flu, etc. There is not a precise answer if the virus spreads through touching surfaces, so I say be safe and wipe. Its always a good practice because surfaces, cell phones, purses, elevators, escalators ,etc are always filled with germs.
COVID-19 symptoms can be mild to severe and include a fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure. A coronavirus vaccine isn't currently available.
WHO and CDC recommend that you take the usual precautions for avoiding respiratory viruses:
Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren't clean.
Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
Clean surfaces you often touch.
Stay home from work, school and public areas if you're sick.
WEAR A MASK WHEN OUT
In addition to the above, WHO recommends these steps:
Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or animal organs.
If you're visiting live markets in areas that have recently had new coronavirus cases, avoid contact with live animals and surfaces they may have touched.
If you're planning to travel internationally, first check the CDC and WHO websites for updates and advice. Also look for any health advisories that may be in place where you plan to travel.