Prevention of the Coronavirus

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19; however, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person — either between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs, causing one to fall ill with the virus.

Prevention of the virus is simple: washing your hands. To eliminate all traces of the virus on your hands, a quick scrub and a rinse won’t cut it. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or sing “happy birthday”) especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol (the alcohol percentage can be found on the back of most sanitizers). Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Most importantly, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Finally, face masks have caused quite the debate in the midst of this virus. Here are two rules to follow on when to use them:

• If you are sick: You should wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a face mask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a face mask if they enter your room.

• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a face mask). Face masks are in very short supply and should be reserved for caregivers and health officials.

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