COVID Update, March 11, 2020

Another Coronavirus Update, 3/11/20

General Info:

1. Although the total number of known cases is relatively low, I suspect the actual number is much higher, and will grow quickly.

2. The virus is clearly most dangerous to folks as they get older, with most deaths occurring in those over 65, or with underlying health problems like diabetes or heart disease.

3. The initial symptoms can be very mild, and yet still contagious. It does not typically have a sudden onset like the flu, although It is spread in the same way as the flu, through secretions (coughing, sneezing, mucous), and can live on solid surfaces for several days.

So what should you do?

1. Avoid exposure. Avoid any unnecessary travel or gatherings of large groups that are not essential. Wash hands and clean hard surfaces regularly. Try to keep hands away from your face (it's contracted through mucous membranes - mouth, nose, eyes)

2. Avoid spreading any illness. If you are sick, stay home. Treat your symptoms with OTC meds, and call your doctor for any further advice. The only treatment for this disease is respiratory support if you need hospitalization.

3. Testing is available for those with significant symptoms and likelihood of exposure. In these early stages, testing will be helpful to identify areas of high risk. As the disease becomes more prevalent, testing becomes less important for those with mild symptoms because, as noted above, there is no treatment.

Common Questions:

1. Should I take my trip, cruise, etc? Probably not if it involves air travel or cruise ships. Especially if you're over 65.

2. Should I go to the amusement park, museum, sporting event, etc? I would recommend avoiding large groups of people where germ spread is likely.

3. Why should I be concerned, I'm young and healthy? There are two parts to most health recommendations (like flu shots) - the personal health perspective, and the public health perspective. If we can prevent young, healthy people from getting this virus, then we should also reduce the number of at-risk people who get it. So, preventing infection in yourself could have a significant impact on the life of someone else. This is a public health issue.