What does this infection mean for you and your family?
The 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) was detected in Wuhan city, Hubei province in China. While coronaviruses are not new, this particular strain is relatively unknown at this point. As a result of widespread infection rates, the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency on January 20, 2020.
COVID-19 produces respiratory symptoms similar to influenza. A result of worldwide air, rail and ship travel, the virus has been detected in 74 other countries including the United States. Viral testing has not caught up to the number of people exhibiting symptoms so numbers are expected to rise, however, chances of the general public being exposed to Coronavirus remain small. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have improved access to test kits and allowed more laboratories to complete the testing.
Facts as we know them now:
Approximately 2.3% of those who contract the virus will die from complications of the disease. This means 97% of people who develop symptoms will survive.
Compare this to the annual influenza mortality rate of 0.12% and to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) with a mortality rate of 10%.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- General feeling of being unwell
Populations most likely to be affected:
- Elderly
- Very young – though children appear to be relatively spared by this infection
- Immunocompromised individuals
- People with current lower respiratory tract infection, pneumonia or bronchitis
- Heavy smokers
What can you do to protect yourself from COVID-19?
- Do all the same things you do now to protect yourself from influenza;
- Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap & warm water often;
- Avoid using antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizers and soaps when possible, they kill the beneficial bacteria on your skin which increases your susceptibility to infection;
- Clean surfaces regularly with soap & warm water;
- Eat healthy, whole foods and hydrate with water and herbal teas; Get plenty of rest;
- Stay home if you develop fever/flu symptoms;
- Try to not touch your face, mouth, nose or eyes without first washing your hands with soap and warm water;
- Avoid direct contact with anyone who exhibits symptoms of influenza;
- Do not cough or sneeze into your hand, rather sneeze into your elbow if possible.
Contact Emerge Natural Health Care, PLLC at (360) 787-3615. We are Naturopathic Doctors and East Asian Medical Practitioners offering excellent care to reduce the length and severity of the infection such as: antiviral herbs, tinctures and homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, home care advice and nutritional support.