The Coronavirus crisis has spread around the globe. Even as we worry about influenza and vaping disease, we have another disease assaulting people’s respiratory systems. You have heard of the Coronavirus crisis on the news, no doubt. However, this FLASS blog brings you updated statistics and facts so you will be cautious but not panicked by the reports from China.
Coronavirus Crisis: What You Need To Know
The Coronavirus is Spread Through Sneezing, Coughing, and Human Contact.
According to the CDC, the Coronavirus “is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person-to-person.” We first saw it when it broke out in Wuhan, China.. (Even as we wrote this article, they upgraded their travel warning to include avoiding all non-essential travel to China. Below are the basic symptoms:
Symptoms of the Coronavirus
- It also possibly spreads when a person touches a surface or object that has a virus on it. Then that person touches their own mouth, nose or eyes.
- We have compared it to the way we saw SARS and MERS spread between people. And circumstantially, at least it seems to spread from person-to-person. This most probably happens when an infected person coughs or sneezes in the air.
- Symptoms begin with fever and quickly progress to coughing and in some cases, shortness of breath.
Also tagged the “2019-nCoV” virus, the coronavirus has arrived in the US. Even if it had not yet affected the US, FLASS doctors and staff would still be warning you of this virulent infection. Its global consequences are just too serious to ignore. According to the CDC, the disease has killed 82 people to date, and we have over 2,700 cased in China, Asia and other parts of the world.
Latest Developments on the Coronavirus Crisis
On Jan. 27, CDC upgraded its warnings to travelers. They have confirmed additional travel-related infections of the Coronavirus in the United States. Those cases were confirmed in Arizona and California. Even as we go to publication with this report, another US case has been reported. That means there are now 6 cases, and we add the state of Pennsylvania to our list of states with cases.
Further news from the Washington Post states that the CDC is investigating 110 more cases in 26 states. Now the CDC has issued its highest warning against non-essential travel in or to China.
Thus, at the moment of this FLASS Blog publication, there are 6 cases confirmed in the US. “Based on the patient’s travel history and symptoms, healthcare professionals suspected 2019-nCoV.” The CDC is investigating where these patients went after returning to the United States.
Your Update On the Story
The Coronavirus Crisis is Our New Global Public Enemy Number 1.
For now, the big news is that the “CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Hubei Province, China.” You probably already know that previous to this travel warning advice, the US closed the American Embassy in China. We airlifted ambassadors and other Americans out of the country.
CDC Reports Aggressive Lines of Defense
The CDC is very aggressively monitoring the situation against the Coronavirus crisis both here and abroad. They have investigative teams on the ground in all the different affected countries. Likewise, we have CDC investigators in the four states of Arizona, California, Illinois, and Washington.
The “CDC is moving forward with an aggressive public health response strategy and working closely with state and local public health authorities…” They have stated they hope to identify the virus early. Plus they want to ensure that patients obtain the highest standards of care and quarantine.
Experts in the US: Expecting More Cases and Preparing the Public
Yes, like the CDC, FLASS believes there will be more cases in the US. We know this because the disease spreads person-to-person. Thus, the coronavirus continues. That is just the nature of this type of virus.
Yesterday the CDC announced, “This underscores the importance of appropriate precautions in the health care setting as well in homes of people who are infected with 2019-nCoV…”
Our Connected World and the Corona Virus Crisis: Very Serious
Coronavirus Crisis: CDC is Watching Potential Patients in 26 States.
FLASS, Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists, we understand that you might be worried about this virus. On the one hand, we do not mean to cause you undue anxiety.
On the other hand, risk depends on exposure. And we see that risk heightening. Now we warn you, “Someone who is in close contact with a person who is infected with 2019-nCoV will be at greater risk of infection and should take the precautions outlined in CDC’s guidance…”
Special Note: The Coronavirus Crisis, The Flu Season and You
Other than the travel advisories, the CDC is not recommending any unusual public health precautions at the moment.
Their simple advice is to follow the usual daily precautions we recommend during every flu and respiratory disease season.
- The CDC recommends taking your flu vaccine.
- They focus on the everyday prevention of germs, such as wiping down counters and objects with antiseptics.
- Washing your hands and taking other common actions to stop the spread of germs could prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
- If you feel the flu symptoms beginning, call your doctor for an anti-viral immediately.
What’s on the Horizon for the Coronavirus Crisis?
Currently, there is no anti-viral medication for the Coronavirus. However, within one or two months, sources report that a vaccine might be available for the coronavirus, which would lessen the crisis considerably.
As we learn more about this novel coronavirus, we will continue to update our FLASS medical advice. Likewise, you can visit the CDC website, which is updated every day, for the latest information related to our response.
Know the Real Danger of the Coronavirus Crisis
Protect Your Family by Avoiding Crowded Public Areas and Other Appropriate Safeguards.
FLASS would be remiss if we did not list the most severe complication from the coronavirus: Double Pneumonia. Researchers know that most patients quickly develop pneumonia in both lungs. This makes simple precautions very important. Remember:
- If you are sick, avoid contact with people.
- It just makes sense to delay going out in public or traveling.
- By staying home if you are sick, you will be part of the solution instead of the problem. You will be reducing the possibility of spreading illness to others. This will be true whether your sickness is the flu or the coronavirus.
By the way, we recently learned it is very possible that “people can spread the virus before symptoms show,” China’s health minister said Sunday. This fact is complicating efforts to contain the outbreak. And this announcement helps to explain why “Nearly 60 million people have been affected by partial or full lockdowns in Chinese cities…” The doctors and staff here in Orlando Florida, thank you for reading our blog at Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists. We will keep you informed of any new developments in the Coronavirus Crisis.