April 22, 2020 Issue, Page 11 of 20

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A Local Survival Guide, Wednesday, April 22. 2020 PG3 - ll aa Coronavirus sparks Y= worldwide concern What is Prevention COVID-19? and Treatment In 2019, a new type of coronavi- The WHO says that if a person is rus not previously identified was healthy, he or she only needs to discovered in China. Like other wear a mask if this person is taking coronaviruses, this virus, COVID- care of another with a suspected 19, can be spread easily from COVID-19 infection. One also person to person, particularly should wear a mask if he or she is through respiratory droplets coughing or sneezing. acquired when someone with the Doctors advise that frequent hand- virus coughs or sneezes. Most washing, and in the absence of often people need to be within six warm, soapy water, alcohol-based feet of the infected person for sanitizers that are at least 60 per- contraction. The CDC says that cent alcohol can be effective in ", COVID-19 also is believed to be preventing transmission of COVID- spread from animals to people. 19. Also avoid touching your eyes, It's currently unclear if a person nose and mouth with unwashed can get COVID-19 by touching a hands. surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching his Currently there is no specific antivi- oer her own mouth, nose or eyes. ral treatment for the disease; people should receive supportive Those confirmed as having the care for symptoms. However, Ts dawn of 2020 ushered virus reported illnesses ranging in| many newsworthy What is a from mild symptoms like fever, research into antiviral drugs, such as those for HIV and influenza, are headlines, but few have coronavirus? cough and shortness of breath to being tested for their potential effi- turned the heads of the masses more severe illness. Reactions to cacy against COVID-19, Research as sharply as the arrival of a COVID-19 can differ from individ- into developing a vaccine for this novel coronavirus that was first Medical News Today reports that ual to individual. It’s believed that novel coronavirus also is ongoing. identified in Wuhan, Hubei coronaviruses typically affect the symptoms of COVID-19 can Province, China. In late 2019, appear in as few as two days or Concerned individuals should respiratory tracts of mammals. Chinese authorities identified as long as 14 after exposure. speak with their healthcare provid- Coronaviruses are responsible the new virus, which has result- Those who have been in China or ers for accurate, up-to-date for between 15 and 30 percent of information about COVID-19 as e d around others who have visited common colds. They’re also global health organizations contin- in scores of confirmed cases in from China and are experiencing China, and additional cases associated with pneumonia and ue to monitor conditions cold or flu symptoms are advised identified in a growing number severe acute respiratory syn- call their physicians. and treatments. of international locations. drome, or SARS. GREAT PLAINSA® Both the World Health Coronaviruses were given their Organization and The Centers name based on the crown-like for Disease Control and projections on their surfaces (in Prevention have closely moni- Latin, “corona” means “halo” or REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER tored the coronavirus, which “crown”). Coronavirus antibodies THE CARE YOU TRUST, was named COVID-19 in mid- do not last or work for very long, February 2020. The public is so a person who becomes ill can understandably concerned, but catch the same virus again a few educating oneself COVID-19 and coronaviruses about months later. Also, antibodies for 24/7 Emercency Care RIGHT HERE. in general can assuage some one strain of coronavirus may not fears. be effective against other strains. (580) 225-2511