A large part of the world is currently under lockdowns and restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, including the US. During this unprecedented and worrying time, it is important that you have all the facts about coronavirus and how it can affect you and your family. Knowing the facts can help to prevent the spread of the disease, while also reducing any stress or anxiety that you may be experiencing, especially if you are concerned about a pre-existing health condition.
What is Coronavirus?
COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large sub-group of viruses that caused previous epidemics such as SARS. Coronavirus affects your lungs and airways and can lead to pneumonia. You may be at a higher risk of contracting serious symptoms if you have a pre-existing medical condition, if you are elderly, or if you have a compromised immune system, although many people also experience little or no symptoms from the virus and become asymptomatic.
How Can You Prevent Coronavirus?
If you are concerned about catching coronavirus or if you have a pre-existing health condition that puts you at greater risk, there are many steps that you can take to prevent. Many of these precautions have now been made law within many US states, such as social distancing, avoiding public areas, and only leaving the house for exercise and essential shopping. To find out more about COVID-19’s impact in the United States, read the CDC’s frequently updated statistics.
You can also prevent yourself from catching the coronavirus by not touching your face, washing your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds on a regular basis, and catching your coughs and sneezes in a tissue. You should also avoid contact with anyone that is showing symptoms, such as family members who are living in the same house as you. If you are living with someone who may have coronavirus, you should try to isolate them to one part of the house, ensure that they use a different bathroom where possible, and disinfect surfaces after they have used them.
What Are the Symptoms That You Need to Be Aware Of?
Coronavirus has two major symptoms: a new and persistent cough and a fever. The other potential symptoms of COVID-19 are less common, such as feeling fatigued or having a sore throat. You should contact the emergency services if you start to experience breathing difficulties, which could indicate the onset of pneumonia, as this may have to be treated in hospital.
What Should You Do if You Think You Have Covid-19?
If you have coronavirus, you should make sure that you isolate yourself away from all your family members and friends, even if you live in the same house as them. This always means staying at least 2 meters apart from them. You should also stay within your home and follow the advice of your local health service. However, if your symptoms begin to worsen significantly, you should seek medical attention. Rather than head to your local doctor’s surgery, it is paramount that you contact them by phone instead. If necessary, you may have to go to a hospital or a testing center, where you will be able to determine whether your symptoms are a result of the disease.