Everything you need to know about the Coronavirus

By Audrey Erb

As the Coronavirus is spreading around the world from China to the US, it’s causing many deaths. The symptoms may include the following: fever, cough, shortness of breath, and in serious cases: an infection that can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. One factor is that coronavirus is zoonotic, which means the virus is transmitted through animals and people. The coronavirus may also be referred to as COVID-19, an SOS alert.

In the US currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed the fifteenth case of the coronavirus and investigations are still going on about finding how each person got it. On the other hand, China has more than 77,600 cases confirmed for the coronavirus and around 2,663 total deaths reported from NBC News.

The 15th case was diagnosed in Texas. There is one case of the coronavirus in West Virginia that has been confirmed, but there is no reason to panic WAZ News Channel reports.

World Health Organization recommends preventing the spread of infection through regular hand washing, covering of mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, and thoroughly cooking eggs and meat. Try avoiding any close contact with anyone that is showing symptoms of respiratory illness.

Coronavirus infections are most common in the fall and winter. While anyone can get it, young children are more likely to get infected in the United States. Symptoms for a mild to moderate upper-respiratory infection contain the following: a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, or a fever. These all may lead to a common cold and just not feeling well overall. To make a diagnosis, meet with your healthcare provider. They will check your medical history, ask about your symptoms, do a physical exam, may do blood tests, and may do lab tests, like a sample from a throat swab.

Treatments for this virus to relieve your symptoms are by taking over-the-counter medicines for pain, fever, and cough, by using a room humidifier or taking a hot shower, getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty of fluids. More recommendations from the United States Library of Medicine says to avoid touching your face, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands, washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid any close contact with people who are sick, by cleaning and disinfecting any surfaces that you frequently touch. Make sure you cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw them away and wash your hands afterward, and then lastly to stay home when you’re sick.

The New York Times speaks about the traveling situation, and for travelers to take in consideration that most airlines are shut down temporarily to and from China because of the Coronavirus. They suggest either setting them for a later date or canceling them altogether. With this outbreak of a virus, no one wants more people potentially with the virus back into the United States. The State Department has issued a “do not travel” advisory and a declaration by the World Health Organization of a global health emergency. So many travelers wanted refunds or just wanted on a flight back home, while airports were waiting to see if any countries were changing their minds about what flights could come and from which countries.   

While taking all of these precautions to not get this Coronavirus, stay safe and keep your area clean and sanitized wherever you may go. If everyone can do this, it will more likely prevent your community or home from getting this virus and keeping everyone well.