We have received some
phone calls and emails asking about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to
avoid contracting it. Here is some basic information:
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms may appear 2-14
days after exposure.
The most common symptoms
are fever, cough and shortness of breath
Reported illnesses have
ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19
cases. Existing underlying heart, respiratory or other medical conditions,
coupled with older age, may play a significant role in cases where
people have died from COVID-19.
IT HELPS TO KEEP THINGS
IN PERSPECTIVE
It is important to keep
things in perspective. Millions of Americans come down with the flu each year,
and tens of thousands of Americans die from the flu each year. Also, the flu
virus is not always the same from year to year. It can and does mutate into different
strains, catching the world by surprise, at which point new vaccines are
developed to deal with the changes. As things currently stand, the impact
COVID-19 is having on the United States is light years away from the flu's
impact.
PREVENTION
Currently, there is no
vaccine to prevent COVID-19, although an all-out effort is underway to develop
one.
The best way to prevent
illness is to avoid being exposed to this or any other virus.
The Centers for Disease
Control & Prevention (CDC) recommends everyday preventive actions to help
prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
-- Avoid close contact
with people who are sick.
-- Avoid touching your
eyes, nose, and mouth.
-- Stay home when you
are sick.
-- Cover your cough or
sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
-- Clean and disinfect
frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning
spray or wipe.
-- Wash your hands often
with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (Sing the song “Happy Birthday”
twice), especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after
blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
-- If soap and water are
not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60%
alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
-- These are everyday
habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have
specific guidance for travelers.
Follow CDC’s
recommendations for using a facemask. CDC does NOT recommend people who are
well wearing a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases,
including COVID-19.
Facemasks should be used
by people who show symptoms of the virus to help prevent the spread of the
disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers,
people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health
care facility), or people responding to an emergency call pertaining to COVD-19
or other virus condition.
TREATMENT
At this time, there is
no specific antiviral treatment recommended for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their
healthcare provider immediately.
VISIT THESE WEBSITES FOR
MORE INFORMATION
CENTERS FOR DISEASE
CONTROL AND PREVENTION: www.cdc.gov
SCDHEC: https://www.scdhec.gov/
