Coronavirus: Prevention Tips

It’s all over the news, I’m sure you’ve heard about the new coronavirus, a new strain of virus that’s sweeping across China and spreading to other parts of the world.

First of all, let’s define what is the meaning of novel coronavirus (nCov). It was recently reported by authorities in Wuhan, China last December 2019. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, “coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals.” 

What are its SYMPTOMS?

Common signs of the infection are fever, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty in breathing. More severe cases can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. Although, symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days, or as long as 14, after exposure.

How to protect YOURSELF?

There are currently no vaccines available to protect you against human coronavirus infection. You may be able to reduce your risk of infection by doing the following:

– Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

– Cover your mouth when you cough, or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.

– If you’re wearing mask, immediately discard single-use mask after each use and wash hands after removing masks.

– Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

– Stay home when you’re sick.

– Avoid consumption of raw or undercooked animal products aka “samgyup”. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

– Boost your immune system by taking some multivitamins and eating a balance diet meal.

– Drink plenty of WATER!

– Get a flu shot. The influenza vaccine should be done yearly.