Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Basic Information About The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

There has been much discussion on the new coronavirsus (known as COVID-19) breakout. Now over 37 locations internationally have been infected with the virus with more incidents reported every day. The WHO (World Health Organization) has warned of a possible pandemic from COVID-19.

Signs and Symptoms

Most of the common symptoms of the coronavirus are typical of a cold or flu, fever, dry cough and fatigue. Although in some cases people will start to get worse within the next five days and may experience severe shortness of breath, acute respiratory failure, kidney failure and possible death. Although WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has stated "there have only been 44 deaths" outside of China in yesterdays' news conference.

 What Steps to Take

One of the biggest things to do is avoid contact with anyone that has been know to travel in the areas where the virus has been spreading, or anyone who may have been in contact with someone who has. If someone around you has a cough or looks ill, it would be best to stay away as well. 

You  should take the same precautions you would with the flu, regularly wash your hands, clean surfaces, cover your cough so that the germs don't spread. 

The CDC Website and the WHO Website have a variety of resources to help keep you informed on the COVID-19.

 

 

Resources

Center for Disease Control and Prevention Website

World Health Organization Website

Coronavirus: More New Cases are Now Reported Outside China Than Inside by Bill Chappell with NPR

Coronavirus & Pet Health

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