Worried you may have coronavirus? Here are steps to protect yourself and others
There are more than 50 cases of coronavirus in the United States, so what should you do if you think you’re showing symptoms of the virus?
First off, check to see if what you’re feeling is associated with coronavirus. The most common symptoms are fever, shortness of breath and a cough, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People with these symptoms are urged by to seek medical attention, the World Health Organization says.
When contacting your doctor, you should make a list of your symptoms, recent travels, medications, vitamins and supplements you take and personal information such as family medical history and recent life changes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
How to prevent spreading the virus
It’s suggested by the CDC that you separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
“If you are sick with COVID 19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked and sharing food,” the CDC said. “If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you’re sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a face mask.”
Ways to prevent the spread include wearing a face mask, covering your coughs and sneezes, cleaning surfaces every day, cleaning your hands often and avoiding the share of personal household items, the CDC said.
The CDC suggested employers to actively encourage sick workers to stay home or to separate sick employees in the workroom.
Dr. Nancy Messonnier, the head of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, said Tuesday it’s time Americans begin preparing for the spread of the virus.
“It’s not so much a question of if this will happen anymore but rather more a question of exactly when this will happen and how many people in this country will have severe illness,” Messonnier said, according to CNBC.
How to treat your symptoms
There currently is no antiviral medication recommended for the disease, the Mayo Clinic said. At-home treatment can include pain relievers, cough syrup or medication, rest and fluid intake, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Smoking, taking herbal remedies, wearing multiple masks or self medicating is not recommended if you think you have coronavirus, WHO stated.
Ways to prepare include checking your medicine cabinet to make sure you have basic medications and asking your employer about working from home, Rebecca Katz, the director of the Center for Global Health Science and Security told NPR. She also suggested stocking your cupboards with extra food and cleaning supplies.
“If there’s widespread virus in your community, you may not want to go to the (store),” she said. “You may want to distance yourself from others.”
This story was originally published February 28, 2020 at 10:13 AM with the headline "Worried you may have coronavirus? Here are steps to protect yourself and others."