March 3 2020

The novel coronavirus (which causes a disease known as COVID-19) has infected a number of people in the United States. Most of those cases have been associated with travel to China or other at-risk areas. While the potential global public health threat posed by this coronavirus is high, the individual risk depends on exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to the virus at this time, the immediate health risk from this coronavirus is considered low, the CDC said.

Coronavirus usually causes an upper respiratory tract illness like the common cold. Patients with this new coronavirus have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath according to the CDC.

It’s still cold and flu season, and the same practices that stop the spread of these common illnesses are recommended:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch.

There is no specific treatment for coronavirus. Most infected people will recover on their own. If you or a family member have traveled recently to an area of risk, or if you think you may have been exposed to the virus and have symptoms of respiratory illness, you should call your primary care Physician for further instructions.

Visit the CDC website for the latest coronavirus information.

Disclaimer

If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn’t enough time for safe transfer to a designated hospital before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child’s) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.

This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your primary care Doctor. If you have questions or need more information about medication, please speak to your Pharmacist. Golden State Orthopedics & Spine does not endorse any medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.