The word Coronavirus is one that almost everyone has heard recently. From television news to radio and social media, this illness is something that has people worried. It’s scary when a new illness begins to spread which has left many people wondering, are healthcare providers prepared?

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a virus that originated in Wuhan, China. China has seen a large number of cases of this virus because it’s highly contagious, quick to spread, and there is no vaccine available. Patients diagnosed with coronavirus are treated for their symptoms, but there is no cure yet.

The virus is believed to have originated in animals and spread first through farm works in close contact with those animals. Some people who were also infected after purchasing meat of those infected animals at markets in Wuhan. Wuhan, China has a travel ban in place to keep people from entering or leaving the city in an attempt to control the spread of the virus. 

Are Healthcare Providers Prepared? 

The CDC has guidelines in place for healthcare workers of all levels to help identify, manage, and treat coronavirus if it comes to the united states. These are national guidelines and in most major metropolitan areas, training has been given to prepare for the possibility of an outbreak. Healthcare providers are preparing for the worst, but hoping the all the precautions in place will prevent an outbreak in the US. 

Should I Be Worried About Coronavirus? 

Coronavirus is not posing any immediate threat to US citizens. There have been a select number of cases in the US, but the cases reported have been from international travelers who had direct contact with the virus. There has only been one person-to-person case of coronavirus reported in the United States.

If you and those close to you have not internationally traveled, you have nothing to worry about. There are protocols in place at international airports to test travelers for the early warning signs of the coronavirus. Anyone who shows any possible signs is being kept in quarantine until they are able to be tested for coronavirus. 

If you have questions, concerns, or believe you’ve come in contact with coronavirus, contact healthcare professionals right away. For all other wintertime health needs, your local urgent care is the best place to receive same-day treatment and care!