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The coronavirus is a dangerous illness that is responsible for the deaths of over 100,000 U.S. persons and counting. It spreads easily from person-to-person and there doesn’t appear to be an immediate stop to this contagion. While scientists work to develop a greater understanding of COVID-19 and a vaccine to stop the devastation that this pandemic has caused, it’s crucial to maintain and practice the appropriate preventative measures established by local health officials. How can transmission of the coronavirus be prevented?
COVID-19 an Immediate Healthcare Risk
Coronavirus is one of the most immediate healthcare risks in the United States. Presently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. Older Americans and people with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, lung and heart disease, and hypertension, among others, appear to be at higher risk for developing severe complications from COVID-19-related sickness. The virus spreads easily from person-to-person, which is the main way people become exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. With more than two million Americans contracting the virus and the number still climbing, what can possibly be done to prevent the coronavirus?
Prevent Exposure to COVID-19
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Still, not everyone infected with the virus will display any symptoms. The CDC provides recommendations on a number of ways to prevent transmission of the coronavirus:
- Regularly wash your hands: Make it a habit to wash your hands often with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, particularly after venturing in public, or after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose. In the absence of soap and water, a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a useful alternative. Cover the entire surface of your hands with the solution and rub them together until the hands are air dry. Keep unwashed hands away from eyes, nose, and mouth.
- No close contact: Avoid person-to-person contact with sick persons, even inside your home. Keep a distance of 6 feet or at least 2 arms’ length between yourself and others. People who are at a higher risk of health complications from getting ill should especially practice social distancing.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth mask when around people in public. Social distancing should still be practiced even when wearing a face mask.
- Cover coughs and sneezes: When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Dispose of tissue in a trash bin and wash hands immediately or clan with hand sanitizer adhering to the guidelines. Do not spit in public.
- Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis, such as doorknobs, tables, countertops, and light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. Apply detergent or soap before disinfecting the surface.
Check Risk at an Urgent Care Center
Make sure you consult an urgent care provider to determine your risks and symptoms for seasonal illnesses. COVID-19 symptoms can bear some resemblance to the cold and flu, which is why it’s important to get tested if you have doubts about your symptoms. If you have an underlying health condition, don’t hesitate to contact your local urgent care center if you notice changes in your health. You can get assessed via telemedicine and if you need to take the COVID-19 viral test, it can be done at your urgent care.
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is crucial to public safety. COVID-19 can be fatal and so it’s important to adhere to CDC guidelines and those of your state and local public health officials that are meant to minimize the risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Make your safety and that of others a priority.
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