Coronavirus symptoms USA: What you should know
The outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus and its spread across various countries of the world has kept a lot of citizens in fear. With more than 2,700 lives lost to the deadly virus across the globe, its presence in the US has become a significant concern to the young and old. However, while the virus has extended its base to the country, it is essential to know the various Coronavirus symptoms USA, at least, as part of the measures of safeguarding yourself from being infected.
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What is coronavirus? It is from a large family of viruses that is capable of making one ill. These illnesses could range from ordinary cold to more severe diseases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). Unfortunately, the virus can be transmitted between people and animals, which makes the virus zoonotic. But it should be noted that many other known coronaviruses still spread among animals that are yet to infect humans.
Coronavirus in USA
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019, in the United States of America, a total of fifty-seven different cases have been diagnosed. This is alongside four more patients that were discovered on a cruise ship. While 2,462 cases have been associated with death all over the world as of February 23, 2020, there is yet to be the report of a death in the United States.
Unfortunately, even as preventive measures are ongoing to curtail the widespread of the virus, a top official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that health experts in the country foresee the spread of the virus in the US. In her speech, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, who directs the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases of CDC, said:
We expect we will see community spread in this country. 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.
Then, in a tweet posted by the agency, hospitals, businesses, and communities in the US have been admonished to be prepared for likely spread of the COVID-19. However, that is not to say that the CDC has relented in its effort to proffer a lasting solution to the virus.
Coronavirus symptoms USA
Although symptoms of the deadly virus range from mild illness to severe ones and death, coronavirus symptoms in the country, as noted by the CDC, can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. What coronavirus does to the body? Infected people can become sick with upper respiratory tract illness, which could be mild or moderate.
There could also be sore throat, cough, a runny nose, fever, and a headache, all the symptoms could persist for days. Besides, for very young people or elderly, they can have severe respiratory tract illness like bronchitis or pneumonia.
Source: Twitter
Coronavirus prevention tips
It is no more news that no vaccine can prevent COVID-19 yet. However, exposure to the virus is the best preventive measure that anyone can put in place to avoid being infected. According to the CDC, daily preventive measure that put the spread of the respiratory diseases under check are:
- Do not touch your mouth, nose, and eyes;
- Do not have any close contact with sick people;
- When you feel sick, do not go out;
- When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouse and nose with a tissue and as soon as you are through, dispose of the tissue;
- Objects and surfaces that you often touch, clean and disinfect the place as regularly as you can with household cleaning spray or wipe;
- Wear a facemask for protection against respiratory diseases like COVID-19. This is especially for those who notice the symptoms of COVID-19. With that, they can help reduce the rate of spread of the disease.
- People who take care of others in close settings like health workers are always encouraged to use facemasks as well.
- When you go to the bathroom, after you cough, sneeze or blow your nose, and before you eat, ensure to wash your hands. This you can do with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers for not less than 20 seconds.
Note that the hand sanitizer that you use should have not less than 60% alcohol.
What do you do if you have coronavirus infections?
Once you notice that you have been infected with the Wuhan coronavirus, the following steps should be taken immediately:
1. Restrict your movement
As much as possible, you are encouraged to stay at home except when you want to go for medical consultation. Do not use public transportation and avoid public areas like school, work, etc.
Source: Twitter
2. Inform your doctor before you visit
In case of a medical appointment, pre-inform your healthcare provider of what you notice about your health as regards the virus. This is essential to help the healthcare provider take necessary measures in keeping others from being infected as well.
3. Wear a facemask
When you have people around you, wearing a facemask is recommended, and if you cannot do so, let those who are without the infection do once they come around you.
A few other things that you should do include covering your sneezes and coughs, ensuring your hands are clean as often as possible and do not share household items. Some of these include bedding, towels, eating utensils, drinking glasses and dishes. Then, when you use any of those, make sure they are thoroughly washed with soap and water.
From the look of things, there is no denying the fact that COVID-19 can spread in the country as cases of the virus are gradually topping. However, understanding various coronavirus symptoms will help in protecting yourself in case you discover anyone with such symptoms around you. Also, should you develop the symptoms, from what has been shared so far, you should know what to do to avoid its spread to others now.
Source: Legit.ng
