Coronaviruses

Unless you’ve been living under a rock lately, you’ve heard the frightening tales coming out of China about the devastation caused by a new and highly contagious illness known as the Coronavirus.  

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.  

The outbreak is largely focused overseas in central China where the virus has infected close to 28,000 individuals and has taken the lives of at least 565 of them.  The health department, in an effort to stop the spread of the sickness, undertook a massive construction project of a new hospital that can hold 1,500 patients in an effort to stem the contagion.  As of February, only 12 cases in 6 states have been reported in the United States. Unfortunately, Arizona and more specifically, Maricopa County is one of those few places. 

So what can we do about it?  Well, you can go find that rock and try to hide under it, but that probably wouldn’t do you as much good as you’d hope.  Your best defense against this microscopic monster is a good offense.  

1. WASH YOUR HANDS!!! Few things work as well as good old fashioned hot water and soap.  Actively washing your hands after they come in contact with possibly contaminated people or objects is the best shield for your body.  
2. DISINFECT SURFACES!!!  Don’t allow germs and bacteria to hide and wait to pounce, disinfectant commonly used objects, such as doorknobs, keypads and cell phones will help to keep your environment clean of the sneaky virus. 
3. ELBOW COUCH!!!  If you feel a cough coming on, do everyone a favor and cough into the crook of your arm.  This keeps any virus contained in a small area with much less risk of transferring it via touch.  
4. DRINK YOUR WATER!!!!!!!!! This is the easiest (which also makes it the easiest to forget or overlook)  stand against the sickness that you can take. Keeping your body hydrated and healthy will help to strengthen your immune system and flush out toxins quicker.  The average adult should be drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids each day. The color of your urine is a great indicator to how much water your body needs; if your urine is clear to light-colored, you are probably well hydrated, but if your urine is dark or has a strong odor, your body is crying out for more fluids…and you should really help it out!  

Protecting yourself and your loved ones is always the most important priority, and taking any steps available to help to prevent disease is worth taking.  If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Coronavirus such as sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, headache, fever, or mild cough, you should see your doctor right away and try to avoid contact with other persons to contain the possible spread of infection.  

Be safe out there Arizona!