Human coronavirus is a global pandemic that has infected over a hundred thousand people worldwide. The disease is extremely contagious, causing mass quarantine and entire cities to shut down, where coronavirus is running most rampant. Coronavirus has caused world markets to decline and is already making a large financial impact. Coronavirus is present in 36 states and rapidly spreading. In this article, we will discuss what coronavirus is, how it spreads, how to avoid getting it, and what areas are affected in California.
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that can range from the common cold to more severe disease. The current coronavirus pandemic is the coronavirus 19 or COVID-19. COVID-19 is a new disease and researchers are still learning the impacts this disease will have. It is thought to spread from close (around 6 feet or less) person-to-person contact and to have animal origins. For most, COVID-19 can feel like a normal cold. However, for those with compromised immune systems, such as the sick or the old, coronavirus could be much more dangerous.
Coronavirus Symptoms
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to that of a cold or influenza; however, they may vary from person to person. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath or tightness in the chest
How to Protect Yourself
To avoid getting sick, be sure to wash your hands more often than usual, for no less than 20 seconds in warm or hot water.
Do not touch your face if you can and, if possible, avoid contact with large groups of people.
Take supplements including vitamins C and D, as well as Echinacea and probiotics
Eat a balanced diet to strengthen your immune system.
What if I feel sick?
If you feel sick, first and foremost stay home! Avoid contact with anyone. Next, it’s very important that you visit the doctor to get tested and treated for potential human coronavirus. If you are diagnosed with coronavirus, it’s likely that your doctor will suggest a quarantine and avoiding contact with anyone else.
What areas in California have COVID-19?
There are currently 75 known cases of COVID-19 in California, 42 of which are in the Bay Area. 8,700 Californians are currently self-quarantine. And in early March, California announced its first coronavirus death. However, as testing becomes more readily available we will see an increase in cases. For more updates on the virus, you can visit the World Health Organization.
If you feel that you are experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms, you can visit one of our BICRAD outpatient centers or hospitals to get tested immediately when symptoms begin to present.