Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the latest communicable disease outbreak with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified this illness as a pandemic because of its worldwide spread with no pre-existing immunity. While it may be a novel illness, workplace hygiene best practices remain the same.
What is a Coronavirus?
The term coronavirus describes a broad category of viruses that affect both people and animals. The name is based on the crown-like spikes on the virus’s surface. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these types of viruses were identified in the mid-1960s and are a common cause of colds and upper respiratory infections. Note: Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Now that we have vaccines available, there is no reason not to take the vaccine and protect your family and your fellow workers.
- COVID-19 is a strain of coronavirus. Evidence suggests it began with animal-to-person transmission then shifted to person-to-person spread.
- Symptomatic people are the most frequent source of COVID-19 spread (as is true for the flu and colds).
- The incubation period — the time frame between exposure and having symptoms — ranges from 2 to 14 days for COVID-19.
- COVID-19 data to date suggests that 80% of infections are mild or asymptomatic, 15% are severe, requiring oxygen, and 5% are critical, requiring ventilation.
- The percentage of severe and critical infections are higher for COVID-19 than for influenza.
- There is currently are vaccines for COVID-19.
- People who have already had a coronavirus infection, including COVID-19, may get it again.
Symptoms: COVID-19
- Fever (100.4+ F)
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Phlegm Production
- Fatique
- Sore Throat
- Headache
- Muscle or Joint Pain
- Chills
- Nausea
- Nasal Congestion
How Viruses Spread
Person to Person Contact
- Being in close contact with someone who is sick
- Coming in contact with droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Contaminated Surfaces
- With COVID-19 it may be possible to contract the virus by touching a surface or object that has a live virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Poor Hygiene
- Not washing your hands long enough or often enough
- Not covering your own coughs or sneezes
Take Precautions to Protect Yourself
The CDC recommends taking the following steps to reduce your risk of contracting viruses, including COVID-19:
- Wash your hands OFTEN with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your own nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, (staying 6 feet away or more is recommended).
- Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
- If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Clean and disinfect your home and workplace to remove germs. Wipe down frequently touched surfaces, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, toilets, faucets, sinks and cell phones.
- Avoid crowds and keep your distance from others, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
- Get the vaccine as soon as possible.
Personal Risk Factors
Aspects of people’s personal health may increase their risk for more severe instances of COVID-19. People with a higher level of risk include:
- Older adults over 65. The highest risk is for ages 80+.
- People who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, compromised immune systems, etc.
Conclusions
COVID-19 is a serious virus, and we must do everything we can to stop the spread of it. Taking personal precautions is your best line of defense, and will drastically reduce the transmission and contraction of COVID-19
Questions
- What is the incubation period for COVID-19?
- There is a vaccine available for COVID-19, True or False?
- List a precaution to protect yourself?