As COVID-19 emerges in the United States, I would like to share a little information, and hopefully ease some worries. Some of this information may be a little dated, as the numbers change on a daily basis. However, the recommendations will remain constant.
Coronavirus is common all over the world. Coronavirus can infect people and animals. Common human coronaviruses include 229E, NL63, OC43 and HKU1. These usually cause mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people will experience one or more if these viruses sometime in their lives. Understand, these common human coronaviruses should not be confused with COVID-19.
This is not the first time we have seen illness from a new, novel coronavirus. In February of 2003, Southeast Asia reported a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) associated with coronavirus. This novel coronavirus spread to more than 24 countries before it was contained. There have been no reported cases of SARS since 2004.
In 2012, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was a viral illness new to humans. Again, this was a new, novel coronavirus. It was first reported in Saudi Arabia, and spread to several other countries. Most MERS patients developed severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and shortness of breath. About 3 or 4 of every 10 died. The largest outbreak of MERS outside of the Arabian Peninsula happened in Korea in 2015.
In December of 2019, an outbreak of a respiratory disease, caused by a novel coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. In mid-February, the World Health organization named this new virus “COVID-19.” They decided they didn’t want these new viruses to have the name of the areas where they started in their name. COVID-19 stands for CO-corona, VI – virus, D – disease, -19, the year it appeared. From here forward, they will use this formula to name future novel corona viruses.
Current travel guidance related to COVID-19 are for China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy and Hong Kong. Additionally the CDC is recommending reconsidering cruise ship voyages into or within Asia at this time.
As of the end of February, Algeria, Austria, Croatia and Switzerland have reported cases. There have been over 81,000 cases reported worldwide and almost 3,000 deaths reported. Keep in mind, there is a good chance that the people with the milder cases did not seek medical care, therefore these statistics are probably a little skewed.
As we work in healthcare, it stand to reason that we are likely to see COVID-19 cases, if they appear in our area. Proper PPE to care for these patients is gown, gloves, face shield and n-95 respirator. Facilities may be called upon to make sure that cabinets are available to hold all of the appropriate PPE.
To protect yourself and your family. Wash your hands frequently. Waterless hand sanitizers will also kill viruses on your hands. If you are near anyone who is coughing or sneezing, maintain a minimum of three feet between you. If you touch “public surfaces” (banisters, elevator buttons, door handles, etc.) wash your hands. Avoid touching your face or your eyes. If you feel unwell, stay home. If you have fever, cough and trouble breathing, seek medical attention.
For those with a travel history to an active COVID-19 area a, 14 day quarantine is recommended.
I would be remiss in my duties as an infection prevention specialist, if I failed to point out the following:
Influenza is the single most vaccine preventable death in the United States every year.
CDC estimates for this flu season are as follows.
- 29 million influenza cases
- 280,000 hospitalizations
- 16,000 deaths
