News of the coronavirus outbreak in China came just before the new year. With coronavirus cases confirmed in the United States, including Canada, many searches for ways to avoid getting sick.
The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus is to practice good hygiene habits. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your face, and keep your distance from sick people.
If you do develop symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others. If you think you might have the coronavirus, call your doctor.
What is coronavirus?
The coronavirus is a virus that primarily affects the respiratory system. It can cause severe respiratory illness in people of all ages and be fatal. The virus is believed to spread through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva, mucus, or blood, from an infected person. It can also be spread through contact with objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus.
Symptoms of coronavirus infection include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and body aches. There is no specific treatment for coronavirus infection, and no vaccine is available to prevent it. Instead, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the respiratory system. Prevention of coronavirus infection includes good hand hygiene and prompt treatment of any respiratory illness.
What steps can you take to avoid coronavirus?
The most likely form of transmission is through:
As the new coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, many people wonder how to protect themselves from catching it.
Here are some steps you can take to help reduce your risk of becoming infected:
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, or use a sanitizing gel.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home if you’re feeling sick, and avoid close contact with other people.
- Get vaccinated against the flu, which can help protect you from other respiratory viruses.
- If you must travel, try to avoid crowded areas and keep a distance of at least six feet from other people.
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods to boost your immune system
The CDC recommends the following to prevent the spread of any respiratory viruses, including coronavirus:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If water and soap are not available, clean hands using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
The CDC is closely monitoring this situation and working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and state and local public health partners to respond to this emerging public health threat.- CDC Advise.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
A person infected with coronavirus may experience fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, the virus can lead to pneumonia, which can be fatal. Unfortunately, there is no specific cure for coronavirus, and no vaccine is available.
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the patient’s immune system. Prevention of coronavirus is through good hygiene practices and prompt treatment of any respiratory illness.
What should you do if you think you may be infected with coronavirus?
If you are experiencing fever, coughing and difficulty breathing, please seek medical attention immediately. In the meantime,
here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and others:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place or after touching your face.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough with a tissue or your upper arm.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, cell phones, etc.
How is coronavirus treated?
Since there is no specific vaccine or treatment for coronavirus, the best approach is to prevent yourself from becoming infected.
The CDC recommends the following:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching your face.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough.
- Clean surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like coronavirus.
For more information about this virus, please go to:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
Health Canada
University Magazine is part of the 
