Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Need to Know
What is the Coronavirus?
The CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in almost 70 locations internationally, including in the United States.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. The virus is spread via cough, sneezes from an infected person or touching contaminated objects.
As information continues to emerge, the priority should be prevention. There is no specific treatment for the virus but with limited cases in the U.S. and flu season in full swing, the public should not forget about that viral risk.
How widespread is the virus?
The NY Times reports that the coronavirus outbreak has sickened more than 94,800 people, according to official counts. As of Wednesday afternoon, at least 3,238 people have died, all but 257 in mainland China.
What are the symptoms and complications of the COVID-19?
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the Coronavirus can mimic the common cold or flu-related illnesses. The Coronovirus does attack the respiratory system, with common symptoms including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of Breath
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
Prevention is Key
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC recommends everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including,
- AVOIDING CLOSE CONTACT WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK
- COVERING YOUR MOUTH & NOSE
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- CLEANING & DISINFECTING
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- STAYING HOME WHEN SICK
- If you are feeling under the weather, stay home and rest to prevent spread of illness. Avoid contact with people who exhibit signs of infection.
- WASHING YOUR HANDS
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
How Else Can You Stay Healthy?
Here’s where we come in… to tell you to choose paper towels and other disposable paper products.
Morcon Tissue is committed to providing your business with the sanitary paper products you need to keep your facilities and people healthy. To keep viruses at bay, we all know it is important to wash our hands with soap and water throughout the day. But did you know that a paper towel can also be your best friend when it comes to warding off bacteria and infections? Check out our paper towel post here for more information on their benefits over hand dryers.
Only single use products like paper towels provide a bacteria-free washing and bathroom exiting solution.
Check out Morcon’s full guide of paper towel lines and product dispensers.
