Basic questions about the new coronavirus answered
As the spread of the new coronavirus continues to dominate media attention, a lot of people just want answers to some questions.
As of Tuesday morning, testing has turned up 11 cases of infection with the virus known as COVID-19 in Illinois, and Wisconsin officials say they’ve had 2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that key symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath. Those symptoms can appear from 2 to 14 days after you’re exposed to it.
Dr. Robert Citronberg, director of infectious diseases at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL, recently took to social media to answer some of those basic questions.
What are the differences between all the current coronaviruses?
Dr. Citronberg: Coronaviruses are actually a large family of viruses. Most of them cause mild disease like common colds. Some of them cause more severe disease, like SARS and MERS and now COVID-19.
How is coronavirus diagnosed?
Dr. Citronberg: Coronavirus is diagnosed by a test. It’s a swab of the nose and the mouth. Up until recently, it was very difficult to get done. But now, many private labs are developing a test, so it should be much easier to get tested.
What is the best way to prevent contracting it?
Dr. Citronberg: The best way to prevent yourself from contracting coronavirus is to avoid people who seem to be coughing and sneezing. Also, remember that the virus can live on surfaces at least for a few hours. So make sure that you’re cleaning your hands.
How much longer will this virus stay?
Dr. Citronberg: It’s anticipated that the virus will stay around maybe for a few years and become a seasonal virus. However, hopefully by next season, we’ll have a vaccine and drug therapy that will help reduce its spread.
Are babies at increased risk?
Dr. Citronberg: Interestingly, this virus seems to spare children. Nonetheless, you should still take precautions like making sure surfaces are wiped down and that you keep your baby’s hands clean.
If you have symptoms or think you’ve been exposed, call a doctor.
Find one in Illinois. Or find one in Wisconsin.
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About the Author
Mike Riopell, health enews contributor, is a media relations coordinator with Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. He previously worked as a reporter and editor covering politics and government for the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald and Bloomington Pantagraph, among others. He enjoys bicycles, home repair, flannel shirts and being outside.
Hi:
Thank you for this information. I think another topic that we see almost never addressed is:
OK so you’re home quarantined, what should you be doing?
JB
In addition to washing your hands, DO NOT COUGH INTO THE PALM(S) OF YOUR HANDS!!! Use your shoulder, upper arm or forearm, or even the back of your hand to keep from spreading germs when you touch surfaces.
Wondering what the implications are for family pets with the coronavirus?
I’ve already purchased tickets to fly from Ohare to Orange County California the Monday before Easter. I’m just about 73 years old. Should I go to visit family?
Is someone going to answer these really good questions?