HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Getting ready for the possibility of coronavirus — COVID-19 — cases is both a simple and complicated business, according to several WHTC sources, including Ottawa and Allegan county’s public health officials.
The simple side of the story: It’s an upper respiratory virus. While there is no vaccine available, yet, practices used to reduce the liklikehood of colds or the flu are the same ones needed to minimize the chance of contracting COVID-19: Wash your hands frequently, using soap and warm water; sneeze into your elbow, not your hand; drink adequate water, get adequate sleep; eat a healthful diet. Stay home if you’re ill. Avoid preparing meals for others if you’re ill.
The complicated side of the story: COVID-19 is a new kind of virus. Researchers are learning more each day. What is now known is this virus is much-more aggressive than a flu or cold. About 2 percent of those infected are likely to die.
While the flu is a seasonal upper-respiratory virus, this year’s season has been more intense than in years past. The peak flu season runs through at least the third week of May, but cases of the flu have been reported during the summer months. (Lilsten to the
People already sick with the flu, a cold, or other conditions affecting the immune system are more vulnerable to COVID-19. Coronavirus symptoms are:
- fever
- tiredness
- dry cough
- Some may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea.
Symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. It is possible for some people to get infected without symptoms. WHO officials estimate that 80 percnet of those who catch COVID-19 will get better without needing special treatment.
As of Feb. 27, 2020, Michigan had no COVID-19 cases. And the risk of being infected is, for now, quite low, partly because of aggressive travel restrictions put in place by U.S. officials; and by quarantines for recently traverlers
But an estimated one in six patients who do catch COVID-19 will get seriously ill, with the most-prominent symptom being difficulty breathing. People who are more vulnerable to the virus are older, or have other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes. They are more likely to develop serious illness.
The World Health Organization is maintaining a webpage dedicated to data and other COVID-19 information: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200225-sitrep-36-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=2791b4e0_2
Allegan County health officials are monitoring anyone who has recently arrived from mainland China or who were potentially exposed to someone with a confirmed case of the virus. Those people were put on a 14-day quarantine, as a safety measure.
Health officials from Ottawa and Allegan counties’ health departmetnts participate in conference calls and other information-sharing opportunities to keep current with information and medial protocols.
COVID-19 is considered an emerging health threat. As of Feb. 27, not yet considered a pandemic, though World Health Organization specialists predict it could reach pandemic level.
Should the virus be declared a pandemic, people can prepare by having the following plans in place:
- Childcare alternatives, should a daycares or school close — as has happened in some schools this season with flu and norovirus cases
- An undersanding with employers about telework, if that’s a possibilty.
- An understanding of what telemedicine options are available through your health provider or health insurance carrier.
- How to adapt to travel guidance issued by the CDC.
- To get a flu vaccine, if you haven’t already. It takes two weeks for the vaccine to be fully effective.
- Alternative plans in the event you face a 14-day quarantine, should you encounter someone ill with COVID-19.
Cooperation with public health rules is, according to Allegan County health officials, ” integral to the ongoing public health response to try to slow spread of this virus.”
Should you develop COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to notify your healthcare provider as to your symptoms and exposure to a COVID-19 patient.
Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/preparing-communities.html
