[penci_blockquote style=”style-2″ align=”none” author=”” font_weight=”400″ font_style=”normal” uppercase=”true” text_size=”32″]WASH YOUR HANDS![/penci_blockquote]
Amid the national hysteria and misinformation surrounding the coronavirus, Our Mississippi Home asked two coastal doctors to weigh in on the truth about what the virus is, and provide some quick tips for Mississippi residents to reduce exposure. Remember, taking your health and well being should be an everyday practice. Common sense is always the best defense in preventing illness.
Dr. Matthew Murray, of South Coast Family Physicians, says, “The basic message is this: don’t Freak out! Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in airplanes and to areas where the virus is most active. (Large cities and the west coast of America, obviously China and Italy.) WASH YOUR HANDS! If you’re sick, stay at home. At this moment, the flu is still a bigger risk than the coronavirus.” Dr. Murray also advises staying tuned to the Center for Disease Control for updates and information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Dr. Hoyet Hand, Adult Medicine, and Geriatric Specialist, from Garden Park Physicians Group, offered this helpful information:
What is the coronavirus?
- The human coronavirus is a contagious virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold. Having a coronavirus may not feel any different than having a common cold or flu, and people who have it may never actually know that it is a coronavirus and not another virus or cold.
- Depending on risk factors, the treatment may the same. Preventing the coronavirus from getting into the body and taking hold is also much the same as the preventative methods we use to prevent the common cold or flu. Here are the common symptoms of coronavirus:
- Fever
- Cough
- Respiratory distress
- There is no vaccine at this point for COVID-19
How do I prevent catching or spreading the coronavirus?
- The vast majority of people that catch COVID-19 won’t need to be admitted to the hospital.
- They will experience symptoms similar to the flu and should recover safely at home with rest and fluids.
- It’s important for our friends and neighbors not to be alarmed and to do the things that protect them from catching a cold or the flu.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your arm or elbow – not your hand.
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often, using either soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with products such a Lysol wipes.
For more information regarding the Covid-19 “Coronavirus” please follow updates from the National Center for Disease Control.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, please seek medical attention.
