Stay Well Tips: New Coronavirus Spreading From Asia
The coronavirus that started in Asia has reached the United States and can spread rapidly since it is now known that the virus can spread from person to person. The virus started in Wuhan, China and has now appeared in several other countries. Passengers on flights coming to the U.S. from Wuhan are being screened for the virus at San Francisco International Airport and other gateway airports.
This time of year is also the peak time for transmission of the flu and of the common cold, in addition to other respiratory viruses. In order to keep people healthy, employees who have a cough and fever should stay at home until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of Tylenol or aspirin. You should also contact your doctor if the symptoms increase in severity.
Know How To Cough and Sneeze
The best way to contain viral illnesses is to follow these rules:
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- If you don’t have a tissue handy, cough or sneeze into your inner elbow or upper sleeve, not your hands.
- Use tissues and after use dispose of them in the nearest waste receptacle.
- Wash your hands with non-antimicrobial soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic handwash after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials. You should wash for at least 20 seconds which is about the same amount of time it takes to sing the “A-B-C” song.
What Are the Symptoms of the New Coronavirus
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
More information about the coronavirus is on the CDC website.
- Health Services is a resource, but not a replacement for your personal healthcare.
- Supervisors who have employees who may be ill but refuse to work from home should discuss this with their HR partner.
- Supervisors should encourage their employees to call or present to Health Services, but they can’t mandate it.
