Dear Patients,
Coronavirus is currently on everyone's mind, but the information coming through is more overwhelming than helpful. As the guardians of your health, we would like to give you a brief update, and we will organize it in two parts: facts about coronavirus and this novel coronavirus, and health recommendations in line with the ones posted by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control).
There are several countries with posted numbers of infected persons on the CDC website (or World Health Organization website), with the largest number of patients in China and Taiwan, but also European and African countries. The spread is faster than in previous epidemics as more people travel around the world. Currently, THERE ARE NO REPORTED CASES IN NEW JERSEY, and only 70 cases in all of the U.S.A., so no reason for immediate alarm.
What are the coronaviruses?
Coronaviruses are a class of viruses which cause upper respiratory illnesses (and even the common cold). Some of them (like the current novel COVID-19) are more aggressive than others, and can cause deathly illnesses. Though many of us have had a coronavirus infection, they do not create immunity, so everyone is susceptible to getting the infection
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms can range from a mild upper respiratory "cold" to severe pneumonia, but they are mainly related to the lower respiratory tract such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain/pressure, fever and chills.
Who is at risk?
Theoretically everyone, though children represent a very small (comparative to other epidemics) percentage of patients. It is believed that they have partial immunity due to their many common viral illnesses of childhood, some of which are due to less virulent coronaviruses. While everyone can be infected, the patients at risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are the ones with either a low immune system or history of any lung disease such as smoking, asthma, emphysema, etc.
Most importantly, how can infection be prevented?The same way we prevent all other types of respiratory infection: primarily hand washing, cleaning all surfaces with anti-bacterial solution, isolating the sick at home, avoiding crowded places. These simple things can not be understated. It is also best to be hyper aware about touching your face as infection enters through your nose and mouth. Wearing masks mostly protects others from the viruses harbored by the mask wearer, not the other way around. So if a person is ill and is coughing or sneezing, they can wear a mask but those without symptoms will not really benefit from mask wearing. In fact, the US Surgeon General warns that wearing a mask (because they are uncomfortable and most people aren’t used to them) encourages more people to touch their faces which actually enables the spread of infection faster.
If you have any questions or concerns please call the office.
All the best,
Dr. Cernea