VHC COVID-19 Support

General INFORMATION

General Info

what is covid-19?

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It belongs to a family of viruses that include the common cold, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus, and SARS-CoV-2. Health officials have called SARS-CoV-2 a novel virus meaning it is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Reference: CDC - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Reference: Washington State Department of Heath - What is COVID-19?

the coronavirus explained

WHAT IS THE SOURCE?

During the beginning stages of discovery, it was widely suspected that the virus first appeared in a seafood market in Wuhan, China. However, after a recent study conducted in January 2020, findings suggest this may not be true. The individual with the first reported case had no link to the seafood market. Therefore, ongoing investigations continue. Coronaviruses, interestingly, occur in both humans and in animals such as camels, bats, cats, and cattle. It is very rare that it transmits between humans and animals; but when it does, it is called a spillover event.

Reference: CDC - Frequently Asked Questions

Reference: World Health Organization - What is Coronavirus?

Reference: John Hopkins Medicine - What is Coronavirus?

SYMPTOMs

FEVER

COUGH

CHILLS

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

OR

DIFFICULTY BREATHING

NEW LOSS OF TASTE OR SMELL

REPEATED SHAKING WITH CHILLS

HEADACHE

SORE THROAT

MUSCLE PAIN

Reference: CDC - Symptoms of Coronavirus

HOW IS IT SPREAD?

Currently, data suggests transmission occurs:

When an infected person sneezes or coughs
Through close contact
When an individual touches an infected surface or object, and then proceeds to touch their face

The droplets can be inhaled by a non-infected individual and infect them. However, it is unclear how long the virus lives on surfaces such as door knobs, mail packages, gas pumps. Recent studies have suggested the virus acts similarly to other coronaviruses varying from hours to days based on environmental conditions. If you suspect a surface to be infected, remember to clean it with a disinfectant and practice proper hand hygiene.

Reference: World Health Organization - Q&A on coronaviruses

Reference: King County - Frequently Asked Questions About Coronavirus

WHO IS AT HIGHER RISK?

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Currently, older adults and people at any age with serious underlying medical conditions are thought to be at higher risk.

Underlying medical conditions include but are not limited to individuals with:

Chronic lung disease
Severe asthma
Heart conditions
Severe obesity
Diabetes
Chronic kidney disease
Liver disease
Immunocompromised conditions/diseases

Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications

Reference: CDC - People Who Are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness

Symptoms

Risks

RATE OF INFECTION

The following are reliable visual representations of the rate of infection:

Worldwide

World COVID-19 Data

USA

Washington State

Washington State Department of Health Coronavirus

why is it important to stay home?

We have been advised to practice social distancing or physical distancing. Distancing means to keep at least 6 feet from other people and avoid crowds. There are several important reasons to stay home and abide by the government orders. Currently, there is no vaccine and because this is a novel virus, our bodies do not have pre-existing defenses. Health experts believe that everyone is susceptible regardless of gender, age, health, etc.

Epidemiologists have been advising the country to increase social distancing to slow the spread of the virus, so a surge of infected individuals does not occur at once also known as “flattening the curve.” If an overwhelming increase was to occur, our healthcare system would not be able to provide the necessary care - beds, ventilators, and personnel. Unfortunately, Italy has already faced these consequences.

Reference: npr.org - Flattening a Pandemic's Curve

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Stay Home Order

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT ILLNESS IS TO AVOID BEING EXPOSED TO THE VIRUS

Here are things you can do to reduce the spread:

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds using friction

If soap and water are inaccessible, then use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol-based)

Avoid close contact with others

While in public, make sure to cover your mouth and nose

How to wear a cloth face covering

How to make your own face covering

How to sew a face mask

Cover coughs and sneezes

Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Diet, exercise, sleeping habits, vitamins

Source

Rate of Infection

Preventative Measures

Spread

HAND SANITIZERS

According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), please be aware of the following hand sanitizers that are not to be used and are to be removed from your shelves. These hand sanitizers contain a toxic substance called methanol, which can be harmful when absorbed by the skin or ingested.