HEALTH AWARENESS MINISTRY

Submitted by Sis. Cosette Whitmor

In early 2020, after a December 2019 outbreak in China, the World Health  Organization identified SARSCoV-2 as a new type of coronavirus. The outbreak quickly spread around the world (pandemic).  The pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. 

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus both named on February 11, 2020. The virus can trigger what doctors call a respiratory tract infection. It can affect your upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, and throat) or lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs).

The virus which originated in bats, but passed to people via an unrecognized intermediary animal species and is believed to have started infecting people in Wuhan, China in late November or early December 2019. The Coronavirus can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, septic shock and death. COVID-19 complications may be caused by a condition known as cytokine storm…this happens when an infection triggers your immune system to flood your bloodstream with inflammatory proteins that kill tissue and damage organs. 

If you notice the following severe symptoms in yourself or loved one, get medical help right away:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath 

• Ongoing chest pain or pressure 

• New confusion 

• Can’t wake up fully 

• Bluish lips or face 

Strokes have been reported … Remember FAST: Face numb or dropping, Arms weak or numb, not able to speak clearly, Time-time to Call 911. Some who are hospitalized for COVID-19 have also had dangerous blood clots, in their legs, lungs and arteries. 

Note: Many people are experiencing long term complications of COVID-19. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. 

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)

• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or sings 

• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs

• COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms

• It is thought that COVID-19 may be spread through air (airborne)…the virus may last hours in the air after someone coughs or sneezes

Take steps to care for yourself and others: 

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus 

• Continue to wear cloth face masks -- cover your nose and mouth … wear it in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household

• Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, and anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks

  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection

  • Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work

***Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions, like heart or lung disease or diabetes or obesity, seem to be at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19 illness. 

 ***If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illnesses and are able to recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider.

• Keep track of your symptoms 

• If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get emergency medical care immediately. 

Sources: CDC, WebMD, WHO