Update: Protecting Yourself During the Spread of the Coronavirus or COVID-19

(March 16, 2020)

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout the U.S. and globally, the American Lung Association has updated guidance on how to protect yourself and your family from the spread of germs and viruses including the coronavirus.

The American Lung Association is closely following reports issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and will help relay important public health information provided by the agency. We encourage you to follow along for all in-the-moment updates.

Important Links:

·         CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19)

·         CDC What's New

·         CDC Frequently Asked Questions

·         World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak

Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones

Signs and Symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Reported illnesses of the coronavirus (COVID-19) have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and even death. The CDC reports that symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure, and include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Steps to Preventing Illness and Spread

The virus is thought to spread from person-to-person between people in close contact, including through coughs and sneezes. So how do you protect yourself from the coronavirus and other germs?

·         Be careful to limit your handshakes, high-fives and fist bumps where the virus can be easily transmitted. In fact, we have five alternatives to the traditional handshake when greeting someone.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth—as it allows the germs on your hands to reach moist, porous surface tissue where the germs can enter your body and cause infection.

·         Wash your hands early and often, and with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Need help counting? Try singing instead. Read our blog for more handwashing best practices.

·         No soap and water near?  Use hand sanitizer with at least 60-95% alcohol.

·         Limit your contact with people who are sick.

·         If you experience symptoms of an illness, have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider and stay home to avoid crowds and contact with others. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and disinfect objects and surfaces you touch.

Who Is Most At-Risk for the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Like the seasonal flu, older adults and those with underlying health conditions may be more at risk for severe symptoms. That being said, unlike the flu, COVID-19 does not seem to create complications in young children. Individuals of all ages have been infected with COVID-19 with symptoms that range from mild to severe. So practicing good hand washing and alternatives to the handshake should be something all age groups partake in.

Answers to Questions

Our Lung HelpLine is answering questions about COVID-19. Contact our Lung HelpLine by calling 1-800-LUNGUSA or submitting a question online. You can also learn more about our HelpLine here.

Additionally, the Lung HelpLine is answering questions on online support communities. Learn more here.

https://www.lung.org/about-us/media/top-stories/update-covid-19.html