From the desk of Dr. Gupta

You may be hearing or reading a lot about a deadly virus in China. What do we know about it? There have been at least four deaths and more than 220 cases linked to this new virus. Scientists have just recently been able to decode it. It’s a new coronavirus -- part of the same family of viruses that cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Most of the time when you contract a coronavirus, it can lead to mild or moderate symptoms, like that of the common cold. You may have a runny nose, a cough, sore throat, or even a headache or fever. The symptoms usually run their course in just a few days. But a few variations of these viruses -- like SARS or MERS -- can result in much more severe conditions, even death.

Coronaviruses can spread from human contact with animals. According to the World Health Organization, scientists think MERS first started in cameIs. SARS has been linked to civet cats. The new coronavirus that’s been detected in China has been traced to a seafood market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. But Chinese health officials haven’t been able to identify a specific animal yet. What’s concerning, though, is that the virus is now spreading from human to human.

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health in the United States are now working on a vaccine for this new virus. Separately, a consortium of scientists from Texas and New York are working with Chinese scientists on a vaccine.

So how can you stay safe? Airports across the world, including those in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco, are screening travelers from Wuhan. There haven't been any cases reported here in the US, but there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself. Like with many illnesses caused by viruses -- such as the flu or the common cold -- you can reduce your risk of infection by avoiding people who are sick. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and disinfect the objects and surfaces you touch. Also, make sure you wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. How long is 20 seconds? I remember by singing “Happy Birthday” from beginning to end twice to keep track of time. These precautions go a long way in helping prevent any kind of infection.