Prevent Flu, Colds & Coronavirus

The Vermont Department of Health (VDH) is closely monitoring the situation in New Hampshire, where two people, both of whom have been in China, are in isolation awaiting test results for the novel coronavirus. A 19 year old student is at Littleton Regional Hospital and the second is at Concord Hospital. Tests results should be issued this week, but the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) says testing is backed up.

Below is information on the coronavirus as well as prevention strategies, which are similar for cold and flu.

VDH’s HEALTH ADVISORY: VDH  issued a “Health Advisory” on January 23. The novel coronavirus (termed “2019-nCoV”) is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. Outbreaks of novel virus infections among people are always of public health concern. Investigations are ongoing to learn more, but person-to-person spread of 2019-nCoV is occurring. Chinese officials report that sustained person-to-person spread in the community is occurring in China. Person-to-person spread in the United States has not yet been detected, but it’s likely to occur to some extent. While this is a very serious public health threat, based on current information, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time. Get updated information, as it becomes available, from CDC.

 WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS? Coronaviruses are an extremely common cause of colds and other upper respiratory infections. These viruses are zoonoses, which means they can infect certain animals and spread from one animal to another. A coronavirus can potentially spread to humans, particularly if certain mutations in the virus occur.

Chinese health authorities reported a group of cases of viral pneumonia to the World Health Organization (WHO) in late December 2019. Many of the ill people had contact with a seafood and animal market in Wuhan, a large city in eastern China, though it has since become clear that the virus can spread from person to person. Harvard Health

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? The symptoms can include a cough, possibly with a fever and shortness of breath. There are some early reports of non-respiratory symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Many people recover within a few days. However, some people — especially the very young, elderly, or people who have a weakened immune system — may develop a more serious infection, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Harvard Health

COULD I CATCH THIS VIRUS? Unless you’ve been in close contact with someone who has the coronavirus — which right now, typically means a traveler from Wuhan, China who actually has the virus — you’re likely to be safe. Harvard Health

If you have been in Wuhan or Hubei Province within the past two weeks or have been in close contact with a person with 2019-nCoV, and develop a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing, contact your health care provider right away.

FLU IS A CONCERN: Of more concern to VDH is the flu. The most recent report posted on-line 1/12-1/18/20 for VT  shows that the flu is widespread in the state. It most likely hasn’t peaked and eight outbreaks have been reported, mostly in schools.

With the exception of a vaccine for flu prevention, which does not exist for colds or the coronavirus, the prevention of all three conditions are the same.

COVER & WASH

• Cover your mouth and nose every time you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue and throw it away. Use your arm (not your hand).

• Observe regular cleaning habits if someone at home has the flu. Pay special attention to doorknobs, faucets, refrigerator handles, phones, smartphones and toys.

• Vaccinate (only for flu)

• Every time you use a tissue, throw it in the trash and then wash your hands. Skip the antibacterial stuff, unless you don’t have access to soap & water, as it may contribute to the rise in antibiotic resistant bugs.

• Remember not to share anything that goes into the mouth.

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• Wash your hands often and well. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Skip the antibacterial soaps as regular soap and water works fine.

• Avoid contact with sick people. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Have alcohol hand sanitizer on hand if you don’t have access to soap and water.

 OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT COLDS & FLU: Stay healthy by:

• Getting plenty of sleep-at least six or more hours a day.

• Getting sufficient Vitamin D. The sun is a lot less effective in providing Vitamin D during the winter months-peak time for colds and flu-so take a supplement

• Taking Exercise Breaks

• Skipping the handshake. Fist bumps and elbow bumps are replacing handshakes during cold and flu season. If your really hip, the ‘Namaste’ bow is becoming very popular- put your hands together at chest level, make eye contact and give a little bow

In the Work Place: In addition to practicing Cover & Wash, consider the following

• Use Paper Towels to clean work spaces as they do a better job than sponges and cleaning cloths used previously.

• Use Disinfectant Spray to clean doorknobs, handles, light switches, phones, computer mice, railings, microwave, coffee maker handle, elevator buttons and escalator rails. Note that viruses can live up to 48 hours on plastic and stainless steel surfaces. Identify the germ “hot spots” in your office and make sure they are regularly cleaned.

• Use Hand Sanitizer when soap & water aren’t available: Reduce transferring nasty cold and flu germs by using hand sanitizer wipes to clean public surfaces, such as keyboards.

• Don’t share pens with colleagues as these can be particularly dirty. Carry a pen or two in your pocket.

• Ask your manager to supply the office with the necessary tools to keep the workplace healthy.

• Stay home when you are sick

At Home: In addition to practicing Cover & Wash, consider the following:

• Create a “sick room” where the person who is sick can have all the things they need.

• Sanitize shared items

• Take care of yourself so your resistance isn’t lowered