Boston, Jan. 28, 2020, — Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn has been in contact with the Boston Public Health Commission regarding prevention of the 2019 novel coronavirus. Below are some guidelines from the BPHC on how residents can prevent this virus.
Councilor Flynn(left) and other elected officials at CCBA Chinese New Year Banquet.
What are the signs and symptoms of the Coronavirus?
Symptoms include fever and respiratory illness, such as cough and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, infection can cause bronchitis, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Symptoms of 2019-nCoV may be similar to the flu. Preliminary information suggests that older adults and people with underlying health conditions may be at increased risk for severe complications from this virus.
How can the 2019 coronavirus be prevented?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to the virus. BPHC always recommends standard precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20
- Using alcohol-based hand rubs and
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Staying home when you are
- Covering your cough or
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and
If you traveled to Wuhan in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:
- Seek medical care right Before you go to a health care provider’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Avoid contact with
- Not travel while
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
What can travelers do to protect themselves and others?
CDC recommends avoiding nonessential travel to Wuhan. If you must travel:
- Avoid contact with sick
- Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to Wuhan with their health care
How is the 2019-nCoV diagnosed?
- If you have symptoms consistent with 2019-nCoV virus and have traveled to Wuhan, China in the past 14 days, your health care provider will test you for the If you experience symptoms and have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for 2019-nCoV infection, contact your healthcare provider. Health care providers should get a detailed travel history from patients with fever and acute respiratory illness.