Coronavirus Update17 March 2020ANDREW T. ALLEN, MD

DisclaimerThe opinions and assertions expressed herein are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense.

CoronavirusCoronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats, and bats.

Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people exposed to infected animals, and then spread among people, as has been seen with MERS-CoVand SARS-CoV, and likely now with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

CoronavirusSignificant Coronavirus (CoV) incidents:SARS-CoV Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (2003)(El síndrome respiratorio agudo grave)

MERS-CoVMiddle East Respiratory Syndrome (2012)

COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease - 2019

How Does Coronavirus Spread?Mainly from person to person.Among people who have close contact with each other (within about 6 feet of each other).Through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.These droplets can reach the mouth or nose of people who are nearby or possibly enter the lungs when breathing.It could be possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes

COVID-19Disease symptoms◦ Can have no symptoms ◦ Can be mild disease with non-specific signs and

symptoms of acute respiratory illness, ◦ Can be severe pneumonia with respiratory failure

and septic shock.

Symptoms could appear as little as 2 days or up to 14 days after exposure.

COVID-19If you become sick (cough, fever, sinus pain)◦ Stay at home◦ Cover cough/sneeze◦ Clean and disinfect

If you feel you need medical care◦ Contact your clinic / nurse advice line first◦Remember - Many other viruses can also make

you sick

COVID-19If you were exposed (see below) to somebody who has tested positive for COVID-19◦Monitor for your own symptoms◦ If you become ill, contact your clinic for

instructions

a) being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a health care waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case– or –b) having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on).

COVID-19Who is at higher risk?Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:Older adultsPeople who have serious chronic medical conditionslike: ◦ Heart disease◦ Diabetes◦ Lung disease

COVID-19MYTH: Social distancing is only for high-risk populations.

FACT: Social distancing is meant to protect individuals, especially the most vulnerable, but the way to do that is to slow down transmission. Anyone can become infected and transmit infection – which is why we all must contribute to slowing down transmission by staying away from crowded places, reducing contact with others, and avoiding people who are coughing or sneezing. All of this helps reduce the rate of transmission and spread, and in turn, protect those who are most at risk if they do get infected.

Everyday PreventionGet your annual health checks & shots◦ Annual influenza (flu) vaccine◦ Children: keep up with vaccinations for childhood disease

Eat healthy, exercise regularlyAvoid close contact with sick people.Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.Stay home if you are sick.Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw it away.Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a common household cleaning product in a sprayer or wipe.

Everyday PreventionFollow CDC's recommendations for mask use◦Use mask if you are sick◦Do not use mask if you are not sick

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

President’s Guidance

COVID-19To track the global pattern, go to this website:https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html

CDC Travel Advisories

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.htmlData as of 16 March 09:00

COVID-19Please ask any questions

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq-sp.html