#12 The Coronavirus – What You Need to Know
Most people have heard of the Coronavirus over the last 2-3 weeks. It comes out of China and is spreading rapidly around the world. Last I heard, there were over 17,000 cases with close to the 400 deaths. This virus is similar to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome which is also a Coronavirus) from back in 2003. This is interesting because so far this year in the United States the flu has infected 15 million people with 8,200 deaths. Right now, every country is being very cautious because we are still learning about this virus and a vaccine is probably a year away.
The CDC is more concerned about the flu right now than this new virus, but it is still in its early stages. The U.S has it’s first case of person-to-person spread of the virus. It was from a woman to her husband (could have been from kissing him). The MOUTH REALLY IS THE WINDOW TO YOUR HEALTH. All flights from China have been shut down. Chinese officials report that the virus started in an open-air seafood market. Health experts have confirmed in several different countries that the virus is caused by human-to-human contact.
Common signs of the infection are similar to the flu and include a cough, fever, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. If it worsens, it can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Transmission is from coughs, kissing, sneezes or touching contaminated objects.
Since there is no available vaccine, the CDC recommends the following preventive measures
- Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your mouth and nose or face.
- Wear N95 or higher respirators
- Avoid large crowds as this increases the risk of catching a virus.
- Try not to visit anyone that is sick.
- Be cautious of anyone who has been to China recently.
In our opinion if you develop a fever and or a dry cough with any sore throat please contact and see your physician immediately. Don’t kiss any possible infected person. Drink plenty of water and take pain and fever medications.
SUMMARY- In my opinion, the Coronavirus could turn out to be serious or not much at all. Wash your hands frequently and don’t come in contact with anyone that has been to China in the last month. Don’t kiss them either as the “MOUTH IS THE WINDOW TO YOUR HEALTH”. BRUSH AND FLOSS TWICE DAILY, AVOID SUGAR FOR 2020 AND SEE YOUR DENTIST AND PHYSICIAN ON A REGULAR BASIS.
Dr. Spiker Davis D.D.S. 713-781-2800 In collaboration with Dr. John Seger M.D. Cardiologist 713-791-9444
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