Many of you are, no doubt, following the news regarding the outbreak of Coronavirus -2019 (COVID-19) virus which began in China in December of 2019 and has spread to multiple countries, including the United States. There has been one patient in a Chicago South Suburban Area who has tested positive for Coronavirus-2019. This virus is new and it is not the regular Flu and it is not the common cold. If you have been vaccinated against the Flu, that vaccine will not protect you against this virus. Because it is new, we humans do not have any natural immunity to the virus. It spreads from human to human. We are not absolutely sure how long the time is between becoming infected and showing symptoms, but the current thinking is 14 days.

There are people who have tested positive for Coronavirus-2019, and people who have been exposed to Coronavirus, who may never display any symptoms. There is a concern that these individuals can transmit the virus even if they are not visibly sick. One of the tools the World Health Organization (WHO), World Governments, and the CDC is using to prevent the spread of the virus, is a quarantine for 14 days for people who have been exposed but do not show any signs of the illness. Quarantine may mean being restricted to your home, or a cruise ship, or hospitalized to prevent the spread of the virus.

Health News from the Zing Health CMO

Sydney Ross-Davis,M.D

IMPORTANT UPDATES:

The State of Illinois declared a State of Emergency on Monday 3/9/2020 due to the Corona virus or the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Please refer to the IDPH website for the latest on the COVID-19 Pandemic (http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus)
We are strongly advising our members, especially those with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, COPD, asthma, or who are currently on medications that decrease their ability to fight infections, such as steroids or chemotherapy drugs, to avoid:
1. Any unnecessary travel
2. Large groups at social or sports events
3. Visits to nursing homes or hospitalized patients
Once again, if you have any questions about your health, please contact your primary care physician
COVID-19 Household Preparedness Checklist
Disinfecting your home if someone is sick

Important Health Alert for Our AmaZING Health Community

Below are the important things you should know from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)::

Symptoms

For confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. Symptoms can include:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses.

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Stay home when you are sick
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19
Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility)

AmaZing protection starts with clean hands

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty

For information about hand-washing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC also has specific guidance for travelers

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 Compared to Other Common Conditions