WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
TAMPA BAY PHYSICIAN’S MESSAGE: PATIENCE. PRUDENCE AND DON’T PANIC
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CORONAVIRUS IN THE BAY AREA
Sarina Fazan sits down with Dr. Dan Diaco, who has headed a successful medical practice for more than 25 years. He was a former team physician for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also now practices law.
Dr. Diaco discusses the impact of the coronavirus for Tampa Bay. As the virus continues to spread, here is what you need to know to stay healthy and safe:
What is a coronavirus?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).”
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified, such as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The virus causes respiratory illness (like the flu) with symptoms such as a cough, fever and in more severe cases, pneumonia.
Illness can be more severe for some people and can lead to pneumonia or breathing difficulties.
How is COVID-19 spread?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person through contact or through respiratory droplets produced by coughs or sneezes.
The CDC says that it may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How can you prevent illness?
Without a vaccine to prevent COVID-19, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus by following basic wellness practices.
• Wash your hands often, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community and avoid close contact with people who are sick. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick, such as older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces every day, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If coronavirus has not spread to my community, why are there event cancellations?
The state, counties, and cities are working with the CDC to monitor the current outbreak of COVID-19 and to put safeguards in place to protect you. Strategies to stop the spread of the coronavirus in Florida include postponing or limiting mass gatherings.
Is there a treatment for coronavirus?
There currently is no specific medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19.