Health experts answer your coronavirus questions

Описание: As concerns about coronavirus spread, misleading information can multiply too. So we're focusing only on the facts and the info you need to know. 13 ON YOUR SIDE Health Reporter Val Lego took coronavirus questions gathered from our viewers and got the answers from experts at Spectrum Health. We asked these questions:

1. Is COVID 19 more dangerous than the flu for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems?
2. If you have the pneumonia vaccine will that protect you from developing the “pneumonia-like” symptoms that result from COVID 19?
3. If someone tests positive for COVID 19, what is the treatment?
4. What are the long term effects of being infected with COVID 19?
5. Are pregnant woman more susceptible to COVID 19?
6. Does having the flu vaccine make you immune to COVID 19?
7. Do you develop immunity to COVID 19 once you have it?
8. Does regular soap and water kill COVID 19 or does it have to be anti-bacterial?
9. Can you get COVID 19 by touching fruits and vegetables or canned goods that may have been touched by an infected person?
10. How do you separate yourself from someone in your home that has COVID 19, especially if it’s a smaller space with only one bathroom?
11. What’s the timeline for symptoms? How long would it take for them to escalate to being in the hospital and then possibly dying?
12. Will COVID 19 be included in next years flu vaccine ?
13. If scheduled for a medical procedure, with underlying medical problems should I reschedule for a later date?
14. Does donated blood get screened for Coronavirus?
15. Does Spectrum health have COVID 19 testing kits?
16. Is COVID19 more dangerous than the flu for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems?


Some background:
COVID-19, a new coronavirus originating from China, has sparked global concern as the outbreak grows. While the risk to those in the U.S. still remains low, the Centers for Disease Control has recommended the American public prepare for the possibility of an outbreak. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has appointed Vice President Mike Pence to lead the U.S. response to the global outbreak.
With all the concerns about coronavirus, there is frankly a lot of information out there, including misleading info.
So we're focusing on the facts, not fear. Here's everything we know about the virus so far, and how you can be prepared just in case.

What is a coronavirus?
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Where did COVID-19 come from?
The World Health Organization states that coronaviruses are zoonotic, which means they are transmitted from animals to people.
A specific animal source of COVID-19 has not been identified, but the virus has been linked to a large seafood and live animal market in Wuhan, China.

How does the virus spread?
The virus is spread person-to-person. According to the CDC, spread is happening mainly between people who are in close contact (within 6 feet) of each other via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets land on the noses and mouths of other people, who then inhale them.
The CDC says it may be possible for the virus to spread by touching a surface or object with the virus and then a person touching their mouth, nose or eyes, but this is not thought to be the main method of spread. As the virus was discovered just a few months ago, more research is required to learn more about the spread pattern of the virus.

How do I protect myself and others?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 or medication to directly treat COVID-19. Therefore, the best way to protect yourself is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. The CDC recommends maintaining personal preventative actions such as:
Avoiding close contact with those who are sick
Not touching your eyes, mouth or nose, especially with unwashed hands
Washing your hands often with soap and warm water for last least 20 seconds
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched
Stay home if you are sick
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue

If you have more severe symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider. They will be able to get more information and decide if you must be admitted to the hospital.
Avoid contact with other people, avoid going out in public and delay any travel to avoid spreading the illness.