5 Things You Need to Know About the Coronavirus

By Eric Hottenroth | February 24, 2020 | Comments Off on 5 Things You Need to Know About the Coronavirus
Senior Care Glendale, CA: Things To Know About Coronavirus
Senior Care Glendale, CA: Things To Know About Coronavirus

As you may already know, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel coronavirus that originated in China a public health emergency. The virus has now spread beyond Wuhan, China, where it originated and is now affecting several other countries, including the United States. Thousands of people have become ill from the virus. Hundreds of people have died. Because older adults often have weakened immune systems, it’s important for family caregivers to be informed about the virus. Below are 5 questions you may have about the coronavirus and their answers. 

#1: What is the coronavirus? 

The coronavirus gets its name from its shape, which is like a crown. There are many different kinds of coronaviruses. They typically cause respiratory symptoms. Two that you may have heard of in the past are the Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome virus (MERS-CoV) and the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV). Coronaviruses are present in many kinds of animals and can also affect people. Experts suspect the novel coronavirus started at a fish and animal market, then began spreading from one person to another. 

#2: How is it transmitted? 

The virus is spread by being in close contact with someone carrying the virus. It is believed to be transmitted through droplets in the air that come from an infected person coughing or sneezing.  

#3: What are the symptoms? 

The symptoms of the virus start between 2 and 14 days after being exposed. They include: 

  • Fever. 
  • Coughing. 
  • Being short of breath. 

#4: What are the complications of the virus? 

Some people, especially older adults and children, can develop pneumonia in both lungs. Pneumonia is serious and may require hospitalization. 

#5: Should you worry about your elderly relative getting the coronavirus? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says most people shouldn’t worry at this time. As of right now, the risk of being infected in the United States is still fairly low. Your older family member can only get it if they come into contact with someone who has it or who has recently taken care of someone that has it. However, health officials consider the virus a serious problem, so it’s a good idea to take reasonable precautions. 

Senior care can help your aging relative to avoid getting the novel coronavirus. One important step against the virus is to practice good hygiene habits. Senior care providers can remind the older adult to wash their hands frequently using soap and water. A senior care provider can also be certain to take hand sanitizer along. In addition, they can bring disinfectant wipes for shopping cart handles. Senior care providers can also keep the home and frequently touched surfaces clean and disinfected. 

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Care in Glendale, CA please contact the caring staff at Around the Clock Home Services today at (310) 940-0191. 

Sources 

https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-facts.html#quest1

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

https://www.webmd.com/lung/coronavirus#1

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