or a loved one now puts you at risk. Even something as simple as having dinner with a friend who flew in from out of town could put you at risk. If you have any contact with people in public transit or folks visiting from a place with an outbreak, report it to your doctor if you fall ill. No matter how silly it might seem (oh it was just dinner with my friend from Seattle!) – it could make a significant difference. What should I do if I suspect I have it? Call your doctor. Let me say that again: Call your doctor. Avoid going to the ERs or Urgent Care centers because, if you are infected, you could spread the virus to everyone there. And if it turns out you’re not infected, well, you’re much more likely to pick it up in those places. Be sure to tell your doctor or the triage specialist of all your symptoms and any possible way you may have gotten it. Include the travel and exposure risk of anyone in your household or folks you come in regular contact with. WHAT SHOULD IF DO IF I’M STUCK AT HOMEWITH CORONAVIRUS? If you are or someone you live with is sick and either of you needs to stay home, there are three important steps to take: Hydrate, rest, and take Tylenol (if you really need it). And if you’re up for it, add a bit of movement via stretching or yoga with a focus on deep and slow breathing. When you’re sick, it’s tough to remember to
WHO IS MOST AT RISK? For the most part, it’s the same groups most at risk for the flu. That means people 65 and older and those with weak immune systems. The World Health Organization put together a report with Chinese officials that had these figures: Individuals at highest risk for severe disease and death include people aged over 60 years and those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and cancer. Mortality increases with age, with the highest mortality among people over 80 years of age. This is why many state leaders now urge older Americans to stay home. In a bit of good news, it seems this virus doesn’t affect infants and young children. That’s also scientifically interesting and may prove useful in treatments. If infected, they show few, if any, symptoms. But they’re still contagious, so take precautions if you’ve traveled with your child. AM I LIKELY TO GET IT? The obvious factor here is traveling to a country where the virus has a major outbreak. That extends now to cities and states in the U.S., too. If you’ve visited New York City recently, you might consider a self-quarantine given the massive outbreak in New Rochelle. But there’s more to it than your own travel. As Clay mentioned, his wife could have gotten it on a flight. Any travel for you
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