Preventing Corona Virus

Not unlike flu season, the corona virus will undoubtedly spread across the country in short order.

As you are all aware, viruses often get spread prior to any symptoms showing up.
This means that none of us really know when we have been exposed to a virus until we have symptoms.
Not everybody who gets exposed to a virus will get symptoms.
Someone can pass a virus on without ever exhibiting symptoms themselves.

So, here is a reminder of precautions that we can each take and encourage kids to take in order to minimize risk. From Oregon Health Authority:

Stay home while you are sick.
Never visit a hospital or long-term care facility if you have a fever or cough illness.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
Take care of your health overall. Staying current on your vaccinations, including flu vaccine, eating well and exercising all help your body stay resilient.
Consult CDC’s travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself if you plan to travel outside of the US.

Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms. If you are feeling sick with mild symptoms and do not need to seek medical care, stay home while you recover.