Coronavirus in Colorado – What we know, and what we don’t | Q&A
Coronavirus has made its debut in El Paso County and the number of presumptive positive test cases in Colorado has grown to 183. But what does that mean for residents, and how concerned should we really be?
Here are some common questions, and the answers you should know:
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
Fever, coughing and shortness of breath are all symptoms of the COVID-19 virus according to the CDC. They can all appear two to 14 days after initial exposure to another person who has Coronavirus.
Should I get tested if I have some of these symptoms?
The CDC says that those who develop symptoms, and have also been in close contact with a person known to have the virus, should call their doctor and discuss their symptoms. Those who have traveled from an area with widespread or continuing community outbreak of the virus are also asked to call their doctor if they experience symptoms.
People are urged not to go straight to the doctor or emergency room if they suspect they may have coronavirus. Call ahead and speak with your doctor.
What are the best ways to avoid getting the virus?
The CDC urges people to avoid close contact with those who are sick, avoid touching your eyes or mouth, and stay home when you are sick. Face masks are only required if you are showing symptoms of coronavirus. Washing your hands is extremely important. You can read some tips from the CDC on proper hand-washing here.
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Are there certain supplies I should have in case of a major outbreak?
The CDC suggests people who are at a higher risk of contraction should stock up on essential medication, medical supplies and groceries. This precaution is only for the concern that people may end up quarantined at their home for an extended period of time if they contract the virus.
What makes coronavirus different from the flu?
Influenza and the coronavirus have similar symptoms, but there’s a vaccine for influenza and none yet for coronavirus. And it’s not too late to get a flu shot, staff at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Colorado Springs said Monday.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness and dry cough, says the World Health Organization. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. A lot of these COVID-19 symptoms do overlap with the flu, and the preventative measures Children’s Hospital is sharing with families are its recommendations for preventing the spread of all respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19. In Colorado, we’re still in the midst of respiratory season and Children’s Hospital is seeing a lot of patients with influenza and RSV. As influenza remains a threat, Children’s Hospital recommends that everyone 6 months and older receive their flu shot. Between 2018 and 2019, the CDC estimated that 35.5 million Americans had the flu, and 34,157 of them died of the illness.
What should I do if I am planning to travel internationally soon?
Start by checking the CDC website. There is a list of countries which are most heavily affected by the virus and are being labeled as level 2 and level 3 risks. If you have recently traveled to or are planning to go to any of these countries, speak with your doctor. The CDC recommends travelers avoid all nonessential travel to countries with level 3 travel notices and those with chronic medical conditions should consider postponing travel to countries with a level 2 travel notice.
Are the elderly more susceptible?
According to the CDC, those who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are at a higher risk of catching the virus. Because the elderly are at a higher risk for these ailments, they also are at a higher risk for coronavirus. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an order Thursday, March 12 stating that nursing homes and other senior health care facilities must screen all visitors and only admit those who have essential business. The order does not say when the restrictions will be lifted. Read more here.
What about children?
The CDC reports that as of now, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible to the disease. Although some cases have been reported in children, the majority have been in adults. Children’s Hospital Colorado said they don’t believe children or babies are at a higher risk, saying that “children seem to have milder forms of the illness.” At this time, there have been no reports of children dying from the illness. Parents who have concerns may call the hospital’s hotline at 720-777-0123.
What should I do if I have a chronic condition?
Officials suggest that those who are at a higher risk stock up medications necessary to their health, and to take extra measures to distance themselves from other people in the community during an outbreak.
Where are the confirmed Colorado cases?
As of Tuesday, March 17, Colorado had 183 presumptive positive cases. The cases in Colorado are not positive determinations, but presumptive ones, as official tests can take up to a week to confirm, according to the CDC. Click here for the Gazette’s interactive map showing where the cases in Colorado are.
How does the coronavirus spread?
Coronavirus is spread from person to person within close contact. Dr. Robin Johnson, medical director for El Paso County said “We know it’s spread through droplets — the spray when you cough or sneeze.” These droplets can reach as far as 6-feet, and anyone in that radius can be affected.
Should I be concerned about my pets at all?
According to the World Health Organization, pets do not pose an infection risk to humans.
Is it OK to still buy products from China?
The CDC and World Health Organization report that there is no evidence to suggest that animals or animal products imported from China pose a risk for spreading COVID-19.
Should I wear a mask in public places?
According to multiple sources, including Children’s Hospital Colorado, it is not advised to wear masks in public. Medical professionals need the masks, and are given special training on how to effectively use them with gloves and gowns. The WHO reports that there is a world-wide shortage of masks, and urges people to use them wisely. Disposable masks can only be used once, and if used for no reason, are wasted.
Will warm weather slow the spread?
As of now, the CDC said that it is unknown whether or not the upcoming warm weather will slow the outbreak. In some cases, such as the flu and the common cold, warm weather can slow the spread, but it is not known whether or not the coronavirus will react the same.
UCHealth Memorial Hospital clinical nurse educator Carrie Kirk demonstrates the procedure medical staff members would take to examine a possible coronavirus patient in a negative pressure room Wednesday at Memorial Hospital Central. The hospital’s Thomas Buettner is acting as a patient.
UCHealth Memorial Hospital clinical nurse educator Carrie Kirk dons the protective gear Wednesday, March 4, 2020, that the medical staff at Memorial Hospital Central would wear before entering a negative pressure room where a patient who might have contracted the coronavirus would be tested.