Let's Talk About Coronavirus.

Paranoia over Coronavirus, or COVID-19, quickly spread around the world as more and more people began to develop the symptoms. Something that has started as a disease in southern China turned into a global problem defying the notion of geographical borders. According to The World Health Organization (WHO), the two month old outbreak was granted the status of high-risk disease, suggesting it will soon become a pandemic. About 84 thousand people across 56 countries have been infected. 

Although the biggest incidents of the epidemic are relatively far away from the United States, there are already over 60 confirmed cases and this number keeps rising. While we currently live in a world where every sneeze causes suspicion, it is important to avoid being paranoid. However, the Dutchess County recently announced that 10 residents have been put in isolation as potential coronavirus carriers, and in Westchester County, 26 people are quarantined. 

Although there are no confirmed cases in New York State up to date, it is scary to imagine that the novel virus could potentially penetrate into Poughkeepsie and impact its residents as well as college students. According to the most recent email to the student body from the Dean of Student Affairs Deborah DiCaprio, she strongly suggests “to be prudent in [students’] travel choices—now—and during the upcoming spring break.” Indeed, it is important to plan a spring break itinerary with caution. In the United States, the confirmed coronavirus cases are now in Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. In Europe, the largest outbreak is in Italy, putting Marist study abroad students at risk. 

Recently, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued an official COVID-19 overview to bust controversies surrounding the disease. COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus characterized by a highly contagious respiratory illness. To compare coronavirus to the flu, coronavirus is more contagious and deadly. The risk of getting infected depends on exposure as the virus spreads from person-to-person. Patients who developed COVID-19 experience symptoms, like fever, cough, and shortness of breath. However, the symptoms could be complicated with pneumonia, causing lung failure. Although there is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment against the virus, the fatality rate has been relatively low.

To take a closer look at the figures, the death rate ranges anywhere from 1 to 2 percent. Moreover, the deaths were common among people of old age and with preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart or breathing problems. Data from the largest study, conducted in China, surveying infected patients, suggests that 80 percent had mild infections, while 15 percent had severe illnesses, and only 5 percent were critical. 

So how to prevent oneself from being infected? First, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Second, wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Third, avoid close contact with people who are sick. Finally, boost your immune system by taking supplements. If you find yourself sick, you must contact your health provider immediately and stay in isolation. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or wear a mask. 

Although coronavirus is an unpleasant topic to discuss, everyone should be aware of and familiarize themselves with the symptoms and prevention strategies.