Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, and more severe illnesses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Coronaviruses commonly circulate in animals and sometimes infect humans. The coronavirus under investigation, 2019-novel Coronavirus, is believed to have originated from animals; while the mode of transmission remains unclear, person-to person transmission is occurring.
What are the symptoms of the coronavirus?
Symptoms related to the coronavirus under investigation (2019-nCoV ) include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia and other complications, especially in infants, older individuals and in those with underlying health conditions.
How do I prevent coronavirus?
While there is still much that is unknown about this virus, we know what we can do to reduce our risk for infection:
- Wash your hands often, especially after you’ve touched someone who is sick, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids.
- Boost your immune system with sleep. If you can’t get 8 hours of sleep, take a nap during the day!
- Get a breath of fresh air, take a walk, open a window.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you have a cough or other cold symptoms, make sure to cover your coughs and sneezes by using the crook of your arm or using disposable tissues and disposing of them in the trash.
I’m sick. How do I know if it’s coronavirus and not something else, like the flu?
Coronavirus symptoms and flu symptoms are similar. If you have symptoms of fever, cough and body aches and are feeling concerned, call our Center for Health & Wellness at 718-390-3158 and ask to speak to a nurse.
If you recently traveled to or from one of the areas identified by the CDC with a Level 2 or 3 Health Travel Notice and have a fever and cough or shortness of breath, you should:
- Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Wagner students: Call 718-390-3158 and ask to speak with a nurse.
- Stay home. Except for seeking medical care, avoid contact with others.
- Avoid further travel until the illness resolves.
- Wear a mask if you need to leave your home when sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content if soap and water are not available.
Travel plans? Think about making a travel bag that includes Clorox wipes for arm rests, hand sanitizer and a T-shirt to place on the back of your seat.
If you have family in affected areas, please know we are here to support you during this time. We would like to hear your story.
For more information, visit the Center for Health & Wellness in Campus Hall. We are here to address all your questions and concerns.