Coronavirus – How Far Has It Spread? What Can You Do to Stay Safe?
Every day there are new cases of the Coronavirus being reported. Among these reports are also constant updates on the virus’s impact, the rate of spread, and the risk factors that may make some people more susceptible to severe infection. To help you better understand this pandemic, here is what you need to know about the current status of COVID-19.
Infected Countries, States, and Mortality Rates
Currently, there are 96 countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19, among the hardest hit are China, where the virus originated, South Korea, and Italy. As of March 8th, China had 80,859 cases and 3,119 deaths, Italy confirmed 9,172 cases and 463 deaths, and South Korea reported 7,479 cases and 53 deaths. However, it is important to remember that these totals are constantly fluctuating with new totals being released every day. In the United States, 35 states are reporting confirmed cases, with over 650 known cases and 26 deaths. Of these, Washington state has the highest number of infected individuals with 128 individual cases.
Because the virus has spread so rapidly, the biggest concern of officials is containment and reducing accidental transmission by providing testing for any individuals who may have been exposed. Currently, all 50 states are providing testing for COVID-19. This comes after a significant shortage in testing kits which was caused by a defect in the first round of tests distributed by the CDC. While the cause of this defect is still unknown, concerns are high that infected individuals could have tested negative and been allowed to reintegrate into society without proper quarantine.
Currently, the World Health Organization places the mortality rate of the Coronavirus at 3.4% as of March 3rd. At a media briefing, WHO’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the death rate thus far was higher than the seasonal flu, which only has a mortality rate of around 0.1%. The mortality rate of COVID-19 is likely to change; however, as new cases are confirmed. Though it is predicted that the percentage of deaths will decline due to milder cases going undetected.
Who is at Risk?
Those facing the highest risks include the elderly and those with compromising underlying conditions. As of 2016, 28.6 million people in the U.S are without health insurance. People in this demographic may contribute to a higher number of undetected cases, as they will be less likely to head to a doctor if they become ill.
Tyler Prochazka, a 27-year-old debate coach from Kanas, was tested at a Kanas hospital for coronavirus after having traveled to Shanghai for a mid-January tournament. While the CDC is supposed to cover the cost of testing, the hospital later billed Prochazka for $983.
When the CDC first began testing, everything was handled at their labs; however, since hospitals and other centers are now administering tests, patients can now potentially face staggering bills. While many insurance companies will cover most — if not all — of testing fees, uninsured Americans are now at a significant disadvantage. As of now, the Trump Administration is considering using federal money to pay for testing for uninsured parties; however, nothing concrete has been established yet.
Likewise, disabled Americans or those born with defects that impact immune health could similarly be at a disadvantage. Nearly 20% of the world’s poorest people are struggling with some type of disability. Couple this with the fact that 25% to 35% of women who have taken Accutane, a medication used to control acne, will have a higher risk of delivering a child with birth defects, and you have millions of Americas who could potentially face more severe reactions from the Coronavirus.
Health insurance for disabled individuals is already difficult enough to manage, and if they have an underlying condition that weakens their immune systems, they could be facing thousands in healthcare costs, that is assuming they can access the proper care that they need.
Largely, access to care is something that troubles Americans even without the looming threat of a pandemic. Now, with that added factor, these problems are becoming more and more pronounced. Likely, the largest hurdle the U.S. will face while trying to contain COVID-19 is getting uninsured and underinsured Americas to head in for proper testing. This makes lifting costs all the more important, especially since many uninsured Americans are working in fields that require public contact.
How You Can Protect Yourself
As the Coronavirus spreads across the United States, many have begun stocking up on hand sanitizer, face masks, and disinfectants to try and keep themselves safe. These surges in buying have led to unprecedented shortages and limits being placed on how much of each item consumers can buy at a time. But what exactly should you be doing to lower your risks of infection?
Firstly, and this is a point that cannot be overstated, washing your hands is extremely vital. While it might sound like a no brainer, consider how many times you wash your hands after coming home from a public place. Even something as simple as touching your face without washing your hands can help transmit thousands of infection germs that can contribute to you falling ill. When possible, always wash your hands — for at least 20 seconds — after being in a public space and before you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. You should also disinfect high-touch surfaces in your home every day. Use disinfectant wipes or sprays to clean doorknobs, countertops, bathroom spaces, and anything else you come in contact with multiple times a day.
You should also consider removing your shoes as soon as you come inside to avoid tracking in any germs and laundering your clothes with disinfectant detergent. Little steps like these can make all the difference when it comes to staying healthy and avoiding infection.
What If You’re Infected?
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 and want to test, first contact your doctor and tell them you would like to come in for their opinion. This is important as they will be able to advise you if testing is necessary. Calling ahead is also advised as it will allow your doctor to prepare for the event that you are contagious.
If your doctor feels that official testing is necessary, they will be able to advise you on the nearest testing center. As of now, all 50 states are providing testing at various centers. During this time it is important to limit your contact with anyone to prevent spreading the virus. Do not take public transit or go to any public centers. If you are found to test positive, it is important to know that most who do contract the illness will recover. Depending on your risk factors you will be advised on quarantine and treatment procedures. Some people are allowed to quarantine in their own homes, while others who require greater care may be admitted into a hospital.
Updates and Changes
The data regarding Coronavirus is constantly changing. With new information incoming every day, and sometimes multiple times per day, it’s important to stay updated and informed so that you can be aware of how to keep yourself safe. To actively overcome this growing pandemic, we all have to do our part to help mitigate the spread. From washing your hands frequently to making sure you stay home if you are ill, every little step helps to prevent additional infection.
