Dr. Beth Sullivan | March 12th, 2020
The beginning of March is normally a major time in many sports. The NBA season is winding down, the MLB is preparing for opening day, predraft events are occurring in the NFL and NCAA basketball is preparing for the annual right of spring, March Madness. This year is going to be a little different and it is all because of COVID-19 or coronavirus. This little bugger is impacting life as we know it. As of today, most if not all of the major sports have opted to suspend play or delay the beginning of the new season because of this global health emergency.
The Effects
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that began in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China at the end of December 2019. It has since migrated to 113 additional countries and the World Health Organization has declared a global pandemic. As of today, over 130,000 confirmed cases have been identified and over 4,700 deaths have been attributed to the disease.
The number of affected people is probably much higher, but because of the limited availability of tests, only the highest risk persons are being tested. In most people affected, it is a self-limiting viral illness with over 80% of people afflicted recovering without hospitalization or care other than to treat the symptoms.
Older persons and persons who are immunocompromised or suffering from other chronic illnesses are most at risk of having a more serious case of this virus.
What You Can Do
The main thing to remember is if you are sick, or having symptoms of shortness of breath, fever, and cough and have come in contact with someone who has recently traveled to a heavily affected area, contact your physician for further guidance. If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, then please stay home, keep yourself separate from others and if symptoms do not abate or get worse contact your healthcare provider.
Everyone can do their part in trying to limit the spread of this disease by practicing good hygiene by washing hands appropriately and using hand sanitizer when needed. Limit contact with others by avoiding shaking hands and limit attendance at large gatherings of people. If we all take these necessary steps, as the saying goes, this too shall pass, and we will be able to get on with our normal lives once again.
The CDC has set up a very informative site that can be found here. The World Health Organization also has an informative site on the virus and this link will take you to it. Both of these sites will be your best source for the most up to date information on the virus. I know people are scared and worried about this disease, I would ask that you please review the information and if you have questions, feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer your questions or direct you to a resource with the information you are seeking.
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