{"id":696,"date":"2020-03-16T20:47:33","date_gmt":"2020-03-16T20:47:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ohiodiocese.org\/?p=696"},"modified":"2020-03-25T01:48:13","modified_gmt":"2020-03-25T01:48:13","slug":"covid-19-coronavirus-important-information-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ohiodiocese.org\/covid-19-coronavirus-important-information-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak"},"content":{"rendered":"

by\u00a0 Elaine Fitzgerald, M.D.<\/em><\/p>\n

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus that causes mild flu-like symptoms in 84% of cases; but it can be quite severe in those\u00a0 of older age, and those with chronic health conditions. Of those who are hospitalized 80% are 60 and over, but 20% are\u00a0 20\u201344 years of age. In contrast to influenza, COVID-19 is more contagious, doubles every 5 days, and causes death in 3.5% vs 0.1% for the flu. It is spread by droplets from coughs, exhalation, and sneezes, which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 6 feet away from a person who is sick. States are avidly trying to contain the virus (not test for it) to avoid development of an overwhelming number of cases by the time the disease peaks (as was the case in Italy). A large number would overwhelm the health system and make it lest likely that those needing help could receive it. This is why it is so important to avoid crowds, to stay home if you are ill, and to follow the\u00a0 CDC and Department of Health\u2019s recommendations.<\/p>\n

Here is what you can do to prepare:<\/p>\n