We all know about the current outbreak, known as the Coronavirus, and how it has made its way to the United States. More specifically for us, it’s here in the city. 6 cases have been confirmed here and we all need to take precautions when it comes to keeping ourselves from getting sick. “Don’t panic, and don’t let fear and emotion drive the response to this virus. There’s no value in panicking or telling people to be afraid” said Dr. Timothy Brewer, a professor of Epidemiology and Medicine at UCLA, quoted in an article on Independent.  

It’s recommended by the CDC to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose or sneezing. It’s advised not to touch your eyes, mouth, nose, or face in general before you wash your hands. Use your sleeve to wipe your face if you happen to not have access to tissue. The objects you touch and hold every day should be sanitized, like using a Clorox wipe to clean your phone and computer keyboard. You never know what germs are manifesting on the everyday objects you use. It’s smart to always carry hand sanitizer with you when you’re out in public, especially if you take public transportation like the subway, which us New Yorkers have to do all the time. The poles in the subway are helpful to hold onto while the train is moving however  they carry the most germs out of the whole train car, with so many people touching and holding them. But wash your hands as soon as you get to your destination. As much as possible avoid people around you that exhibit cold or flu-like symptoms, like coughing or sneezing. The CDC does not recommend that a healthy person wear a mask because the main reason for the masks is to prevent sickness from spreading to other people from the initial sick person.

Although people are worried about the spread of coronavirus, people are forgetting that the flu has been a deadlier illness that has taken more lives than the coronavirus so far. Ways to prevent contracting coronavirus are similar to flu prevention. Get your yearly flu shot and take precautions to strengthen your immune system as much as possible. You can do this by eating lots of citruses and even taking some echinacea. While scores of people are concerned about the outbreak and whether or not they will contract the Coronavirus a rumor has circulated that “only older people, babies, or those with weak immune systems can contract it”, and that’s simply not true. The last thing we need is mass hysteria. Anyone is at risk of contracting Coronavirus.

Obviously no one wants to contract the virus, so get vaccinated each flu season, stay away from sick people and be hygienic by washing your hands as often as possible;  using hand sanitizer is not a proper alternative to physically washing your hands. This is a virus, so an antibacterial will not kill any germs or prevent them from spreading. If you ever exhibit the symptoms (fever and tiredness, cough, breathing difficulties, and muscle pain), then it is smart for you to stay home, rest and recover so not only would you be getting better, but you wouldn’t be spreading the virus to anyone else.

Just stay calm and continue being hygienic! Think of your favorite song and for 4 of the verses, wash your hands. It’s a fun thing to take your mind off of any stress or anxiety you’re having about the virus. Always wash your hands! I could never stress this enough.