Coronavirus COVID-19

My name is Doctora Itzel Aguayo. I am a General Physician. I have lived in Puerto Vallarta for over 10 years and currently work at a private hospital as part of the medical staff. If you have any questions, here is my email address: itzagu.pv@gmail.com

Lets talk about Coronavirus…

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as:

• MERS-CoV
• SARS-CoV
• COVID-19

Earlier on, many of the patients at the outbreaks epicenter in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, were linked to a large seafood selection and live animal market, suggesting animal to person spread. Later, a growing number of patients reportedly did not have exposure to animal markets, indicating person to person spread. This way of spreading was subsequently reported outside Hubei and in countries outside China including United States, Canada and México. Some international destinations now have ongoing communities that spread the virus that causes COVID-19.

What pandemic means..

A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen when a new virus emerges to infect people, and can be spread between people sustainably. Because there is a little to no pre-existing immunity against the new virus, it spreads worldwide.

On March 11th, Tedros Adhanom, President of the World Health Organization, (WHO), said that Coronavirus COVID-19 can be considered a pandemic.

How many cases are there?

Up to March 18th there are 204,841 cases and 8,246 deceased in 170 countries.

Country	Cases	Deceased
México	93	0
Canadá	598	8
EE. UU.	6,512	115

How does the Virus Spread?

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, these droplets can land in the mouth or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

What should be I aware of?

The clinical information with confirmed cases suggests a respiratory illness that can develop quickly.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure

• Fever >38ºC or 100.4ºF
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Body aches
• Headache

Who is at risk?

High Risk of exposure: The immediate risk of being exposed to this virus is still low, but as the outbreak expands that risk will increase. People in places with ongoing community involvement are at elevated risk of exposure with the risk depending on the location.

Healthcare workers; Close contact with persons with COVID-19; Travelers returning from affected international locations where the community spread is occurring.

Risk of Severe Illness: Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very affected from this illness. This includes older adults, with risk increasing by age; people who have serious chronic medical conditions, like: heart disease, diabetes, lung disease.

Is there a Treatment?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are currently no medications or vaccines proven to be effective for the treatment or prevention of this virus. This is the reason why it’s so important to follow the measurements to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

How to prevent?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

What to do? Protect yourself.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, only if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Protect others.

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover cough and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
• Wear a facemask if you are sick.
• If you are NOT sick, you don’t need to use a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick.

Clean and Disinfect.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, handles, keyboards, cell phones, toilets, faucets and sinks.

What to do in Bucerias?

If you have one or more symptoms enlisted above, and have been in contact with a person that could be infected with COVID-19 please:

• Go to your health care provider, NOT the hospital.
• Call 322 113 3256: they are bilingual and fully capable of helping you.

What not to do?

• Do not panic.
• Do not go to crowded places unless necessary.

Stay informed about the current situation. Receive your information only from a reliable source.