About Coronavirus COVID-19:

The overwhelming need for us to understand more about and continue to protect ourselves from Coronavirus is still ever-present. Health organizations and government agencies worldwide are continuing to study, understand, and inform the public with all they’ve learned about COVID-19 Coronavirus.

What we do know is the virus is spread more from inhaled airborne droplets opposed to contact with contaminated surfaces. Which is why the CDC continues to recommend wearing face masks. State governments (excluding only 17 states) across the US have made wearing face masks mandatory when in public places or when social distancing is impossible or difficult. Not only do face masks protect the wearer but they also help to prevent those who have the virus from spreading it to others. Healthcare officials have also confirmed that a great many number of individuals who have contracted the virus have presented as A symptomatic. This simply means they show no signs or symptoms but still carry and unknowingly spread the virus to others.

The virus has been largely affecting individuals over the age of 50 but has also been known to affect younger individuals as well with underlying conditions. This includes those with diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, which unfortunately is a great deal of the world’s population. Along with the previously stated symptoms of severe cough, shortness of breath, weakness, exhaustion, and high fever, they have added loss of taste and smell to the list. There has been some good news though, children in general but especially under the age of 11 without underlying conditions have been largely unaffected.

Where we are at now:

By now, it is unlikely that there are any individuals left in the world who are not aware of the COVID-19 Coronavirus and the devastating effects it has had on the world’s population and economy. Since I last wrote about this unrelenting virus, the amount of confirmed cases has drastically increased from 20.3 million to over 73.6 million worldwide, and there are now over 16.8 million confirmed cases in the United States alone.

However, progress has been made. Governments and agencies across the world have taken charge and implemented necessary and some say drastic protocols to keep not only Americans but the entire world’s population as safe as possible. Protocols like placing floor markings for social distancing, closing the northern and southern borders of America, halting travel to other countries with exception of necessary goods and services, and even temporary “stay at home” orders in many American states. Learn about marking technology like floor markings here.

Although the first phases of reopening around the country have begun, unfortunately some states are hitting the pause button on this due to a recent surge in coronavirus cases in many parts of the country. Several governors have opted to postpone the next phases of their states’ reopening in light of growing cases and hospitalization numbers. According to a recent analysis, many states are seeing a rise in new daily cases. It is clear that this pandemic is not over and precautions still need to be taken.

Many leading health organizations and public health officials warned about a possible spike and or increase in the number of hospitalizations and cases come Fall and Winter. Already, it seems this prediction may be verifying in many states throughout America, with major cities feeling the brunt of the uptick. Despite this disheartening news, positive changes are being made. Finally, the first stages of the vaccine roll-out have begun as the initial wave of volunteers and frontline healthcare workers receive their vaccines with select government officials and at-risk individuals to follow.

Protecting yourself and others:

Here, at Achoo Allergy, we don’t take these statements lightly. How can you help stop the spread of COVID-19? There are a great many number of things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from infection. Maintaining hygiene, avoiding close contact with visibly sick or at-risk individuals, and implementing the use of face masks and various sanitary products can greatly reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19.

Products that can help:

The most common products people tend to turn to in times like these are items such as disposable respirator masks and KN95 Masks, heavy duty disinfectants and cleaners such as Vital Oxide® Disinfectant, and medical-grade disposable gloves and hand sanitizers.

There are, however, some tools you may not have thought of that can help in the fight against Coronavirus and other bacteria and viruses as well. Air purifiers from brands like Blueair and Aeris Health have been distributed in hospitals throughout China including the epicenter in Wuhan to help cleanse the air and thereby prevent further spread of the virus.

Specifically, the FilterQueen Defender Air Purifier is an FDA Class II Medical Device with Better-Than-HEPA Filtration. Moreover, it captures an impressive 99.99% of airborne pollutants down to 0.1 micron. Additionally, the Swiss made Aeris Aair 3-in1 air purifier with its 3 filter layers achieves the highest quality filtration with 4 times more filter materials than leading competitors.

Tips you should follow:

Aside from products that cleanse the air around you, a couple tips to always remember especially when traveling and in public areas – always keep a safe 6-Foot distance between you and any individual displaying symptoms of illness such as cough, or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth while in public with unwashed hands.

Thoroughly clean your hands with either an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water (preferably) multiple times per day. Respiratory hygiene is essential, when it comes to sneezing and coughing cover yourself with the inside of your elbow/arm or a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue into a closed trash receptacle.

Staying informed is also another way to help protect yourself and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Officials at WHO (world health organization) and the CDC (centers for disease control) are working 24/7 to analyze data, provide advice, coordinate with partners, help countries prepare, increase supplies and manage expert networks.

If you or a loved one present with symptoms of labored breathing, cough, and or fever you should seek medical care early to prevent potential spread of the illness. Calling your health care provider ahead of time will help them guide you to the right location to get you the fastest and most beneficial care possible.

Please don’t forget to share your travel history with your healthcare provider, this information is crucial in the fight against Coronavirus. Together, armed with this integral information and these vital health tools we can help prevent further outbreak and spread of this deadly virus and make the world a much happier and healthier place for us all.