What To Know and How To Stay Healthy During COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

COVID-19 has changed everything, and it happened so fast if you blinked you could have missed it. But it’s hard to miss when it’s being featured on every news station, every website, and every social media post. There’s one question on everyone’s mind: how can I protect myself and my family?

At Newverest, we don’t just care about our customers, we care about people from one end of the globe to the other. We’re all in this together, so we’ve taken all the info circulating around the web and put it together in one helpful place. Learn the facts, fight back, and stay healthy.

What is COVID-19?

First thing’s first. “Coronavirus” is an umbrella term. There are all kinds of coronaviruses out there. Everything from SARS to the common cold can be caused by a coronavirus. In your lifetime, you’ve probably had a coronavirus and didn’t even know it. Just like the flu, there are different strains. COVID-19 is simply the newest one, and it’s spreading at a speed we’re just not used to.

The thing to keep in mind is that not everyone who gets the virus gets sick. Symptoms range mild to deadly. Most often, people infected with the virus will make a full recovery. So if you get it, don’t automatically panic. Chances are in your favor that you’ll come out of it just fine.

How Does It Spread?

Just like a cold or the flu, COVID-19 spreads by droplets in the air. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, minuscule droplets fly from their nose and mouth and infect others around them. If you’re sick, whether it’s COVID-19 or something else, always make sure to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. That simple gesture can prevent infection in thousands of others.

Symptoms to Watch For

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to cold and flu symptoms, which makes it more difficult to tell them apart. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, shortness of breath.

So how can you tell the difference between COVID-19, a cold, and the flu?

It’s not always easy, but there are a few key things to watch for.

•       Flu symptoms are more acute and include muscle aches and a fever of at least 100-degrees. You might also experience chills and fatigue.
•       Common cold symptoms are milder than the flu and include things like a runny nose, sore throat, congestion, and coughing. You probably won’t have a fever.
•       COVID-19 symptoms typically DO NOT include a runny nose and nasal congestion but do include a high fever.

If you’re unsure what you have or think it might be either COVID-19 or the flu, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Staying Healthy During An Outbreak

Now that you know what COVID-19 and the coronavirus are, you need to know how to stay healthy. It’s not just about protecting yourself and your family, it’s about protecting the world around you as well. So here are the best tips we’ve found for breaking the chain and fighting this disease.

Every time you touch something in public, whether it’s a door or a bathroom faucet, wash your hands. Use antibacterial soap when you can, but any soap is better than none. And make sure to lather them up for at least twenty seconds. That’s how long it takes to get rid of the bacteria. A simple trick is to sing “Happy Birthday” to yourself while lathering. By the time you get to the end, you’re good to rinse.

Clean your home from the outside in with an antibacterial cleaner.  Make sure you clean the obvious things like floors and countertops but don’t forget the less obvious things too. Doorknobs, computer keyboards, and toilet paper dispensers often get overlooked. Don’t obsess over it, just be aware of what you’re cleaning and do the best you can.

If you’re sick, stay home. Even if your symptoms are only mild, that doesn’t mean the person who gets the disease from you will only have mild symptoms. They could get seriously ill, and they could spread it to others. We need to break the chain. Stay home and binge watch something. Going out when you’re sick isn’t worth the risk.

When you sneeze or cough, please cover your mouth and nose. It sounds obvious, but it’s amazing how many people fail at this task. That one thing can prevent the disease from spreading. If you don’t have a tissue to sneeze into, at least cover your nose with your hand or sleeve. Just make sure to wash up afterward.

We understand you’ve got a wad of phlegm in your throat, but don’t spit it on the ground. That wad carries bacteria that can easily pass on to others. If someone steps on it, they can track it into their home and infect their family. If you need to spit, either use a tissue or, if you don’t have one, spit directly into a garbage can.

It’s easy to get scared in times like these, but don’t let that fear overwhelm you. Take a deep breath, make some popcorn, and curl up on the couch with your family, pets, and loved ones. Watch an old movie, take a hot shower, listen to some music, or exercise at home. There are so many ways to relax and enjoy ourselves even during these worrisome times.

It Will Get Better

It might not seem like it now when we’re in the midst of this pandemic, but things will get better. At Newverest, we’re caring for our own families and our larger Newverest family by spreading facts instead of fear and reminding everyone to focus on the things that make them happy. We’re all in this together, and it’s that strength that will get us through this. Until then, stay safe and be healthy.

Get the latest information about COVID-19 from the CDC