Health First Provides Simple Tips to Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus

Symptoms appear two to 14 days after exposure

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – With coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) now declared a public health emergency in Florida, plenty of people are wondering how to protect themselves against the respiratory illness.

But with no vaccine at this time to safeguard people against COVID-19, what can people do to lessen their chances of contracting the disease?

The best way, of course, is to avoid exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness, including death.

Symptoms usually appear two to 14 days after exposure, with some of those infected displaying a fever, cough and shortness of breath.

People can decrease their chances of getting the virus by practicing basic, tried-and-true actions used to avert respiratory viruses in general. “This is an evolving situation in our state, and we can very likely expect additional cases to be identified,” said Dr. Richard Baney, Health First Health Plans’ Vice President and Chief Medical Officer.

“At this time, the risk for any individual is low. The best action to take is to follow the CDC guidelines, especially frequent hand washing with soap.”

The CDC suggests the following practices to keep you and your loved ones healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, making sure to do so for at least 20 seconds.
• If you don’t have access to soap and water, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will work.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth if at all possible.
• Don’t come in close contact with people who are sick.
• If you’re not feeling well, stay home from work or school.
• Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue – and then throw it away. If you don’t have a tissue,
sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are frequently touched with a household cleaner or wipe.

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