In 2003 it was SARS, and in 2009 it was H1N1. Currently, the coronavirus, COVID-19, has caused a worldwide panic that also has affected California with 69 positive cases and one death in Placer County in northern California.  There are ways to prevent this illness and others.

According to the Centers for Disease Contol and Prevention, the virus is thought to be spread from person-to-person especially close contact or within six feet.  Respiratory droplets are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and if they land in the mouth, nose, or inhaled, this will cause infection.  People are most contagious when they are he sickest.  The virus can also be contracted by touching a surface or object that the virus is on, and then touch your own mouth, nose, and eyes.  The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

If you feel you have the above symptoms, please stay home.  If you are at school, you may need to see the nurse.

The CDC stated there is no current vaccine to prevent the coronavirus.  But there are some ways to protect yourself:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then through the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using disinfectant spray or wipes
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not available, us an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The bottom line is to take precautions and wash your hands especially after touching things.  Students in school touch doorknobs, chairs, desks, books, keyboards, etc.  If students cannot wash their hands, then they should use hand sanitizers.  Here are a couple of other ways students can prevent being sick:

• Don’t drink from the same can, bottle, cup or straw.
• Don’t reach into a bag of chips, pour them onto a plate or napkin.
• Wash fruit before eating.
• Don’t follow the “5 second” rule, if it falls on the floor, throw it away.
• Did I say “Wash your hands?”
• I also said “Use hand sanitizer.