Coronavirus Preparations
What is the Coronavirus, what are its symptoms, and how does it spread? Meagan Deming, MD, PhD, an infectious disease expert at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Institute of Human Virology and UMMC, answers these questions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a Novel (new) Coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This virus is in the same family as SARS that circulated in 2003 and MERs that is still circulating in the Middle East.
While there are currently no identified cases in Maryland, the University of Maryland Medical System has implemented additional precautionary screening measures as part of the triage process for all patients.
Our clinical experts, in collaboration with experts from the University of Maryland School of Medicine, are actively and regularly monitoring the worldwide situation and are strictly following guidelines and protocols issued by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More information is available on the CDC – Novel Coronavirus webpage.
Safety Precautions and Tips
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Practice hand hygiene – wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub
- Don't touch your face with unwashed hands; it's the easiest way for germs to enter your body
- Practice other good health habits – get plenty of sleep; stay active; manage your stress; drink plenty of fluids; and eat nutritious food