WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?
HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET SICK
RISK OF SEVERE ILLNESS IN EB
TRACKING COVID-19
STAY UP-TO-DATE
- Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that may cause illness in humans and animals. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, named SARS-COV-2, first discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.
- Read about how the initial outbreak became a pandemic in this visual article from the New York Times.
HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
- The virus binds to cells in our mucous membranes, which cover our eyes, noses and mouths. It is spread mainly from person-to-person contact. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, they emit respiratory droplets, which can infect nearby people. It is also possible to become infected from touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Data show that this virus spreads very easily.
- Learn more:
- CDC - How Coronavirus Spreads
- A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the virus can persist for 72 hours on plastics, 48 hours on stainless steel, and 24 hours on cardboard. Dr. Carolyn Machamer of Johns Hopkins University discusses what those results mean here.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
- The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to the virus.
- Wash your hands often using soap and running water for 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.) If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol and rub your hands together until it dries.
- Avoid touching your face. The virus infects individuals through their mucous membranes, which cover our eyes, noses, and mouths. For individuals with EB who wear bandages on their hands, this is especially important as hand washing may be less frequent.
- Follow social distancing guidelines. Stay home. Don’t congregate in groups. If you’re in a public space, keep a 6ft distance between yourself and others. Your local government may have additional guidelines.
- Learn more:
- CDC - How to protect yourself
- WHO - How to wash your hands properly
- Read about the science behind soap in this New York Times article.
- See the Washington Post’s simulation on how social distancing can help prevent the spread of disease.
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19
- Symptoms appear within 2-14 days of exposure and include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Most people experience mild symptoms, however those experiencing severe symptoms like trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips and face should seek immediate medical attention.
- Read More: CDC - Symptoms of Coronavirus
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET SICK
- If you begin to show symptoms of COVID-19, stay home except to get medical attention. Call before visiting your doctor. Most individuals suffer from mild symptoms and are able to recover at home. If you live with other people, isolate yourself in your home to an area where others won’t come into contact with you. Clean high-touch surfaces often. Wear a facemask to prevent spreading the virus to others in your home or if you leave home to seek medical care.
- Read More: CDC - What to do if you are sick
RISK OF SEVERE ILLNESS IN EB
- There is no evidence to show that people living with EB are at higher risk to develop severe illness if they contract COVID-19. However, some individuals with severe EB have other medical conditions that may affect the severity of disease.
- Learn more: CDC - People with Certain Medical Conditions
TRACKING COVID-19
- There are several online tools tracking the spread of COVID-19 worldwide, as well as in local communities. Here are a few sources:
- Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Map: Johns Hopkins quickly emerged as the leading resource for up-to-date coronavirus case data.
- STAT’s COVID-19 Tracker: This tracker features the ability to narrow your search specific counties and see data from test results as well as confirmed cases.
STAY UP-TO-DATE
- This is a rapidly evolving situation, with a near-constant stream of new information. Here are some trusted sources for staying up-to-date: