FORT MYERS, Fla. — Six countries have confirmed cases of the Coronavirus, including one case in the United States.
Medical Director for Infection Prevention and Epidemiology at Lee Health shared tips on how you can protect yourself.
Dr. Mary Beth Saunders says the Coronavirus is a common virus during the winter season, but usually, it’s much more simple forms of the virus.
This form of the virus that health officials believe originated in Wuhan, China, is new and does not have a cure.
Symptoms of the virus are similar to that of a common cold like a runny nose and fever.
Dr. Saunders says it’s still too early to know how easily this form of the virus can spread and how sick people can get.
Although there is no immediate concern for Southwest Florida, Dr. Saunders says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is closely monitoring the Wuhan Coronavirus.
However, because the virus spreads through human-to-human contact, Dr. Saunders says washing your hands is the best way to protect yourself.
“[Don't] touch your eyes, your mouth, or your nose with your hands when you don’t have clean hands — try to avoid your face, so the virus doesn’t enter your system and make you sick,” said Dr. Saunders.
People who are feeling sick are advised to seek medical attention and stay home.
