As of February 24th, the latest coronavirus outbreak has seen around 80,000 confirmed cases globally, with 35 of those in the U.S., according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Officially named COVID-19, this widespread health crisis has heightened concerns for communities and healthcare professionals alike, as the risk of contact and infection is greater than initially anticipated. If you're looking for essential information about the virus and how to protect healthcare workers who might soon be treating infected patients, here's what you need to know:
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### **Understanding COVID-19: What It Is and Its Origins**
COVID-19 refers to the illness caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Similar to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), it stems from a coronavirus, which is a large family of viruses commonly found in both animals and humans. Although the exact animal source of the virus has yet to be identified, the first human cases were reported at a live animal market in Wuhan, China.
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### **Recognizing Symptoms**
The clinical criteria for diagnosing COVID-19 are still being evaluated, but initial guidelines have been established based on past experiences with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. Symptoms often mimic those of a common cold, making differentiation challenging. Diagnosis can only be confirmed through laboratory tests.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), healthcare providers should inquire about a patient's travel history if they present with a fever and signs of lower respiratory illness. This is particularly crucial if the patient has recently traveled to affected areas within the previous 14 days or had contact with someone suspected of having 2019-nCoV.
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### **Protecting Yourself and Others**
While the general public can take steps to reduce their risk of infection, healthcare workers face unique challenges. They cannot always avoid close contact with potentially infected individuals. Therefore, personal protective equipment (PPE) becomes critical in minimizing the risk of transmission.
The CDC recommends several strategies to safeguard healthcare workers, including:
- **Reducing Exposure Risk**: Encourage patients with suspected infections to wear face masks and ensure healthcare personnel do the same.
- **Adhering to Standard Precautions**: Follow strict protocols for standard, contact, and airborne precautions, including the use of eye protection.
- **Using Appropriate PPE**: Equip staff with gloves, gowns, and respiratory protection. For example, properly worn gloves combined with regular hand hygiene can significantly lower the risk of infection.
For the most up-to-date information on the outbreak, refer to reliable sources like the WHO and CDC:
- [WHO COVID-19 homepage](https://www.who.int/)
- [CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 homepage](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html)
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### **Partnering with Trusted Suppliers for Reliable PPE**
When it comes to preventing infections, providing your team with high-quality personal protective equipment is essential. Hand hygiene remains a cornerstone of infection control, and combining thorough handwashing with single-use gloves is vital.
At Ventyv®, we offer a diverse range of single-use exam gloves designed to meet various needs. Our new gloves provide robust strength and effective barrier protection, helping medical professionals stay safe from viral threats like the coronavirus.
If you're interested in learning more about these gloves or would like to request a free sample, feel free to reach out to us today!
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