By Sara Addis
A recent surge of the coronavirus in the United States has caused concern among many Americans. The virus has most recently reached Illinois, causing many students and their families to panic. As a university student myself, I have been asking health care professionals on campus the best tips and tricks to stay safe, and there are a number of precautions students should take to protect themselves and ease their worries.
#1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water.
#2. Be aware of your surroundings and retain a three-feet distance between yourself and anyone who is showing cold or flu symptoms.
#3. Carry a pack of wet wipes to clean public areas that you touch. This is especially handy while traveling. Wipe down your sitting area before taking a seat.
#4. Avoid direct, unprotected contact with live animals. Stay away from farms, zoos, and marketplaces featuring livestock.
If you do start showing symptoms…no need to fear, here are the steps you need to take!
#5. If you experience fever, cough or any respiratory issues, seek medical intervention. Call ahead of time and let your physician know if you have been traveling recently. They can direct you to the correct health facility.
#6. Practice respiratory hygiene. This means coughing or sneezing into your elbow and immediately wiping down any area where you may have released germs.
#7. If you are feeling stuffy or have a runny nose, stay home and wait until the symptoms subside.
The coronavirus has caused a lot of stress and worry, but if we all work together to practice safe hygiene, we can limit the spread of the virus.
Cover image from https://www.sfexaminer.com/features/who-is-eligible-for-paid-sick-leave/
The Spread 