Corona Virus COVID19

I am sure by now everyone has heard of this new virus.
I want to summarize some of the facts and mention things that can be done to prevent getting it.
Worldwide over 93,000 people have been infected, 80,000 of those have been in China. There have been 3112 deaths.
In the USA more than 12 states have reported cases.
The death rate was reported to be 2% but latest figures seem to indicate that it is not more than 1%.
The people most at risk of dying from the virus are the same demographic as those at risk of dying from the flu: over 65, the very young, other illnesses underlying.
The Harvard School of Public Health (my alma mater) has recently signed an agreement with collaborators in China from the Gangzhou Institute for Respiratory Health so we can get more answers.....sooner.
In addition to China, there is grave concern regarding Italy, Iran and South Korea.
The first case in Africa was announced in South Africa today. It was found in a man who had just returned from Italy.
1 in 3 travelers may be symptomatic but the other 2 will not be tested. There is a general consensus that at the moment in the USA testing and therefore diagnosis is woefully inadequate.
A vaccine is at least a year away.

What to do?

Hand washing long enough to sing a nursery rhyme with hot water and soap. DO NOT touch the sink when you wash your hands.
Keep your hands off of your face.

Practice "social distancing" i.e avoid crowds and unnecessary gatherings.
Stay home for Spring Break or at least skip the parties :)

Use hand sanitizer that is at least 62% alcohol frequently. Use wipes in your car.

Get fully immunized with vaccines that are available such as Influenza and Pneumonia.

Take Echinacea with Goldenseal and Vitamin C

Monitor your temperature if you feel feverish or have been exposed to someone with a suspicious travel history within the last 14 days.

If you suspect, based on all the information available, that you may be at risk: video conference or go and see your primary care physician DO NOT GO TO THE ER! The ERs do not have the testing kits and you could expose even more very vulnerable people to the virus.

Make sure you do not run out of your medications, stock up at least 2 to 4 weeks worth.

Inhale steam at night.

Paper masks are not thought to be worth much but it certainly won't hurt to double mask in addition to all of the above :)