Coronavirus primary prevention

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]

Primary Prevention

Exposure Control

2019-nCoV

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The following practices should be adopted for infection control:

• Hand washing often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when symptomatic
• Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Protective clothing:
  • Lab coats, gloves when direct skin contact with infected materials or animals is unavoidable.
  • Eye protection must be used where there is a known or potential risk of exposure to splashes.
• Miscellaneous
  • All procedures that may produce aerosols, or involve high concentrations or large volumes should be conducted in a biological safety cabinet (BSC).
  • The use of needles, syringes, and other sharp objects should be strictly limited. Additional precautions should be considered with work involving animals or large scale activities.

Handling and Storage

• Spills
  • Allow aerosols to settle and, wearing protective clothing, gently cover spill with paper towels and apply an appropriate disinfectant, starting at the perimeter and working towards the center.
  • Allow sufficient contact time before clean up.
• Disposal
  • Decontaminate all wastes that contain or have come in contact with the infectious organism before disposing by autoclave, chemical disinfection, gamma irradiation, or incineration.
• Storage
  • The infectious agent should be stored in leak-proof containers that are appropriately labeled.

CDC Recommendations Regarding 2019-nCoV Infection

• While the immediate risk of this new virus to the American public is believed to be low at this time, everyone can do their part to help in responding to this emerging public health threat:

• • The fact that it is currently flu and respiratory disease season, CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
  • Healthcare providers are advised to be on the look-out for people who recently traveled from China and have fever and respiratory symptoms.
  • Healthcare providers caring for 2019-nCoV patients or public health responders are advised to take care of themselves and follow recommended infection control procedures.
  • People who have had close contact with someone infected with 2019-nCoV and are symptomatic should contact their healthcare provider and tell them about their symptoms and exposure to a 2019-nCoV patient.