CDC believes coronavirus outbreak in U.S. is inevitable; Vandy doctor warns of risks

Concerns over the coronavirus are growing after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the U.S. should prepare for a possible outbreak. The CDC said the question is no longer “if” the disease will impact us, but when.

Worldwide more than 80,000 people are infected and at least 2,500 have died, mostly in China. Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Pediatric Infectious Disease Physician Dr. Buddy Creech said the coronavirus can survive in the environment for hours.

Which is why is why it’s so important to wipe down contaminated surfaces, including door knobs and bathroom countertops.

Dr. Creech said it’s important to understand who is most at risk. The elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.

Dr. Creech hopes this gives parents some degree of reassurance. He said the coronavirus is a flu like illness.

The biggest difference is that some individuals will experience shortness of break or difficult breathing. That’s when it’s time to seek medical attention.

“Here at Vanderbilt we have been preparing for a long time for such an event like this so we’re ready and we know how to take care of it,” Dr. Creech said. “We have the tools to do it and we’re just on the ready for when it happens.”

As of now, those at the highest risk for contracting the coronavirus are travelers heading to areas where we know there’s a current epidemic. Medical experts said travelers are better off focusing on washing their hands and using antibacterial hand gel as opposed to face masks.


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Source:fox17.com/