Facts About Coronavirus to Settle Your Anxiety

Since it’s appearance in December of 2019 in Wuhan, China, COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus, has been in the media nonstop. It’s spread to the United States and other nations have put many on edge. While the spread of disease is indeed a serious issue, we here at Olive Branch Therapy Group want to alleviate some of your anxieties with some facts straight from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.)

First, and foremost, stay calm. Remember, we will get through this!

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness spread via droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Respiratory illnesses are something we have dealt with before.

Take proper precautions.

For example:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

  • If you aren’t able to wash your hands with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Especially in public.

  • Avoid contact with sick people.

  • When sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

  • Be aware that the CDC recommends that only those that are infected with coronavirus should wear face masks to prevent the spread of the disease.

Watch for symptoms. 

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath

If you suspect you have come in contact with coronavirus and may be infected:

  • Seek professional medical care.

  • Stay home and avoid others in your household, including your pets.

  • Follow the proper precautions above.

Seek information from reputable sources. 

All of the information you are currently reading comes from the CDC’s website. While there are huge amounts of information out there about COVID-19, we encourage you to get facts straight from the source vs. reading information that may be incorrect.

Lastly, know that while there have been deaths due to the coronavirus, those that have passed due to the illness are typically those that are elderly or had underlying health issues, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. The vast majority of those infected with coronavirus recover.

If you find yourself overwhelmed by anxiety about coronavirus, remind yourself of the facts above. If your anxiety continues to get the better of you and your day to day life, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Olive Branch Therapy Group. We’re in this together and we will get through this!

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About The Author
NoreenNoreen Iqbal, LCSW is the Director and Therapist at the Olive Branch Therapy Group. Noreen works with young adults, adults, and couples. Noreen’s specialties include depression, anxiety, couples, and women’s issues. If you are interested in working with Noreen, contact us via email, phone or chat on our website.