Latest Update: Corona Virus FAQs
What are the symptoms?
Mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of • fever • cough • shortness of breath.
Severe complications include pneumonia in both lungs, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
Severest symptoms seem to be associated with those who have pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, or, the elderly.
How can I help protect myself?
Avoiding exposure is the key: when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes they project small droplets containing the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the virus.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick (for example, at home, at work or in a healthcare center).
Maintain social distancing - at least 1 meter (3 feet) between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or, if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
What to do if you are sick?
Stay home
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
What is the current status of the corona virus, in the USA?
The people facing the greatest risk are those who are either living in China, traveling within China, or health care workers or are somehow in close contact with people infected with it.
What should I do if I recently traveled to China and got sick?
If you were in China within the past 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should seek medical care.
Call the office of your health care provider before you go and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness.
While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
What if you encounter the discrimination because of you are a Chinese or Chinese American?
Remember that discrimination is often the result of fear and paranoia, i.e., instead of rational thought.
Employment discrimination is considered the most powerful form of discrimination in the USA today.
Understand that even lesser “microaggressions” - such as daily rudeness, snubs, misguided comments - can be very hurtful and damaging.
Seek support from others in your network.
Get involved with like-minded groups / organizations.
Prepare your child for the possibility of discriminatory encounters so that they can associate it with discrimination instead of blaming themselves personally.
Be assertive and stand up for yourself.
Reflect on your own beliefs about assimilating versus retaining your cultural values.
SOURCES: MarketWatch: https://www.marketwatch.com/amp/story/guid/54165A30-42AA-11EA-A5F1-DB44B8198A98?_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D&_js_v=0.1#aoh=15819248221082&csi=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marketwatch.com%2Fstory%2Fno-chinese-allowed-racism-and-fear-are-now-spreading-along-with-the-coronavirus-2020-01-29 Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/life-liberty-and-the-pursuit-insight/201311/six-ways-help-your-child-cope-racism-part-2
American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/discrimination ps://www-marketwatch-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.marketwatch.com/amp/story/guid/54165A30-42AA-11EA-A5F1-DB44B8198A98?amp_js_v=a3&_gsa=1&usqp=mq331AQCKAE%3D#aoh=15819248221082&csi=1&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&_tf=From%20%251%24s&share= CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses