The new 2019 coronavirus is shaking the world with 50 million in lock-down in China and spread to 23 countries as of this writing. Pundits say “No cause for concern” but I will caution you to be alert and informed.

Since HIV became evident in the US 1981, the use of “universal precautions” permits care takers to engage with and treat patients while protecting themselves. When Ebola hit our shores, the outstanding care provided to both patients and care givers demonstrated the success of the process of gowns, gloves, masks and visors or glasses to avoid contamination.

We can borrow from this policy in the community and also take precautions. Avoid travel to countries without healthcare standards necessary for containment and treatment. Universal precautions mean to use universally because you do not know who is infected it doesn’t mean it is universally followed in other countries! If you are immuno-compromised with low blood counts, on chemo or otherwise have multiple medical conditions, then you are at high risk to contract contagious illness, the most significant of which is the flu. 61,000 died of flu last year and 8000 so far 2019-2020 season. Millions are infected. So my advice is to universally protect yourself. Frequent hand washing is the best defense, avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, use sanitizer and avoid crowds and family and friends who are ill. If you learn to protect yourself from the flu and common infections then you are more assured of being safe from this new threat.

Viruses are more virulent when they jump from animal to human. I’d like to see China ‘borrow’ US intellectual property of food inspection, clean supermarkets and NO more wet markets where bat-snake-human transmission can occur. China, take some practical intelligence from the US while you are at it and the world would be safer.

We take our amazing healthcare system for granted. If you suffer with an illness, even coronavirus, you will be cared for and survive as long as it does not overwhelm a compromised host.

Recommendations: know your risk, avoid travel to countries not equipped with medical care, wash hands, avoid exposure to crowds and public transport, if you are immune-compromised consider a mask when in those public places. (Thanks Donna who brought this to my attention this week). Operate out of wisdom not fear: exercise, eat healthy, hydrate, avoid others with the flu or colds, oh and avoid buying food where there is bat poop!

Raise your awareness. Check with your oncologist to know if your immune system is compromised.

For official notices medical personnel are receiving go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Stay well, stay tuned.