Reasons not to panic for the coronavirus: this is what you should do

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What you need to know about Coronavirus: 5 questions and 5 answers 0:59

(CNN Spanish) - Concern for the coronavirus is spreading as much as the outbreak itself, but amid the anguish, uncertainty and fear that the disease can generate, multiple experts agree on a key message: keep calm and avoid Panic at all costs. Yes, the disease has infected thousands and killed hundreds more. A vaccine is not available yet. But the authorities and specialists insist that the answers cannot be guided by panic. Something that applies to both people and governments.

• LOOK: The ABC of the coronavirus: what it is, how it is spread, who it affects and how it is prevented

Should I or not worry about the coronavirus? Before this question, the World Health Organization responds that if you are not in an area where the coronavirus is spreading, if you have not traveled to or from any of those areas or have been in close contact with someone who has done so and It feels bad, you currently have a low chance of getting it. “It is understandable that the situation causes stress and anxiety. It is a good idea to report on the facts so that you can accurately determine the risks you are taking and take reasonable precautions, ”said the entity. Now, if you are in an area where an outbreak of coronavirus occurred, the key is to follow the advice and directions of health personnel.

Precisely, WHO stressed in a document dated February 11 that countries must "communicate with their public early and effectively to mitigate stigma or discrimination and avoid panic." So local and national authorities are called to inform as soon as possible about the developments of the coronavirus, new or confirmed cases and the measures that are being taken to contain it in the different territories. But it is also vital to obtain the data through official means and get away from the myths and misinformation that circulate in social networks. In addition, the WHO specified: "In most cases, COVID-19 only causes a mild illness," although "it can cause very serious diseases in some people" and very rarely can be lethal.

This Thursday, the director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, Robert Redfield, also gave a piece of peace of mind to the country's situation. Answering a series of simple questions cleared the picture in many ways. These were the questions and the answers:

- Should people be afraid? Do not

- Should people wash their hands and cough or sneeze regularly on the sleeves? Totally

- Should people stock up on cleaning products? Do not.

- Should people stock up on prescription medications they have? Not at this time.

- Should people stock up on food? Not right now.

- Should you wear a surgical mask if you're healthy? Do not.

- Is there a website that people can access to access good information about these questions? Yes, absolutely, CDC.gov.

Repeat: Wash your hands, wash your hands ...

Something positive in the middle of the emergency that the coronavirus has unleashed is that there are individual steps you can take to protect yourself. Starting, as it has been insisted multiple times, to wash our hands frequently, preferably with soap and water, but if not with an alcohol and water based disinfectant. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if you have not done this hygiene process. Also when you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with your elbow bent or with a handkerchief. You should throw away the handkerchief immediately and then wash your hands.

“Here is the best advice I can give you to avoid any virus and flu: be intentionally hygienic in public and during interactions with others. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection prevention. Effective hand hygiene requires adequate duration and thoroughness, which should be a goal every time you clean your hands. Use soap and water for the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday," wrote Colleen S. Kraft, an infectious disease doctor and associate medical director at Emory University Hospital.

Finally, WHO recommends keeping at least 1 meter away with other people, especially if they cough, sneeze or have a fever. And you do not need masks if you are in good health. The CDC suggests using only a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it.

Prevention Disease Prevention Safety