COIVD-19, according to the CDC, is a “respiratory illness that can spread person to person.” The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation following an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Despite the origins of where it was initially discovered, COVID-19 can spread to any location. There are currently cases all over the world, with the first case in the united states being reported on January 21, 2020. The reported amount of cases is ever changing and can be found via the CDC’s website. COVID-19 has likely emerged from “an animal source,” but is now spreading from person to person, mainly between people who are in close contact though respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear two to 14 days after exposure and may include fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Mayo Clinic lists a few additional symptoms can appear. If you have traveled to or from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, as determined by the CDC or the World Health Organization, or if you have had close contact with those affected by COVID-19, you may be at an increased risk of COVID-19. Avoiding large events and close contact with many people, often being reffered to as social distancing, not touching your face, being sure to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and more are a few suggestions for prevention of COVID-19. Isolating from friends and family, managing emotions and fears about one’s job status or finances, feeling anxious about whether one is going to contract COVID-19 are just a few common worries and challenges people may face during this time. These core issues could lead someone to cope in a negative way, like turning to drugs or alcohol, during this trying time. Tips for managing anxiety relating to COVID-19 include:
- Setting a limit for media consumption
- Staying physically active and getting the body moving
- Practicing good self care, employing tools like meditation
- Talking to a professional about your concerns
If the pandemic has you coping by turning to substances, and you would like to or feel that you or a loved one needs to get help, now is as good of a time, and may even be more crucial during this time. Top of the World Ranch offers hundreds of acres of open spaces, in addition to our private rooms and bathrooms for clients. This allows us to still provide quality care to those who seek treatment with us, while ensuring that they are safe and healthy. Tishanna Dillard, Marketing Operations Specialist