03/23/2020- If you’re housebound by the coronavirus and have spent any amount of that time perusing social media or the internet, you’ve no doubt seen a plethora of information on the virus floating around, but, in these times, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. One big question is where did this new virus come from and how has it made its way so rapidly across the globe? Dr. Sandra MacArthur is a pediatrician with Bellin Health. She says the best-founded theory is that the virus originated in bats in China, was transmitted to another mammal, and then eventually passed on to humans. She says humans are particularly good at passing it on to one another- even with social distancing guidelines in place worldwide- and it will likely be weeks or months before we see it start to taper off.
Another thing scientists and the health community are trying to determine is if a one-time bout of COVID-19 will make people immune to it in the future. Dr. MacArthur says the only way to answer that is to wait and see.
In most instances, patients with mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 are sent to recover at home. MacArthur says while there’s no drug to kill the virus itself, the symptoms of it can be treated with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and a cough suppressant. As with most illnesses, getting plenty of fluids and rest is also advised.