7 Things To Know About Coronavirus In the Southland

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — When you go to the doctor with symptoms of a cold or the flu this spring, chances are you will be asked screening questions to determine if you have contracted the novel or "new" strain of coronavirus.

The CDC, Los Angeles Department of Public Health and Orange County Healthcare have confirmed cases of new coronavirus this week, it was reported Sunday. In Orange County, one person tested positive with the virus Sunday.

"A man in his 50s, who traveled from Wuhan, China, was found to have a confirmed case of the new strain of coronavirus, OC Healthcare reported on Sunday. He is being treated at a local hospital and remains in isolation and good condition, they said.

The risk of infection to the public is believed to be low, OC Healthcare reported. There was also no evidence that the "person-to-person" transmission of the virus occurred in Orange County.

In Los Angeles County, the case of new coronavirus was a resident of Wuhan City traveling back to China. There is no immediate threat to the general public, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Health and Safety.

Here are seven things to know about the coronavirus and staying healthy:

1. Stay home if you're sick. Symptoms of new coronavirus include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, according to the Center for Disease Control. A side note from school districts? Keep your sick children home from school.
2. Wash your hands. It is not yet known how the new coronavirus spreads. However, medical professionals suggest covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough and washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available.
3. Is there a vaccine for coronavirus? There is no vaccine to protect against the new coronavirus infection and no specific antiviral treatment as of this report. People infected with the new strain of coronavirus should first call your doctor and mention you may be at risk to have contracted the virus. A medical professional can help relieve symptoms of the illness.
4. Where did it come from? This new coronavirus can circulate among animals, including camels, cats, and bats, according to the Center for Disease Control. Still, there is no reason to think that animals or pets may be a source of coronavirus infection in the United States.
5. How easy is it to catch coronavirus? According to the Center for Disease Control, the risk of being infected by this strain of coronavirus is "low" from casual contact. That means, if you are in the same grocery store or a movie theater with an infected person, there is "minimal risk" of getting the infection, yourself.
6. How is new coronavirus transmitted? The new strain of coronavirus is transmitted by close contact. If you are living with, visiting, or sharing a waiting room with someone with a novel coronavirus case, or have been coughed on without wearing protective equipment, you face a risk of infection.
7. What should I do If I think I'm sick? If you have fever AND symptoms of a cough or shortness of breath within two weeks of contact with a person who has been to Wuhan City, China, or has been in close contact with a sick person thought to have coronavirus, call your doctor.

A spokesperson from the center says this is a "rapidly evolving situation," and the risk assessment may change daily. Always remember to practice good health habits. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school! And clean your hands.

Washing your hands will help protect you from germs.

Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.