The novel coronavirus headlines have been everywhere. As the virus continues to spread to other countries, I decided to see what we would need to do if the virus started spreading here.

Steps you can take now, according to the CDC, are pretty much the steps you should be taking during flu season.

While the immediate risk of this new virus to the American public is believed to be low at this time, everyone can do their part to help us respond to this emerging public health threat: It’s currently flu and respiratory disease season and CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed. - CDC

The CDC website states that while there has been cases of the novel coronavirus in the U.S., it has been in people who have traveled to infected areas or who have had close contact to someone infected. At this time, it's not "spreading in the community in the United States."

While that means the risk is low at this very moment, it is important to know how to take steps to keep yourself safe. The basics are always big.

  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Clean High-Tough Surfaces
  • Limit contact with sick individuals

The CDC states on their website that "risk is dependent on exposure." So limiting your contact with someone who is sick and may be infected with the novel coronavirus is the best thing you could do.

The CDC does state that they expect more cases in the U.S. and that it is likely that the virus will cause a pandemic. They are also expecting cases of person-to-person spread of the virus to continue in the U.S.

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