Northwest Iowa — The public health departments of northwest Iowa are weighing in on coronavirus. They are reminding people to stay safe while traveling and to wash their hands.
O’Brien County Public Health is saying that across the country, the greatest health risk to O’Brien County residents is from influenza; however, it is appropriate to take precautions against the COVID-19 or novel coronavirus.
O’Brien County Public Health Administrator Judy Nieuwenhuis is saying that the prevention for coronavirus is similar to how you protect yourself from a variety of viruses, like influenza. She says you should cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands frequently, and stay home from work or vacation when ill.
Health experts say that most often, person-to-person spread is thought to happen among people in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet). This spread is believed to occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes and droplets land on another person’s nose or mouth. Therefore, when at home or traveling, it is important to avoid being near people who are visibly ill. Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. But experts remind you that influenza is similar, is much more widespread, and kills tens of thousands of Americans every year, compared to only 22 American coronavirus deaths so far this year.
Both O’Brien County Public Health and Health Services of Lyon County (the county health departments in their respective counties) have noted the availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizers is reported to be limited in some places.
But this should not be a reason for undue concern, according to Lyon County Public Health Director Melissa Stillson. She says that hand sanitizers are convenient and effective, but they want everyone to remember that good old soap and water is still the best way to prevent illness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following steps for effective hand-washing:
1. Wet your hands with clean, running (warm or cold) water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. 5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartment0fPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.
