COVID-19 TM Resources
Tips to avoid illness and infection
Posted by Julia Kowarik-Wegner in Feel Good on Feb 28, 2020 7:40:11 AM
Not only during the cold and flu season, but also in view of the fact that infection with the corona virus is currently spreading worldwide, our hygiene behaviour is the most important protection against illness and infection.
Tip 1: Make sure your hands are clean
Hygiene out of the water tap: Our hands have contact to many different objects every day, including viruses and bacteria. Those pathogens can easily be transferred to the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth, where they can lead to an infection.
How can I protect myself?
- Wash hands often with water & soap.
- Pay attention to hand hygiene before eating and after going to the toilet.
- Use paper tissues only once.
- Immediately throw away used paper tissues.
Tip 2: Sneeze and cough hygienically.
Infection can be avoided: The transmission of viruses or bacteria often occurs through a smear or droplet infection.The pathogens are transmitted from one patient to another by sneezing, coughing or shaking hands.
How can I protect myself?
- Cough in your own sleeve.
- Turn away when you cough.
- Refrain from physical contact with sick people (especially in the family).
- Pay attention to cleanliness in the kitchen and bathroom
Tip 3: Strengthen your immune system
One step ahead of the infection: A healthy lifestyle contributes to the prevention of infectious diseases.The body's own defenses are strengthened. They are more efficient, feel better and the risk of infection for the environment decreases.
How can I protect myself?
- Ventilate rooms without ventilation systems regularly.
- Sleep well.
- Pay attention to a healthy diet.
- Be physically active.
- Wear clothing adapted to the weather.
Tip 4: Keep a healthy distance
Wintertime often comes along with infectious diseases. It can be helpful, to keep a healthy distance.
How can I protect myself?
- Keep distance to other persons.
- Avoid shaking hands.
- Catch a smile - not a cold.
- Avoid large gatherings of people.
What is the coronavirus all about, and how can I protect myself?
Posted by HR Info in Daimler (EN) on Mar 2, 2020 2:39:41 AM
· OFFICIAL
ENGLISH
GERMAN
The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is increasingly spreading around the world. We spoke to Dr. Martin Konrad Riedel, medical coordinator for travel medicine and pandemic/pestilence planning. He talks about the virus and the sickness it causes (new name: COVID-19) from a medical point of view.
Dr. Riedel, how contagious is the Coronavirus?
The virus is considerably more contagious than was initially thought, as it multiplies in the pharynx (throat). The time between infection and the first, sometimes only slight symptoms is usually two days to at most two weeks. The coronavirus is spread by airborne droplets. This means that the virus is passed on by droplets of saliva or mucus when speaking, coughing and sneezing. However, these droplets can, for example, also land on door handles and be passed on. This is called a lubricating infection.
What is the difference between the coronavirus and a flu?
Flu, or influenza as a conventional flu is properly called, has been known for over 100 years. It has been thoroughly researched. Nevertheless, there are always severe flu waves with many sick people, most recently two years ago. The coronavirus SARS CoV-2 is new to people, therefore they are worried and concerned. A course like a severe flu wave is currently quite possible. In fact, the symptoms of both ailments are similar, even if the symptoms appear at different speeds. However, there are currently fewer coronavirus victims than flu patients. Researchers also expect that like influenza, COVID-19 mostly occurs in winter.
How can we protect ourselves?
Washing the hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly is very important, as is keeping a distance and not shaking hands with others. It is also important to avoid touching your face. Paper tissues should only be used once, and you should turn away from others when coughing and sneezing, using your sleeve. Regular room ventilation also helps. It also helps to strengthen the body's defenses by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and engaging in sports. These precautions not only help against the new affliction with the coronavirus, but also against the current flu epidemic and colds.
What symptoms does the new coronavirus cause?
There are often only mild symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, a sore throat and fever, but headaches and diarrhea are also possible. There is often only mild sickness, but serious respiratory problems and pneumonia can also develop. Unlike the flu, where the symptoms usually develop rapidly and severely, infection with the coronavirus usually develops over several days.
Who is particularly at risk?
According to present findings, the virus is not life-threatening for young or middle-aged people if they have no pre-existing ailments. Men are affected slightly more than women. Children and adolescents very seldom fall sick, and do not develop serious ailments. In general one can say that most people who fall sick are completely restored to health.
Is there any medicine to treat this?
There are no specific medicines against this virus. Those affected are monitored and if necessary their symptoms are treated. This includes, for example, using fever-reducing medicines. At present medicines known to us from other ailments, for example HIV or Ebola, are being tested. One medicine appears to be effective to some extent. One important aspect is this: antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, using them only makes sense in case of an additional, bacterial infection.
Is there a vaccine?
Not yet. There is intensive worldwide research to find a vaccine. In recent years we have developed vaccines increasingly rapidly. Nonetheless it takes at least one year before we know whether a new vaccine is effective and safe.
What is the difference an epidemic and a pandemic? And at what stage are we with corona?
In the case of COVID-19, as an infectious ailment with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is officially known, the World Health Organization refers to it as an emergency of international scope, and a very dangerous situation. However the ailment still has epidemic status at present. Nonetheless, the virus has the potential to become a pandemic. Incidents of infection that occur unusually often in certain regions within a limited time are considered to be an epidemic. In the case of a pandemic, the epidemic spreads across national borders and continents. Depending how the situation develops in Europe and in other countries, the World Health Organization will be unable to avoid calling this a pandemic.
What do the terms coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 and Covid-19 mean?
Coronavirus is the commonly used term for the new virus from China. In fact this term is imprecise, as coronaviruses are a class of viruses that can cause symptoms from slight colds right up to a severe and acute respiratory syndrome in humans. Officially the new coronavirus is called SARS-CoV-2, and the resulting lung infection is called COVID-19. The virus and the ailment are often called differently. Take AIDS, for example: this is the name of the actual ailment. The virus that causes it is called the HI virus, or HIV for short.
What does your function as "medical coordinator for travel medicine and pandemic/pestilence planning" mean? How do you work together with other units at Daimler?
This function is one of many general areas in which the company's medical officers work in addition to our local duties - also when there are no current crises, so that we are prepared in good time. At present I am intensively studying the information we receive from official bodies, e.g. the World Health Organization or the Robert Koch Institute. We then contribute these facts during crisis meetings, and discuss where and how we might need to respond. I can assure you that we are very cautious, and will take swift action if it becomes necessary.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/sick-with-2019-nCoV-fact-sheet.pdf >>>>>>>>>>>>>>****************>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Can people in the U.S. get COVID-19?
Yes. COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in parts of the United States. Risk of infection with COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Learn more about places with ongoing spread at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/ transmission.html#geographic.
Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.?
Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html.
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
What are severe complications from this virus?
Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death.
How can I help protect myself?
People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should:
- Stay home when you are sick;
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
What should I do if I recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19?
If you have traveled from an affected area, there may be restrictions on your movements for up to 2 weeks. If you develop symptoms during that period (fever, cough, trouble breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
Is there a vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.
Is there a treatment?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.
CS 314937-A 03/03/2020
Managers Resource for COVID 19 (Geoff - FYI – this is not really applicable to MBUSI – we don’t have sick days)
To MB Managers:
If you have an employee on your team who has a cough with a fever, tell them to not report to work. While a cough coupled with a fever is more likely to be the common cold or flu, minimizing exposure during this time will help limit the person-to-person spread of all coronavirus contagions, including COVID-19.
If an employee on your team has been to China or another high-risk country OR they have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, they should seek treatment with their doctor immediately and follow instructions to minimize exposure to others. To minimize the risk of potentially infecting others within the workplace, MB managers should allow these employees the ability to work from home during the initial 14 day period upon return to the US to ensure the employee (and/or their family member(s)) are free from the coronavirus strain.
If the employee is unable to work from home during the initial 14 day “quarantine” period, please reach out to your HR Business Partner to discuss sick pay options on a case by case basis.
For exempt level employees, they should be able to use sick time as per the current policy; however, for non-exempt level employees, they have a cap on the amount of sick days they have available within a calendar year period. Please discuss these issues with your HR Business Partner to ensure consistency across all lines of business.
LiveHealth Online (TeleMedicine)
Version 3
This is MBUSA – we have something similarcalled “Teledoc” – we will need to rewrite this...
Created by Michael Swearingen on Mar 4, 2020 10:08 AM. Last modified by Alexander Erwin on Mar 6, 2020 1:48 PM.
Using LiveHealth Online, you can have a private and secure video visit with a board-certified doctor or licensed therapist on your smartphone, tablet or computer with a webcam. It’s an easy way to get the care you need at home or on the go. When your own doctor isn’t available, use LiveHealth Online 24/7 if you have pinkeye, a cold, the flu, a fever, allergies, a sinus infection or other common health condition. A doctor can assess your condition, provide a treatment plan and even send a prescription to your pharmacy, if it’s needed. You can have a video visit with a therapist using LiveHealth Online if you’re feeling anxious or having trouble coping on your own and need some support. Make an appointment in four days or less at livehealthonline.com or on the phone at 1-844-784-8409 from 7 AM to 11 PM, seven days a week. Evening and weekend appointments are available. You can get help for anxiety, depression, grief, panic attacks and more.
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