Getting sick while you’re pregnant is always scary. The threat of being infected with the coronavirus seems to have everybody a bit more on edge than normal. If you are pregnant, being vigilant about washing your hands and sanitizing commonly used things is imperative. Simply put, coronavirus prevention is much better than trying to treat an upper respiratory illness.
What is the coronavirus?
Novel coronavirus is the newly identified strain of a coronavirus germ that was first identified in China and has since spread around the world. The germ causes a disease known as COVID-19 that leads to a significant upper respiratory problem if not treated properly. For most people, coming in contact with the virus could result in no infection or could lead to a mild illness similar to the common cold or flu.
Are pregnant women more at risk than others?
How to protect yourself from the coronavirus
Coronavirus prevention is the No. 1 way to protect yourself from the coronavirus. Prevention includes washing your hands regularly, disinfecting commonly used items, refraining from going to places with big crowds and potentially sick people, and using good common sense when you feel that you're getting sick.
"I think my biggest fear is people who are sick being in public spreading coronavirus and my kids and I getting it," Kara Miller — a mom of 2 who is 15 weeks pregnant — told Mom.com. "I try to go to the store when they are usually less busy times, and I try not to go down really crowded aisles so I’m not as close to people."
The CDC says that washing your hands is a great way to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. Use warm water and soap, counting to 20, or singing "Happy Birthday" to yourself at least twice to effectively wash your hands. If hand-washing is not possible, you can use an antibacterial hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol content to fight against the coronavirus germs.
Keep in mind hand sanitizer is not effective if your hands are dirty or greasy. Try to avoid touching your hands to your eyes or mouth to keep the virus from moving into your mucous membranes.
