New Orleans

Dear all,

We at Headwaters Relief Organization are continuously monitoring the spread and impacts of coronavirus and the disease COVID 19. In the light of growing health concern, we want to share what we know about the illness so far and some preventive measures.

Based on the available information, from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), they believe risk to general American public remains low. Nonetheless, it is prudent to take as many precautions as possible at home, work or when traveling.

The coronavirus is a novel respiratory disease that has been spreading globally since the first cases were reported in December of 2019. As of today, March 5th 2020, more than 97,000 cases have been confirmed, in 87 countries and territories, with more than 3,300 death (over 3,000 in mainland China). Fortunately, it’s worth noting that children do not appear to be more susceptible to coronavirus than adults. In fact, no deaths have been reported among the young.

It presents a threat due to its contagiousness, and the lack of a strong treatment plan or vaccine.

What can we do?

Latest and the most reliable information can be found on the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites. Worrying or panicking in response to false information will worsen the situation, create unnecessary stress in the body.

Wash your hands frequently and properly
All experts agree that the two best ways to avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19: wash your hands frequently at least for 20 seconds with soap and water and avoid touching your face. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Alcohol based sanitizers can be used when hand washing is not possible.

Masks
Use of masks might lower the potential risk of contracting the virus, and it prevents you from inadvertently touching your face, but they are not guaranteed to filter out the coronavirus. Coronavirus particles are smaller than 0.3 microns, way smaller than the diameters of the pores in the mask but the mask does protect you from inhaling large respiratory droplets.

The recommendation as of now is against wearing masks by the general public as it puts a strain on the supply for health professionals.

If you decide to wear a mask, be sure to use a N95 respirator mask. Note that the N95 is not comfortable to breathe, and that they are strictly single use only.

Boost your immune system and hydrate
Now more than ever, it’s essential to prioritize your health and well-being, and do all you can to boost your immune system. There is still significant debate on whether vitamin supplements help however boosting your immune system and staying hydrated can never go wrong.

In situations like this, we all have greater responsibilities to limit the spread of this virus or any other illnesses. By staying healthy, we support the community, nation and the global healthcare providers who will be caring for those in greater need.

Your health and happiness are paramount to us. We are closely following the situation and will communicate with you anything that we can do to help or comes in our way.

Stay Safe and Healthy,

Roshan Khatri,
Medical Director
Headwaters Relief Organization