Caring for you just like we would want to be cared for.

Blog

Quick Guide to Coronavirus – The Essential Information (UPDATED May 13, 2020)

By jeremy

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – Let’s Learn All About It

Having all the information you can about COVID-19 (coronavirus) is very important right now.

Tache Pharmacy is working diligently to regularly update this blog post with the most critical, up-to-date information to help you protect yourself, and your loved ones, during this time.  Please check back regularly.

This Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is scary and can cause worry and anxiety.  It is important to take care of both your physical and mental health.

Do you want your medications delivered right to your door so you can reduce your risk of exposure?  It’s very easy… just order online right now.

Order Your Prescriptions Online Now!

 
Tache Pharmacy 5 Star Reviews“Wonderful experience all the way around.  They care about people.  Extremely refreshing.” – Tache Pharmacy Customer, Jill Chubaty

“The best pharmacy in town.  The staff are always pleasant and ready to help with any questions.  Their deliveries are prompt and on time.” – Tache Pharmacy Customer, Albert C.

Watch a great video explaining coronavirus.

How many COVID-19 cases are there in Manitoba?

As of May 13, 2020 there are 290 confirmed and suspected cases in Manitoba.

There have been 7 deaths.

251 people have recovered.

There are 32 active cases.

For Manitoba specific information:  https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/index.html

How many confirmed cases are there in Canada?

For regular updates of cases in Canada visit:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/epidemiological-summary-covid-19-cases.html

For information in a map format:  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

Or https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/tracking-every-case-of-covid-19-in-canada-1.4852102

As of May 13, 2020, the updated numbers of COVID-19 cases in Canada are:

Total in Canada: 71,157

– Quebec: 39,225

– Ontario: 20,907

– Alberta: 6,345

– British Columbia: 2,360

– Nova Scotia: 1,020

– Saskatchewan: 573

Manitoba: 290

– Newfoundland and Labrador: 261

– New Brunswick: 120

– P.E.I.: 27

– Yukon: 11

– Northwest Territories: 5

– Nunavut: 0

Total deaths in Canada: 5,169

How many world-wide cases of COVID-19 infections have there been?

As of May 13, 2020 the current global cases are 4,374,757 with 294,402 deaths and 1,622,045 recovered cases.

An interactive map of world cases:

This website provides an exact, up-to-date coronavirus cases meter – https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

Order Your Prescriptions Online Now!

The Center For Disease Control is Now Recommending That People Wear Masks in Public (April 3, 2020)

See the CDC recommendation here – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

Article about the best materials for cloth masks – https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/making-your-own-face-mask-some-fabrics-work-better-others-n1175966

Here is an important snippet from the article about the best materials to use:

“The best masks were constructed of two layers of heavyweight ‘quilters cotton’ with a thread count of at least 180, and had thicker and tighter weave.”

How to sew a do-it-yourself face mask – https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2020/04/04/coronavirus-face-mask-tips-how-make-fabric-instructions/2945209001/

Apply for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

If you need to, as of April 6, 2020, you can apply for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit here – https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html

What are Coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses.  Coronavirus is not a single strain of virus but rather a classified group of viruses with similar characteristics (family Coronaviridae).

The SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) virus was a coronavirus.  The Middle East respiratory syndrome virus was also a coronavirus. More specifically both were betacoronaviruses like the current coronavirus outbreak.

A Canadian research team has isolated COVID-19.  https://globalnews.ca/news/6670445/canada-research-coronavirus-isolated/

Isolating the virus is the first step in creating a meaningful vaccine.

What is the current coronavirus outbreak called?

At the time of this writing, the current coronavirus outbreak is being referred to as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).  2019-nCoV is a betacoronavirus.

UPDATE: Since originally posting this the name most commonly used now for the coronavirus outbreak is COVID-19

This virus is also sometimes referred to as SARS-CoV-19

Where did the outbreak begin?

The current outbreak began in Wuhan, China with most cases originating from a local fish market.  2019-nCoV is now being found in many international locations including Canada.

How long until we have a vaccine?  What are the latest updates on COVID-19 vaccine development?

As of April 10, 2020, the best estimates are that a vaccine is still 18 to 24 months away.

Some good news regarding vaccine development – https://globalnews.ca/news/6768895/coronavirus-vaccine-test-mice/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/01/coronavirus-vaccine-when-will-it-be-ready-covid-19

https://abcnews.go.com/Health/race-covid-19-vaccine-fast-fast/story?id=69842612

Are there any potential treatments for COVID-19?

There is a potential treatment using something called human recombinant soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme 2.  You can read more about it by clicking here

Or watch this YouTube video featuring Josef Penninger.

How is infection with COVID-19 confirmed?

An infection with COVID-19 is laboratory-confirmed with Real-Time RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) as well as next generation sequencing.

Another good YouTube video explaining tests:

What are the symptoms?

Early reports from the outbreak in China state that:

– Common symptoms early in the infection are fever, cough, and muscle aches and pains or fatigue.

– Less common symptoms are production of sputum or phlegm, headache, coughing up blood, and diarrhea.

– Shortness of breath happens in just over half of cases.

– About ⅔ of patients will experience lymphocytopenia (low level of blood cells called lymphocytes).

– All patients developed pneumonia with abnormal findings on chest Computed tomography (CT) scan.

– More serious complications found as the infections progress include acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute cardiac injury and secondary infections.

An excellent infographic showing the symptoms of COVID-19 can be found at https://www.instagram.com/p/B9tA84HhcIk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Who is most affected by COVID-19?

For Canadian statistics on the age distribution of cases:  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/epidemiological-summary-covid-19-cases.html

Visit the following link for a great infographic package showing who is affected by COVID-19.   https://www.instagram.com/p/B9hz_pqBdyS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

It is mainly older people and those with pre-existing health conditions that are effected by serious infections.  80% of cases are mild.  However, we must all do our part in preventing the spread of coronavirus.

It is important to flatten the curve.

Can coronavirus effect my pet?

How is the coronavirus spread / transmitted?

The coronavirus is spread from human to human through the air via coughing and sneezing, through close contact such as shaking hands or touching and/or by touching something with the virus on it and then transferring it to your eyes, mouth or nose before you wash your hands.  Less commonly the virus can spread via fecal contamination.

It is most likely that the 2019-nCoV is spread mostly through the air via coughing and sneezing just like the SARS and MERS viruses.

UPDATE: They have found that COVID-19 is mainly spread by droplets from coughing and sneezing and even by talking and breathing.  These droplets then get into the mouth and nose of other people.  Avoid close contact and practice strict physical distancing.  Stay home as much as absolutely possible.  It is now being recommended by the Centers for Disease Control to wear masks in public.

Order Your Prescriptions Online Now!

It is also passed via hands touching the virus (contaminated surfaces, infected people) and then transmitting the virus to nasal passages or eyes by touching your face.  Therefore, hand-washing is critical. 

What is the best way to prevent an infection?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):

“The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

– 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.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

– Wear a mask in public (CDC recommendation as of April 3/2020)

– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

– 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.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.”

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

What do I do if I am feeling sick?

For Manitobans specifically:

Contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) if you’re experiencing symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus. Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.

 

If you are feeling sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, stay home.  You should only leave home to seek medical attention.

Isolate yourself away from other people and pets in your home as best as possible.  Do not share household items.

Wear a face mask when around other people or pets.

Wash your hands regularly.

Order Your Prescriptions Online Now!