Unlike a lot of other viral illnesses, COVID-19 is transferred by tiny droplets of moisture from the body—the mouth, nose and throat—that carry the virus to other people. With measles or chicken pox, you simply get in the room with somebody and you get it, he said.
Because of the way COVID-19 transfers, simple preventative measures—good handwashing, social isolation, maintaining that distance—will go far in protecting you, your business associates and your family from contracting COVID-19, Lloyd said.
And as for children, he said they are tremendous vectors for COVID-19, meaning they carry it but not many get sick from it. They do bring it to their mothers and grandparents, however. “That’s why so many schools are closed,” he said.
Lloyd stressed that if you are not exposed to COVID-19, you will not get it and there is no need for testing. He said the coronavirus is more prevalent in people older than 60 because their immune capabilities deteriorate over time. Also, anyone with a weakened immune system and underlying issues such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, emphysema, an autoimmune disease, high blood pressure, cancer, asthma, a previous lung infection or an organ transplant, are at risk.
He cautioned to call your doctor if you develop flu-like symptoms, if you have been around someone with COVID-19 or if you have traveled to an area where it is ubiquitous. “Do not race to an emergency room. That’s the last place you want to go to,” he said.