人物:关于新冠病毒的几点常识(1)（在线收听）

While experts agree COVID-19 virus will likely continue to spread both here in the U.S. and around the world,

虽然专家们一致认为，COVID-19病毒可能会继续在美国和世界各地传播，

there are steps you can take to stay healthy and informed. And here are a few things to know:

但你可以采取一些措施来确保自己的健康和获得信息。以下是一些需要了解的事情:

How does the virus spread?

病毒是如何传播的?

Researchers believe virus travels in droplets that form when someone who is infected coughs or sneezes.

研究人员认为，当感染者咳嗽或打喷嚏时，病毒会以飞沫的形式传播。

It spreads to others when individuals within six feet of an infected person inhale those droplets into their lungs--

当距离感染者六英尺以内的人将这些飞沫吸入肺部，

or come in contact with a surface that has the virus on it, and then touch their mouth, nose or eyes.

或者接触到带有病毒的物体表面，然后又触摸自己的嘴、鼻子或眼睛时，病毒就会传播给其他人。

Who is most at risk?

谁面临的风险最大?

While anyone can contract the virus, the elderly and those with suppressed immune systems are most vulnerable, says Dr. Robert Norton, professor of public health at Auburn University.

奥本大学公共卫生教授罗伯特·诺顿博士说，虽然任何人都可能感染这种病毒，但老年人和免疫系统受到抑制的人最容易感染。

There seem to be underlying medical conditions associated with many of the cases.

许多病例似乎与潜在的医疗条件有关。

What are the symptoms?

有什么症状?

Early signs can include a fever, cough, headache and shortness of breath.

早期症状包括发烧、咳嗽、头痛和气短。

In a small number of cases, says Norton, it can progress into what’s known as severe acute respiratory syndrome, where the lung tissues begin to degrade.

诺顿说，在少数情况下，它会发展成所谓的“严重急性呼吸综合征”，肺组织开始退化。

If you’re experiencing symptoms, see your doctor immediately and ask about testing.

如果你有症状，立即去看医生并询问有关检测的问题。

What happens if the virus continues to spread?

如果病毒继续传播会发生什么?

That’s still unclear, but it’s smart to be prepared, says Dr.Nancy Messonnier, a CDC respiratory disease specialist.

美国疾病控制与预防中心(CDC)呼吸道疾病专家南希·梅索尼耶医生说，这一点还不清楚，但做好准备是明智的。

Ask your children’s school for their plans for school closures, she says.

她说，问问你孩子的学校，了解他们学校关闭的计划。

Think about what you would do if day cares close.

想想如果日托中心关闭，你该怎么办。

Is teleworking an option for you? Does your health care provider offer a telemedicine option?

你可以选择远程办公吗?你的医疗服务人员能提供远程医疗服务吗?