I think almost everyone will get it. The very old, and young are more at risk.. Its a nasty form of the flu. Just wash your hands after being in public places. Use hand sanitizer. Try not to rub your eyes or touch your face. Esp after touching public surfaces.

I am worried too. I am going to keep hand sanitizer in the car.

I agree with the above poster that everyone or most people will end up getting it, but it’s not any worse than the flu. If you’ve had the flu and survived, your chances are excellent that you can get through this virus if you catch it.

Stop watching TV! This is like how meteorologists scare everyone into thinking the next storm is going to kill everyone. 80% of those that have the virus don't realize it because it is so mild. The old and sick this is very dangerous, but for the young and healthy, the danger is small. I think the news is exciting this to unheard-of levels and freaking everyone out.

Washing your hands! The best advice out there and what can help reduce the spread.

The annual flu hysteria is part of the reason I avoid mainstream news like the plague, pun intended. Promoting flu hysteria is on the Talking Head News Formula, isn't it?

For what it's worth
Corona is still on the tame side of those annual breakouts. Here's a review of that particular race for Talking Head Hysteria Awards.

https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-compared-to-sars-swine-flu-mers-zika-2020-3

I ain't giving up my TV, but my faith in mainstream news coverage grows weaker by the media-inspired public hysteria show. Are we safe yet?

One of the best gifts we give ourselves is to keep our hands washed regularly.

That one step will prevent the virus from spreading and growing. It's the # 1 thing I have to do when I have any type of infection.

Regular soap and water works.

The news is built to spread hysteria. It's how they keep the business going.

Best wishes.

Let's take Mid's advice one step further.....
First thing turn off ALL news!
Now take a deep breath in.....hold it......now let it out slowly. Good. (This helps turn off the sympathetic system).
Washing hands is all good and well and should be done regardless.
Next.....
Change your focus from OMG....It's an epidemic to what else can I do to protect myself?
Hiding away and sticking up on tp, water, soaps and hand sanitizer will not help and only add to a collective panic.....instead do these easy steps to BUILD your immune system.
1. STOP SMOKING!!!! It's a proven fact it drops your immune system.....and everyone around you.....this includes vaping.
2. Eat healthy whole foods. Get away from prepackaged and fast foods. Your body requires fruits and veggies.
3. Make sure to take D3 (add K2 if you are not on blood thinners). I get mine that combines the two....also check with your healthcare provider for this and other supplements I suggest. If you don't want to take a supplement, then get out in the sun with a fair amount of skin exposed at high noon without sunscreen for 15 minutes per day.
4. Vitamin C (not fortified.....eat real foods such as oranges) and zinc (this is in seeds, mushrooms, dark chocolate (70% or higher).
5. Get plenty of good quality sleep.
6. Exercise.....even if it's just walking 15 minutes a day.

These are your best defense in protecting yourself.
If your immune system is already compromised, take necessary action when out in public.
The plus is in following the 6 steps is your anxiety may improve

Thanks everyone for these tips. The best tip is to stay away from the damn tv and stop watching it 24/7. I eat healthy already and workout but I’ve started to
Incorporate working out at home instead of the gym. But yeah I’m
Hoping once it gets warmer outside this mess will go away as fast as it appeared.

One more thing....put on some relaxation music or guided imagery and meditate.

Yes yes! I’ve been listening to meditation minis podcast. It is the best! The chick that does the meditation is awesome. She puts me to sleep every night. Check it out. I don’t know why I didn’t listen to her last night when I couldn’t sleep. I guess I was being a worry wart

Things are getting more serious here. AARP and VITA have shut down their
tax sites. The county library is having a conference call meeting today to talk
about the virus. My husband and I are almost 70 and have underlying conditions. We are at higher risk to get serious complications from the virus
And maybe die. I'm not panicking yet. And I have a anxiety disorder.

I feel scared about it because I have never lived through anything like this before. So, I don't know what to think, or what will happen, or how long this will go on, and how it will affect me and my loved ones.

And it's just weird that you can't get away from it, move away... because it's worldwide. To me, that's a weird thought.

Yes, things are closing down here, too. I wonder how that will affect the economy, and jobs (if things are closed, then no jobs).

I have always been pretty OCD about germs long before this, so nothing new for me to wash my hands often, I don't touch door knobs, I am always using wipes, etc. I do feel more nervous about going out though. Especially to grocery stores or restaurants... any place there are a lot of people in close proximity.

Everyone, please be safe!

Hi kennedi10:

Man, I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard "wash your hands". I'm not making lite of the need to be careful and exercise precaution. What I have found works very well, is prayer. When you accept that you are not the one in control, and you release this self-control to the source of your total supply, you find peace. This is not to replace common sense, good advice, and medical support prescribed by a physician, but it is a compliment and a priority. Pray first! In time you may find there is less need to worry and more need to pray. Let us know how it goes.

I hate this, I really do. I watch the news, I watch YouTube clips, I read articles about this virus and can't seem to stop myself. I know what it is doing to me but I keep doing it. I have to find a different outlet for processing and wish I had thought of this before.

I’ve also found myself stressed because of the media and seeing people panic shop. My hours/days at work have increased because one of our other locations has closed temporarily due to this mess. The best thing we can do is remind ourselves that freaking out isn’t doing us any good. Exercise, download an app like Calm and try to be mindful, eat well, listen to music that makes you feel calmer, read, do crossword puzzles, color, etc. I’m planning to paint some rocks tomorrow.

I had to stop watching and reading the news. If I heard about cases in my area, I would get anxious and panic. I literally would feel feverish after reading all the news and I would take my temp every hour. Health anxiety is one of my biggest issues, but I have to keep it together for my kids so they don't panic. I've already had the flu and pneumonia 2 months ago and I'm pretty healthy...I just have to keep telling myself to stop watching the news