It appears as if there is no stopping the persistent march of the deadly coronavirus. With well over 83,000 confirmed cases around the world paired with more than 2,800 deaths, the virus has made it its way to all continents with the exception of Antarctica.

Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that it is likely that the virus will become more widespread and begin to affect communities on a local scale. The increasingly high media coverage of the virus this week has left many Americans feeling uneasy and anxious about what they can do to protect themselves from the coronavirus should it become a global pandemic. Because nobody can pinpoint what the spread of the virus will look like, it is important to be prepared. Here are a few things that you can do to help to put your mind at ease.

What to Buy

According to the US Department of Homeland Security, you should always have at least a two-week supply of water and food for everyone in your household, regardless of the threat of this particular virus. In addition, you need to make sure that you are stocked on any prescription medications that you regularly take. It is also a good idea to replenish your supplies of non-prescription drugs and supplies such as pain relievers, cold medications, fluids containing electrolytes, and vitamins and supplements to boost the immune system.

Places to Avoid

It is important to remember that at this point, the American public is not in any underlying danger. While other countries around the world are under quarantine in some communities, this is not the case domestically. It is still safe to go on living your life as normal unless health officials tell you otherwise.

However, as of Wednesday, the CDC recommends that Americans avoid all nonessential travel to China and South Korea. In addition, there have been travel alerts posted for older people or those with chronic medical conditions advising against travel to Iran, Italy, and Japan. All three of these countries have seen a significant uptick in new coronavirus cases over the last few days.

Facemasks and Hand Sanitizer

Many people have been wondering about the need for face masks and hand sanitizer. Although it is never a bad idea to have extra hand sanitizer on hand, the need for face masks at this point is not significant. The official CDC recommendation is that face masks are only essential if recommended by your healthcare provider. The most effective type of mask is the N95 respirator masks.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in killing most types of viruses. You can also make this product by mixing aloe vera gel with rubbing alcohol. A few drops of essential oil can be added to give the sanitizer a more pleasant scent.

How to Avoid Getting Sick

As with any type of virus, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The single best way to avoid getting sick is to wash your hands frequently. Use warm water and soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds every time that you wash your hands. While hand sanitizers will work in a pinch, soap and water are more effective at killing off the germs. You should wash your hands before eating, after going to the bathroom, and after being out in public.

The most conventional wisdom is to treat this outbreak like a severe flu season. Washing your hands frequently, getting adequate rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and nourishing the body with a healthy diet are all ways that you can boost your body's immune system.

If You Think You Have the Virus

The first thing to remember is to not panic if you believe that you may be infected with the coronavirus. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you need to take the diagnostic test. Keep in mind that an infected person may not show symptoms for up to 14 days after being exposed. If you suspect that you may have been infected with the coronavirus, it is vital that you stay home and that you attempt to isolate yourself from family members until you have confirmed the diagnosis.

For the most up to date information, the CDC website offers current data and recommendations that will help you to make informed decisions.