Despite the new reality of postponed events, remote working, and social distancing, Cure SMA would like you to know that our work for the SMA community continues. Please stay safe and make sure you and your loved ones are following all recommended precautions. We’re here if you have questions, so please reach out via email at [email protected].

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Virus and Prevention Information

The SMA community’s concern has been rising as cases of COVID-19 increase in the U.S. Cure SMA would like to share some information on the disease and prevention measures for your easy reference.

What We Know:

  • The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably between people. Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggest that this virus spreads more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious.
  • The virus is spread by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the eyes, noses, or mouths of people who are nearby, or even be inhaled into the lungs.
  • People are thought to be most contagious when they have symptoms but can be contagious early in course of illness. New evidence suggests that some people may have the infection and not have symptoms and can spread the infection.
  • The elderly and adults with underlying health conditions are at increased risk for severe disease. Children seem to present with milder disease, but children have also been hospitalized with COVID-19.
  • There is no approved treatment or vaccine for this virus.
  • Typical symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure, presenting as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and sudden new loss of smell and taste.
  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family:

  • Stay calm. Concern about a novel virus infection outbreak can lead to fear and anxiety. Health professionals, and we at Cure SMA, are here to help alleviate these fears.
  • Stay at home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed. As possible, others in the household should also remain at home.
  • Avoid others who are sick.
  • Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol base.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue, throw away the tissue and wash hands.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly.
  • Avoid crowds or large gatherings.
  • If you go out in public, take precautions to keep 6 feet of space between yourself and avoid contact with others (i.e., shaking hands, touching, etc.). Also wear cloth face coverings over the mouth and nose for everyone over 2 years of age. The public should use non-medical cloth masks, while surgical masks and N95 masks/respirators should be reserved for healthcare providers.
  • If you become ill, stay home and call your doctor’s office to discuss symptoms. Try to stay out of healthcare facilities.
  • Use disinfectants to clean surfaces only. Do not ingest disinfectants or bleach, or use on food.