While it is too early to know much about the new strain of Coronavirus, called 2019-nCoV, that started in China and is showing up in other places across the world including six confirmed cases in the U.S., there is always concern about becoming sick.

Currently, a person has a greater chance of dying from the flu than they do of this strain of the Coronavirus.

For the most part, at this early stage, the safety procedures to minimize risk of getting the virus are the common ones for any respitory infection or flu.

The Center for Disease Control recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water is not available, avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, clean and and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces. They also recommend avoiding close contact with sick people and to stay home if you are sick.

Currently, the only way to get this strain of the Coronavirus is direct contact with someone who was infected while visiting China.

The CDC says there is no antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection.

As it always in a flu season, it is better to spend a little extra time at the sink than to get sick.