COVID-19

Important information you should know

  • COVID-19


    Coronavirus broadly refers to a type of virus that’s actually super common around the world. Most coronaviruses cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with one or more of these viruses at some point in their lives. COVID-19, however, is a novel (new strain) that wasn’t previously seen in humans. Therefore, we are still learning about the virus as we make every effort to protect ourselves.


    Symptoms

     

    Symptoms of COVID-19 commonly include fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath. Most people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms and fully recover without complications. Less commonly, COVID-19 may lead to pneumonia, hospitalization or death.


    If you wake up feeling sick one day, don’t automatically assume you have coronavirus, get in touch with your physician, preferably from home if you can. 


    The biggest red flags that indicate something severe could be happening are shortness of breath (can you hold your breath for more than 10 seconds), a high fever (103) and a worsening cough. If you’re experiencing this, seek immediate medical attention.


    Most At Harm


    People who are at most risk for severe illness are older adults or those who have chronic health conditions, such as, but not limited to: Lung disease, Heart disease, Diabetes, Cancer, Asthma and a weakened immune system.  


  • How It Spreads

    • COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the United States.
    • Person-to-person spread
    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). 
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Spreading infection may be possible before people show symptoms. 
    • Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. 

    It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.


    Prevention

    1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds: especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    2. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol.
    3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. 
    4. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting sick.
    5. Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
    6. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
    7. Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands.
    8. If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
    9. Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
    10. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.