March 23, 2020
All Things You Need To Know About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person that was first identified in Wuhan, China.
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads from person to person. The virus is thought to spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may also 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 eyes.
Who is most at risk for catching COVID-19?
Much like the flu, individuals with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk for catching COVID-19, including the elderly and those with serious medical conditions. If you are generally in good health, the risk for contracting COVID-19 is low.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness symptoms including:
1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Shortness of breath
How can you prevent catching COVID-19?
1. Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds or more.
2. If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
4. Stay home if you are sick.
5. Avoid contact with people who are sick.
6. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and then discard the tissue.
7. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
What are severe complications from this virus?
Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death.
How can I help protect myself?
People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains atleast 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should stay home.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
What should I do if I recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19?
If you have traveled from an affected area, there may be restrictions on your movements for up to 2 weeks. If you develop symptoms during that period (fever, cough, trouble breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
Is there a vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.
Is there a treatment?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.