Know about COVID-19
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world.
COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness in both healthy and persons with underlying health conditions.
Know how COVID-19 is spread
Doctors, researchers, and scientists have determined that COVID-19 can primarily be spread by these methods:
- You can become infected by coming into close contact (about 6 feet or two arm lengths) with a person who has COVID-19. COVID-19 is primarily spread from person to person.
- You can become infected from respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
- You may also be able to get it by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Protect yourself and others from COVID-19
Learn how to protect yourself and others from infection. Being able to protect yourself and others is key to reducing the strain on the medical community and ensure as many lives are saved as possible.
- There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
- Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others.
- Wear a cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth in public settings.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Practice Social Distancing
By practicing social distancing, you can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19. A few ways you can help flatten the curve are:
- Buy groceries and medicine, go to the doctor, and complete banking activities online when possible.
- If you must go in person, stay at least 6 feet away from others and disinfect items you must touch.
- Get deliveries and takeout, and limit in-person contact as much as possible.
Symptoms of COVID-19
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick
Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 when if you are sick by following the recommendations below from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
- Separate yourself from other people and pets in your home.
- There is no specific treatment for COVID-19, but you can seek medical care to help relieve your symptoms.
- If you need medical attention, call ahead.
Know your risk for severe illness
Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19.
Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more severe illness.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you develop any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.
For more information about COVID-19 visit the following pages:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019