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.
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. When people infected with the COVID-19 virus breathe out, clear their throats, cough, sneeze, speak, or otherwise move air out through their nose or mouth, droplets of all different sizes, which can contain the virus, are ejected into the air.
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.
The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
You can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick by:
COVID-19 diagnostic testing is done to find out if you’re currently infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019
***Other symptoms are signs of serious illness. If someone has trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, or difficulty staying awake, seek medical care***
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath, headache, loss of taste, fatigue,nausea, diarrhea, and may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. And, because influenza is also a viral respiratory infection, they can look very similar. A diagnosis, taken by swab, is the only way to truly confirm the cause of the illness.
COVID-19 spreads mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (approximately 6 feet). The virus can be transmitted in droplets that become airborne through a cough or sneeze from someone who is showing symptoms of COVID-19.
However, the window before symptoms occur, known as an incubation period, lasts an average of five days.
Experts also do not know how long the virus can live on surfaces, so it’s important to take preventive steps like using proper hand hygiene and avoiding touching your face, mouth and eyes.
Illness has generally been mild for children and young adults. However, certain populations are more at risk for serious illness. The most vulnerable populations include elderly people and individuals with underlying conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes. These populations should take additional preventive measures when possible, such as avoiding non-essential travel and crowded spaces.
In addition to staying informed, encourages everyone to exercise precaution. To help protect yourself and others from the spread of infection:
Wash your hands. Soap and water are the best option. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
Avoid touching your mouth, face or eyes. Wearing glasses or gloves may help remind you.
Cover any coughs or sneezes, throwing away used tissues immediately. Plus, avoid sharing personal items like glasses, eating utensils, towels or bedding.
Routinely clean surfaces. Clean and disinfect high-traffic areas, including doorknobs, handles and sinks.
Stay home if you’re sick.
Even though there is still much to be understood, much like any viral infection, you can implement simple, everyday measures to help prevent the spread of infection to yourself or others.
COVID-19 can look different in every patient.
~~~SCHEDULE TO RECEIVE THE VACCINE WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE~~~