What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that can cause illness in animals and humans. Some coronaviruses commonly circulate in the United States and usually cause upper respiratory symptoms such as a cough or runny nose, although some can cause more serious illnesses.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Coronavirus is a disease that was identified late 2019 and was declared a pandemic on March 11th 2020. Coronavirus is an international, national and public health emergency.

Most people infected with the coronavirus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

How does Coronavirus spread?

Coronavirus is most commonly spread through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose that is released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets generally don’t travel more than a few feet, and fall to the ground or surfaces in a few seconds. It can also be spread through close personal contact (including touching and shaking hands) or through touching your nose, mouth or eyes before washing your hands.

People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this with COVID-19, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Early in the stages of the outbreak, many patients in the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, China had some links to a large seafood and live animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However it is now clear that person-to-person spread is occurring. There is still much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity and other features associated with Coronavirus, and investigations are ongoing.

Person-to-person Spread

The Coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another. (Within about 6 feet.)

• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

• Some recent studies have suggested that coronavirus may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

• Maintaining good social distance (about 6 feet) is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Spread from 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 mouth, nose or eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus. It is recommended that people practice frequent hand hygiene, cleaning frequently used surfaces and wearing certified face masks.

How to prevent Coronavirus?

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue wen you cough or sneeze.

• Do not reuse a tissue after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?

People infected with Coronavirus usually exhibit symptoms similar to that of a cold, or the flu. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

The symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) include:

• Coughing, Sneezing and/or runny nose.

• Fever

• Shortness of breath

• Muscle Aches

• Sore Throat

• Unexplained loss of taste or smell

In rare cases, Coronavirus can also attach to the lungs, which cause symptoms of a respiratory tract illness like pneumonia, including shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. It can also lead to kidney failure or death.

What is the incubation period for Coronavirus?

Symptoms are showing up in people within 2-14 days of exposure to the coronavirus.

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, please contact your local doctor, clinic or healthcare center. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility. In the event of an emergency call 9-1-1.

Can Coronavirus be prevented or treated?

A vaccine is not currently available for the Coronavirus disease. No antiviral medication is recommended to treat COVID-19. Any treatment is directed at relieving symptoms.