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What is COVID-19?

• Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a novel strain of coronavirus that causes mild flu-like symptoms, but severe cases can be fatal.

• COVID-19 is only the third strain of coronavirus known to frequently cause severe symptoms in humans.  The other two are MERS and SARS.

• Symptoms include:

  •  Fever

  •  Cough

  •  Shortness of Breath

  •  Fatigue

  •  Chills

  •  Muscle pain

  •  Headache

  •  Sore Throat

  •  New loss of taste or smell

 

How do people get COVID-19?

•  COVID-19 is spread primarily through droplets, person to person.  Between people who are in close contact with one another(within 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 COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

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What should I do to prevent getting infected with COVID-19?

• 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.

•  If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.  Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

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

• Avoid close contact with people that are sick.

• Keep distance between yourself and other people. 

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.  If surfaces are dirty, clean them with soap and water prior to disinfection.  Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.

 

What is a community-wide spread?

• Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

 

Can I get sick with COVID-19 if it is on food?

• Based on information about this novel coronavirus thus far, it seems unlikely that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food- additional investigation is needed.

How is COVID-19 treated?

• There is no specific medication that cures COVID-19 but we do have vaccines available that prevents serious illness from the disease.

• Treatment of a COVID-19 patient is supportive and currently, no antiviral medication is recommended to treat COVID-19.  Treatment is directed at relieving symptoms and may include pain relievers, cough syrup or medication, rest, and fluids.

Where can I get more information about COVID-19?

• Information about coronavirus disease can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: www.cdc.gov. 

 

*Information provided by the CDC