What you need to know about the novel coronavirus disease 2019

What is the coronavirus disease?

According to the CDC, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19? 

• Fever ( 100.4 or greater) 

• Cough 

• Shortness of breath

How can I help protect myself? 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing 

  * If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol. Avoid close contact with people who are sick 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth 

• Stay home when you are sick 

• Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue into the trash 

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

Additional resources for COVID-19: 

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novelhttps://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-publiccoronavirus-2019/advice-for-public  

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html  

• https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-andhttps://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19response/mcm-issues/coronavirus-disease-2019-

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a vaccine? 

There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. 

• Is there treatment?

• There is no specific antiviral treatment covid-19 for COVID-19. People diagnosed with this disease can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms. 

• How does COVID-19 spread? 

According to the CDC, the virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is also possible to contract the virus through touching your eyes, mouth, or nose after touching a surface or an object that has been contaminated with the virus. 

• Can I still travel to China or other countries where COVID-19 cases have occurred? The CDC recommends avoiding nonessential travel to areas of widespread transmission (Level 3: CDC Travel Notice). If you are planning on going to an area with a Level 2: CDC Travel Notice, the CDC recommends that older adults and those with chronic medical conditions consider postponing travel. The CDC does not recommend postponing or canceling travel plans to areas with a Level 1: CDC Travel Notice.