Q&A On Coronavirus

From: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html#who-is-higher-risk

Please check often the CDC.gov website. This website is not intended to be kept current.

How does COVID-19 spread? COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads. The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to mainly spread from close contact (i.e., within about 6 feet) with a person who is currently sick with COVID-19. The virus likely spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory infections spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Infected dropltets must be inhaled to infect a person. This type of spread is not a concern after death. 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 own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. People should consider not touching the body of someone who has died of COVID-19. COVID-19 might be spread by asymptomatic infected people, but it does not seem it is the main way the virus is spread.

What are signs and symptoms: they include, but are not limited to: After 2-14 after exposure symptoms are fever, cough, shortness of breath. Emergency warning signs are:  persisted pain or pressure of chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, bluish lips or face.

What if I have symptoms: Stay home when you are sick. Many recover by staying home with over the counter medicine; call your health provider or hospital before you go and tell them you think you might be infected with COVID-19; limit movement in the community and limit visitors. Take extra step if you are at higher risk.

Who has higher risk? Older adults, those with heart disease, lung disease and suffer from diabetes.

What do I need to do if I am at higher risk? Like normal flu, stay away from those who are sick, at least 6 feet; avoid close contact and wash your hands often for more than 20 seconds especially if you have been in public places and/or blowing your nose and coughing; Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes; avoid crowd as much as possible; avoid cruise travel and air travel; during CVID-19 outbreak in your community stay home as much as possible; have groceries and household supplies on hand (consider for 15 days); ask your health provider for extra medication or consider mail order; be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies (tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be able to recover from COVID-19 at home; To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something; To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something; To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something; Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs, especially routinely touches surfaces.

What do I need to use for washing my hands? Soap or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

What if I take care of someone who has been infected by COVID-19? Like with other illnesses, avoid sharing bathroom, personal household items like sheets, towels, dishes, let them wear a mask in your presence if possible, wash your hands with soap for more than 20 sec. and surfaces, avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes. Watch for emergency warning signs.

Should I be concerned about pets and other animals? NO. There is no reason to think that any animals including pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals. For more information please visit https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/index.html

Can I transmit COVID-19 to my pets or other animals? Out of precaution, you should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. However, there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.

For other Q&A please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#cdc