COVID-19

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coronavirus blue-red web2What is COVID-19?

On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name for this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona’, ‘VI’ for ‘virus’, and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”.

There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. The name of this disease was selected following the World Health Organization (WHO) best practice for naming of new human infectious diseases.

How is COVID-19 Spread?

The virus is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person in respiratory droplets from someone who is infected. People who are infected often have symptoms of illness. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.

You can slow the spread by maintaining social distancing of 6 ft, by staying home except for essential activities, and limiting gatherings to less than 10 people. To protect yourself and those around you wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub frequently. Individuals should also clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

Symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache 
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include(*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.):

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Bluish lips or face

You can check your symptoms using the Coronavirus Self-Checker on the CDC website. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html#cdc-chat-bot-open