COVID-19 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus
Possible symptoms:
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fever
Chills
Muscle pain
Sore throat
Newfound loss of taste or smell
METHODS OF TRANSMISSION
Mainly person-to-person
Between people who are in close contact with one another (approximately 6 feet)
The virus spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks that can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby and could possibly be inhaled into the lungs
COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms
COVID-19 spreads very easily between people (more easily than the normal flu)
Ways in which the virus doesn’t spread easily:
Touching surfaces or objects → this is still under investigation
From animals to people
From people to animals
SIGNS TO SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL
ATTENTION
If anyone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately → Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility to notify the operator that you’re seeking care for someone who may have COVID-19
Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Bluish lips or face
BEST PRACTICES FOR LIMITING EXPOSURE
Avoid crowded areas. When essential trips are necessary, stay 6 feet apart from others.
Wear a mask and gloves whenever entering public spaces.
Sanitize your hands as often as possible, including after touching a surface or interacting with others.
Avoid touching the face. The virus infects the body by entering orifices in the face, including the mouth, nose, and eyes.
RELEVANT LINKS
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html​. This website is run by the United States’ health protection agency. The website covers information including: symptoms, transmission methods, how to protect yourself, what to do if you think you are sick, testing information, advice for higher-risk populations, childcare help, and information for staying safe if you are still working. If you have questions about COVID-19 background information, this is the site you should reference.