Steps to Prevent COVID-19

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What are coronaviruses?

• Coronavirus refers to a family of viruses that have a crown-like ("corona") appearance that cause disease in animals and humans. In humans, coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infections that are typically mild, like the common cold. Some coronaviruses seem more severe, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

What are the symptoms?

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Symptoms range from mild to severe, and sometimes death.
• Most (about 80%) persons infected have mild symptoms.
• Persons who are older, with weaker immune symptoms may have a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms, including pneumonia or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
• Severe cases have the potential to cause death (but again this is a very small proportion).
• Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

How is it spread? (what we understand so far)

• Mainly person-to-person through respiratory droplets.
• May also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces (and then you touch your eyes, mouth, face).

Who is at risk for getting COVID-19?

• Anyone

What can you do to prevent COVID-19?

• It is recommended to follow the same guidance we all know for reducing your risk of getting any respiratory virus, like the flu and colds each year
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• ​Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection.

Don't forget about the flu

• While we are focused on COVID-19, it is still flu season.
• Remember to get your flu shot Influenza (Flu) Vaccine.
• More than 49 million flu illnesses reported in the United States.
• More than 40,000 flu related deaths in the United States..
• While the flu vaccine will not prevent COVID-19, it will help protect you from the flu.