What is COVID-19?

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

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?  

Symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

• Fever (at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.7 degrees Celsius) for children and adults): One of the most common presentations of fever is that your temperature goes up in the late afternoon and early evening — it’s a common way that viruses produce fever
• Cough (Dry cough)
• Difficulty breathing: Shortness of breath

The best way to confirm if you have the virus producing COVID-19 disease is with a laboratory test.

What are the signs of COVID-19*?

• Difficulty in breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• Bluish lips or face which indicates a lack of oxygen
• Any sudden mental confusion or lethargy and inability to rouse.

*Get medical attention immediately

How does COVID-19 spread?  

Person to Person spread

• 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.

Who is most at risk?  

Covid-19 infections are riskier if you have underlying health conditions such as:

1. Diabetes
2. Chronic lung disease or asthma
3. Heart failure or heart disease
4. Sickle cell anemia
5. Cancer (or are undergoing chemotherapy)
6. Kidney disease with dialysis
7. Body mass index over 40 (extremely obese)
8. An autoimmune disorder

Older patients and individuals who have underlying medical conditions or are immuno compromised should contact their physician early in the course of even mild illness

A history of travel to an area where the novel coronavirus is widespread

What is the treatment for COVID-19?  

To date, there is no specific medicine recommended to prevent or treat the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19.

What are basic protective measures for everyone?

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover your cough with the bend of your elbow or tissue
• Avoid crowded places
• Stay at home if you feel unwell – even with a slight fever and cough