COVID-19 General Information

Source:  The Cleveland Clinic

 

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a virus strain, first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, which has only spread in people since December 2019.

Health experts are closely monitoring the situation because little is known about this new virus and it has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people.

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How does COVID-19 spread and what are the symptoms?

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COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets. That means to become infected, you generally must be within six feet of someone who is contagious and come into contact with these droplets. It may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. Symptoms of COVID-19 appear within two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, diarrhea, and shortness of breath.

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How long does it take for symptoms of the COVID-19 to appear?

 

The CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days, or as long as 14 days after exposure.

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How is COVID-19 treated?

 

There is currently no FDA approved medication for COVID-19. People infected with this virus should receive supportive care such as rest, fluids and fever control, to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.