Symptoms of Coronavirus
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness for confirmed coronavirus cases. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure – fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, and bluish lips or face.
NOTE: Call your doctor first. If the doctor feels you should be examined, he/she may make proper arrangements to see you. If you simply walk into a doctor’s office, you may infect others in the office.
Know How It Spreads
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
* Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet).
* Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Take Steps to Protect Yourself
Clean your hands often:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60percent alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact:
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
* Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
* Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.
Take Steps to Protect Others
* Stay home if you’re sick.
* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
* After you cough or sneeze – immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
* Throw used tissues into the trash.
Clean and Disinfect
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Risk of Children Becoming Sick with COVID-19
Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date.
Facemasks
If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., in the same room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room.
If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Information obtained from CDC (Centers for Disease Control) Additional and updated information can be found on their website or local health departments. New Yorkers may call 311 for more information.