What is a coronavirus?
It is a novel virus named for the crown-like spikes that protrude from its surface. The coronavirus can infect
both animals and people and can cause a range of respiratory illnesses from the common cold to more
dangerous conditions like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS.
What are the symptoms of Covid-19?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. About 2% of people with the disease have died. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.
Should I wear a mask to protect myself?
People with no respiratory symptoms, such as cough, do not need to wear a medical mask. WHO recommends the use of masks for people who have symptoms of COVID-19 and for those caring for individuals who have symptoms, such as cough and fever. The use of masks is crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone (at home or in a health care facility).
How do I keep myself and others safe?
Washing your hands frequently is the most important thing you can do, along with staying at home when you’re sick.
What if I’m traveling?
The C.D.C. has warned older and at-risk travelers to avoid Japan, Italy, and Iran. The agency also has advised against all nonessential travel to South Korea and China.
How can I prepare for a possible outbreak?
Keep a 30-day supply of essential medicines. Get a flu shot. Have essential household items on hand. Have a support system in place for elderly family members.
Where has the virus spread?
The virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has sickened more than 80,000 people in at least 50 countries, including Italy, Iran and South Korea.
How contagious is the virus?
According to preliminary research, the virus is similar to SARS, and is probably transmitted through sneezes, coughs and contaminated surfaces. Humans have no immunity to the virus. Scientists have estimated that each infected person could spread it to somewhere between 1.5 and 3.5 people without effective containment measures.
Who is working to contain the virus?
World Health Organization officials have been working with officials in China, where growth has slowed. But this week, as confirmed cases spiked on two continents, experts warned a pandemic is likely.
For more info, follow the links below.
COVID19-What-You-Can-Do-High-Risk
See what Dr. Lisa Piercey, TN Health Commissioner, has to say about the Coronavirus. See the link below.
Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
Updated Feb. 26, 2020 (Information is subject to change)
