Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new infectious disease not previously found in humans before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. There are several coronaviruses known to cause upper respiratory infections, from the common cold to more severe disease such as SARS and MERS.
Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms may appear in 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The virus may cause respiratory symptoms such as:
- Coughing
- High Fever
- Breathing Problems
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
How does it spread?
The virus spreads from person to person by small droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread on surfaces, although this is considered less common.
Prevention
While COVID-19 is grabbing the headlines, seasonal influenza remains a very real threat.
In order to protect yourself and others from the spread of all respiratory viruses currently circulating, please continue the following actions:
- Be vigilant about proper hand hygiene.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Cover your cough.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces.