About COVID-19
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. COVID-19 is a new disease caused by a strain of coronavirus that had not been previously identified in humans.
How it's transmitted
Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. They are most commonly spread from an infected person through:
- respiratory droplets that are spread when you cough or sneeze
- close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands
Symptoms
Those who are infected with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms. You may not know you have symptoms of COVID-19 because they are similar to a cold or flu.
Symptoms may take up to 10 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19.
Symptoms have included:
- Fever
- A new cough, or worsening chronic cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Headache
- A new onset of fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Loss of sense of taste
- Loss of sense of smell
- In children, purple markings on the fingers and toes
- Difficulty breathing
In severe cases, infection can lead to death.
What to do if you develop COVID-19 symptoms
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home while you are sick and work from home if possible. You should stay home until;
- your symptoms improve
- you have been fever-free for 24 hours
- you have been diarrhea- and vomit-free for 48 hours.
If respiratory illness symptoms worsen, or if you do not notice improvement after 5 or 6 days, call your primary care provider or Telecare 811.
If your symptoms have started within the last 5 days, and you are at higher risk for severe outcomes, you may be eligible for treatment.
If you are having difficulty breathing or are experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately.