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1. What is COVID-19?

COVIF-19 is a coronavirus outbreak first identified in Wuhan China that was named COVID-19 by the Wolrd Health Organization on February 11, 2020. 

There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused be a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.

2. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.

3. How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

4. Who is at a higher risk from COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

5. How can I protect myself?

Clean your hands often

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitize that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance of at least six feet between yourself and other people.

6. When can you be released from isolation from COVID-19?

Current CDC guidance for when it is OK to release someone from isolation is made on a case by case basis and includes meeting all of the following requirements:

• The patient is free from fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• The patient is no longer showing symptoms, including cough.
• The patient has tested negative on at least two consecutive respiratory specimens collected at least 24 hours apart.

Someone who has been released from isolation is not considered to pose a risk of infection to others.

7. What to do if you have contact with someone with COVID-19?

Contact your healthcare provider right away and monitor your symptoms for fever, cough, shortness of breath.

8. Should I be tested for COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

9. Is there a treatment for COVID-19?

There is no treatment at this time.

10. Can my pets get COVID-19?

According to the CDC there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread to people from skin or fur of pets. There has been no reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19.