COVID19

• COVID-19 stands for "CO" - corona, "VI" - virus, D- disease; "19" - 2019. COVID-19 is the illness caused by a specific coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.

• COVID-19 is a "novel" or new coronavirus in humans. The first known COVID-19 case was reported to the World Health Organization on December 31, 2019 from Wuhan, China

• Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that are usually cause mild respiratory problems in humans (similar to the common cold). Occasionally, as in COVID-19, coronaviruses can cause more serious problems.

• People may blame or avoid other groups of people because of this virus. It is important to note that EVERYONE is at risk for COVID-19 and there is no one group responsible for this disease or the associated pandemic.

• The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads between people in respiratory droplets (for example, from sneezing or coughing). Those droplets can land on your face or be inhaled. The virus can also spread from surfaces: for example, if you touch a surface contaminated with the virus and then touch your face, the virus can enter your mouth or nose.

  • The highest risk for infection is close contact with others (within 6 feet)

  • People seem to be the MOST contagious when they are ill, but some people can have COVID-19 and not seem ill. These people can still spread the virus to others.

CDC Guidance on Symptoms of COVID-19

(click here to view on CDC site)

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

• Fever

• Chills

• Repeated shaking with chills

• Muscle pain

• Headache

• Sore throat

• New loss of taste or smell

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. People have reported a wide range of symptoms from very mild to very severe.

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If you are very sick get medical attention immediately!

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you develop any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

• Trouble breathing

• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

• New confusion or inability to arouse

• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives.

According to the CDC, children will likely display mild symptoms if they get COVID-19. Some may not even have symptoms.

Reported symptoms in children with COVID-19 include:

• Cold-like symptoms: fever, runny nose, and cough.

• Vomiting and diarrhea.

Social distancing and other preventative measures (hand-washing, coughing into your elbow, cleaning surfaces, etc) are still important because even without severe symptoms, children can transmit the virus.

For more information, visit the CDC or AAP webpages.