Public Health Updates

Portsmouth District Nurses Update: FAQs about COVID-19

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 virus as well as tips on how to keep you and your family healthy. Our goal is to provide the most up to date information available from trusted sources and to share the highlights with you as information is updated.

We hope that you find this page useful and reassuring.

1. What do you want to know about COVID-19?

There is new information every day and many different opinions so be cautious about your sources. We highly recommend using your local city of Portsmouth website, the New Hampshire (NH) DHHS website, and the Website for the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Their websites are listed here for your convenience:

City of Portsmouth COVID 19 preparedness

State of NH COVID 19

CDC COVID 19 Information

2. What are the signs/symptoms of COVID-19 illness?

Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, new loss of taste and smell, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Read more about the symptoms of COVID-19 here: CDC coronavirus symptoms. Click HERE to check your symptoms.

3. Is there a treatment for COVID-19?

People sick with COVID-19 can receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms, such as taking pain or fever medications, drinking plenty of fluids, and resting. Most people sick with COVID- 19 can stay at home. Some patients who are very sick may need to go to the hospital.

4. Are you worried that you or a loved one has COVID-19 and not quite sure what to do next?

All experts recommend that you call your primary care provider’s office first. If you do not have a regular healthcare provider, please call 211 in the state of NH to request help for what to do next. You can also visit the NH COVID-19 website to find out how to get tested.

** Seek emergency assistance/call 911 if you or a family member experience the following symptoms:

• Trouble breathing

• Chest pain

• Blue lips or face

• Confusion

• Unable to arouse/awaken an ill person

5. How do you protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick?

The following are recommendations from medical experts:

• Stay at least 6 feet away from others, whenever possible. This is very important in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others. This helps reduce the risk of spread both by close contact and by airborne transmission. Remember, masking is NOT a substitute for social distancing.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water before eating, after using the bathroom, after sneezing or coughing, after shopping. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

• Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose and mouth especially)

• Avoid crowded indoor spaces and ensure indoor spaces are properly ventilated by bringing in outdoor air as much as possible. In general, being outdoors and in spaces with good ventilation reduces the risk of exposure to infectious respiratory droplets.

• Stay home and isolate from others when sick.

• Routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html

6. How can I get vaccinated against COVID-19?

Vaccination is currently available for all NH residents ages 12 and older. Visit the NH COVID-19 Vaccine Information webpage for more information or to sign up!

7. Should I plan for COVID-19?

Yes! Everyone has a role to play in getting ready and keeping yourself, your family and your community healthy! Check out these easy to follow recommendations from the CDC:

Resources for Preparedness in the Home

Preparing children for an emergency

Resources for Preparedness in the Workplace

Resources for Community Preparedness

Resources to Support People Experiencing Homelessness

8. What risks do animals or animal products pose?

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):A small number of pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19.

• Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low.

• It appears that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread from people to animals in some situations.

• Treat pets as you would other human family members – do not let pets interact with people outside the household.

• This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. For more information, visit CDC’s If You Have Pets webpage.

9. What if I’m sick with COVID-19 and have pets?

We are still learning about this virus, but it appears that it can spread from people to animals in some situations, especially after close contact with a person with COVID-19.

While you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. Whenever possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.

Updated September 10. 2021