COVID-19: The basics

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the new coronavirus that emerged in China in December 2019. It is also known as the Coronavirus.

The new coronavirus can be spread from person to person. It is diagnosed with a laboratory test. There is no vaccine as of yet, however, social distancing can severely help reduce the spread of the virus.

Symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throat, unexplained loss of taste or smell, diarrhea and headache. COVID-19 can be severe, and some cases have caused death. Nonetheless, this virus is especially dangerous for the elderly.

If you have a fever or any kind of respiratory difficulty such as coughing or shortness of breath, call your doctor and explain your symptoms over the phone before going to the doctor’s office, urgent care facility or emergency room. Please don’t rush to the hospital or doctor’s office if the symptoms are not severe because it could easily be the cold or the flu. By going out, you are exposing yourself to the virus and could potentially expose others if you are positive for COVID-19.

With a physical exam with confirmation from a laboratory test.

As of now, there is not a specific vaccine or treatment for the virus. So far people are treated to relieve the symptoms. For severe cases, there may be additional options for treatment, including research drugs and therapeutics. Nonetheless, a cure is being searched for.

Yes, however, it is highly based on the previous health of the individual. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus!

However, you should also

• Wash your hands OFTEN

• Avoid touching your face

• use an alcohol based rub frequently

• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

• Cover coughs and sneezes

• Clean and disinfect

• Most IMPORTANT: PRACTICE SOCIAL and PHYSICAL DISTANCING