Frequently
Asked Questions
What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people. COVID-19 is a novel or new coronavirus first identified in China in 2019.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 and how does it spread?
COVID-19 is spread by close contact between people and droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms, which generally appear 2-14 days after exposure, include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Not everyone will experience symptoms, but anyone who has COVID-19 could spread it to others. Most people who become sick do not require hospitalization, but older adults, people with chronic health conditions and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to require more advanced care.
Who is at risk?
People who recently traveled to affected areas, people in close contact with people who have COVID-19, people who care for patients with COVID-19, and people in areas that have experienced community spread, including communities in Ohio, are at increased risk. Those at greatest risk for severe illness are older people and those with other health problems or compromised immune systems. Although younger people may be less likely to experience severe illness, everyone can get sick with COVID-19 and spread the virus to other people.
How can I prevent COVID-19?
Soon there will be a vaccine to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Follow the health department social media and website for updates. People should take the following actions:
Avoid being around people who are sick, and stay home if you are sick.
Practice social distancing by avoiding crowds and keeping at least 6 feet away from other people as much as possible.
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Don’t share food or drinks.
Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue.
Ask your employer about the possibility of working from home.
Wear a cloth face mask when you have to be in public.
What should I do if I might be sick?
If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have it, stay home except to seek medical care if necessary. Other people you live with should stay home too.
As much as possible, stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
Call your health care provider if you’re experiencing severe symptoms. Most people will recover from COVID-19 without medical care but need to be isolated while they are sick to avoid spreading the virus to others. If you’re sick, wear a face mask when you are around other people and before you enter a health care provider’s office.
Should I be tested for COVID-19?
Check the health department website for a list of testing sites. Most people do not need to be tested for COVID-19 and will experience relatively minor symptoms. If you experience severe symptoms, contact a health care provider or emergency department.
What can I do to prepare?
Be sure to practice all safety precautions when traveling and attending all outings and gatherings.
Choose a room in your home, and if possible a bathroom, that could be used to separate household members who become sick.
Teach younger children the importance of handwashing, and practice with them.
Follow your county health department’s social media for local updates.
Talk to caregivers about backup plans in case they get sick.
Keep an adequate supply of water, food, pet food and prescription medication in your home.
Keep a thermometer and medications like decongestants and acetaminophen on hand.
How can I help others?
Talk with family, relatives, friends and neighbors to discuss their needs. Plan to care for people at higher risk.
Offer to shop or run essential errands for family, friends and neighbors who should stay at home due to greater risk for COVID-19 illness.
Support local businesses that have been impacted.
Consider joining Wood County Medical Reserve Corps, a group of volunteers that could be called to assist during public health emergencies or other disasters. No special skills are needed, and training can be completed at home. For more information, go to http://woodcountyhealth.org/ep/mrc.html.
Is it OK for me to donate blood?
Donated blood is a lifesaving, essential part of caring for patients. The need for donated blood is constant, and blood centers are open and in urgent need of donations. CDC encourages people who are well to continue to donate blood if they are able, even if they are practicing social distancing because of COVID-19. CDC is supporting blood centers by providing spacing and cleaning recommendations that will keep donors and staff safe.
Should I be worried about acquiring COVID-19 from mail or packages?
There is still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19 and how it spreads. Coronaviruses are thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Although the virus can survive for a short period on some surfaces, it is unlikely to be spread from domestic or international mail, products or packaging. However, it may be possible that people can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Learn more about safe handling of deliveries and mail.
How should I care for my mask?
Handle only by the ear loops or ties.
Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth when removing your mask and wash your hands immediately.
Wash your cloth mask daily.