COVID-19 (a viral respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus that was first identified in Wuhan, China)

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW AND TAKE SERIOUSLY

• Incubation period: 1-14 days
• You may have the virus and NOT manifest any symptoms
• You may have the virus 1-14 days before developing symptoms
• 80% of those infected will recover WITHOUT needing special treatment
• THERE IS CURRENTLY NO VACCINE available to prevent coronavirus disease
• Studies are underway to assess whether Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine may be effective in treating COVID-19
• Quarantine is 14 days from the date of LAST exposure

COVID-19 spreads directly and indirectly

• MAINLY from person-to-person
• Respiratory droplets (which can stay airborne for up to 3 hours) produced when you sneeze or cough
• Droplets can be inhaled by people nearby or be deposited into your nose or mouth
• Hard surfaces (the virus can survive on copper for 4 hours; cardboard for 24 hours; and 2-3 days on plastic and stainless steel)

WHO ARE AT INCREASED RISK

• Older people (65 years and older)
• People who are already medically compromised: asthmatics, diabetics, heart disease, HIV
• Pregnant women should protect themselves (because pregnancy creates changes in the body that may put them at higher risk for some infections)

This does not mean that they are the only ones that will get infected and become sick. Younger people can become infected and have the symptoms mentioned below.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS

• Dry cough
• Fever
• Tiredness
• Difficulty breathing (aka: shortness of breath)

EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS (CALL 911 immediately)

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

protect yourself and others

• STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK
• Avoid close contact with others (maintain a distance of > 6 feet)
• Wash your hands if you have been out in public (20-30 secs hand washing)
• Wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, or coughing (something you should have been doing normally anyway)
• Cover you mouth when you cough and sneeze into your elbow
• Use hand sanitizer (must be at least 60% alcohol) if no soap is immediately available
• Do not touch your face with unwashed hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

THE SPREAD OF THIS VIRUS CAN BE CONTAINED IF EVERYONE GETS ON THE SAME PAGE and DO THE RIGHT THINGS TOGETHER NOW-united we stand, divided we will fall.

MAIN PHOTO by Martin Sanchez on Unsplash