According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a type of coronavirus that can spread from person to person and cause respiratory illness.
The majority of patients with COVID-19 experience mild to moderate respiratory illness with the following symptoms:
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- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell.
Some patients, including the elderly and those with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions are considered to be at a higher risk of developing severe illness.
Yes, COVID-19 is spreading rapidly throughout the United States. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on the CDC’s webpage.
It is believed that COVID-19 spreads primarily between people who are in close contact with each other through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. It’s also believed that the disease can be spread when a person touches a contaminated hard surface and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
At this time, there is not a vaccine or antiviral treatment for COVID-19. The best way to prevent the disease is to practice prevention. To obtain treatment for COVID-19, you should seek out medical care.
According to the CDC, you should take the following precautions to avoid person-to-person spreading of a coronavirus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with those who are sick.
- Avoid gatherings with 50 or more people for the next eight weeks.
- Practice social distancing.
- Stay home if you feel sick.
For more information about prevention or COVID-19 in general, click here.
This poster should be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
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