As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep the nation, new questions and safety recommendations continue to emerge. We rounded up some of the most urgent questions and answered them with information from the Center For Disease Control (CDC.)
(1) What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Fever, cough, shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing emergency warning signs to COVID-19, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Examples of those warning signs are difficulty breathing, chest pain or pressure, and bluish lips or face.
(2) How long does it take for symptoms to appear if I’ve been exposed to the virus?
Symptoms appear anytime between 2-14 days after exposure.
(3) How does the virus spread?
The virus is now spreading person-to-person through communities by those who are in close contact with one another and through respiratory droplets of an infected person’s sneeze or cough. The CDC also says it’s possible that a “person 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.”
(4) How can I protect myself and others?
Wash your hands often, avoid close contact with people who are sick and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. The CDC says the best way to prevent getting COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to anyone who have the virus.
(5) What is the latest number of COVID-19 cases?
The CDC provides updated information about cases in the U.S. and worldwide daily. The latest information regarding COVID-19 cases can be found here.
(6) Does warm weather impact the spread of COVID-19?
According to the CDC, it is unknown whether or not the spread of COVID-19 will slow down as we approach warmer seasons.
(7) Should you use a facemask to protect yourself from the virus?
The CDC does not recommend anyone use a facemask unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare professional. Only people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms should wear them to protect others from getting infected.
(8) What should I do if someone in my home gets sick with COVID-19?
According to the CDC, most people who get infected will be able to recover at home. Here are some recommended tips for those at home sick with COVID-19 and other household members:
· Provide symptom treatment and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, especially if they develop emergency warning signs.
· Separate as much as possible from anyone affected. Avoid sharing household items and shared spaces.
· Do not allow outside visitors into your home.
· Wash laundry thoroughly, especially items with body fluids on them.
- Anyone that may have been exposed should also monitor their own health.
· Call a healthcare provider right away if you feel symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc.)
(9) What cleaning products can I use to protect against COVID-19?
Detergent or soap and water are useful products for cleaning dirty surfaces.
(10) Can I get COVID-19 from my pets or other animals and should I avoid contact with my pets or other animals if I am sick with COVID-19?
At this time, experts do not believe that animals in the U.S. might be a source of the infection that causes COVID-19 or that it can spread to people from the skin or fur of pets. Although there have been no reports of animals or pets becoming sick with the virus, the CDC does recommend limiting contact with animals. If you must care for pets, wash your hands before and after interaction.
(11) Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including refrigerated or frozen food?
At this point, this hasn’t been proven to be true. But the CDC does recommend washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing or eating food.
