What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness in humans. They get their name, “corona,” from the many crown-like spikes on the surface of the virus. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and the common cold are examples of coronaviruses that cause illness in humans.
An outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus, called COVID-19 (formerly 2019-nCoV), was recently reported in Wuhan, China. Travelers from that area of the world have since carried the virus to other countries including the United States.

What are the symptoms of the COVID-19 infection?

Patients with confirmed infection from the COVID-19 virus reported these symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing

In 80% of patients, COVID-19 causes only mild cold symptoms. The elderly, and those with pre-existing medical conditions appear to be more vulnerable to the virus.

What should I do if I believe I may have been infected?

If you suspect you may have COVID-19, call or message your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and recent travel. They will instruct you how to proceed with any care you need.

The Best Ways to Protect Yourself from COVID-19

• Follow Travel Guidelines. Follow recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Wash Your Hands. Stop the spread of disease-causing germs. Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid Touching Your Face. Keep your hands away from your eyes and nose to prevent the spread of viruses from your hands.
• Cover Your Mouth & Nose. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve, rather than your hands.
• Avoid Contact With the Sick. And wash your hands frequently to get rid of germs you may have picked up from other people.
• Clean and Disinfect. Use a virus-killing disinfectant to clean frequently used surfaces such as doorknobs.
• Stay Home When Sick. Rest is critical when you’re under the weather. Avoid going out in public when you’re sick, except to get medical care.
• Maintain Healthy Habits. Keep your immune system strong. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, drink plenty of liquids and stay active.