There is a lot of information currently circulating regarding the Coronavirus. We would like to inform you of some facts regarding this illness.
Coronavirus usually causes an upper respiratory tract illness much like the common cold. Patients with this new coronavirus have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, body aches, fatigue and shortness of breath, according to the CDC. There is no specific treatment for coronavirus, yet most infected patients will recover fully on their own. The coronavirus is spread from person-to-person within about 6 feet of one another through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also spread by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching one’s own mouth, nose or eyes. Not all infected individuals will show symptoms.
If you or a family member have recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19 and you develop a fever with a cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or if you have had contact with someone who is suspected to have COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider or local health department right away. Be sure to call before going to a doctor’s office, emergency room, or urgent care center and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms.
Below are a few tips:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday to yourself twice). Alcohol hand sanitizers are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with those who may be ill.
- If you are sick please stay home (except to get medical care). Keep sick children home from school.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Wash your hands afterward.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (ex. cell phone, computer keyboard, doorknobs, remote controls, etc.)
Additional information may be found at https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus.
