What is a coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a fairly common type of virus that causes diseases of varying severities, ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory disease. A novel (new) coronavirus is a new strain of coronavirus that hasn’t been identified before in humans. COVID-19 is the name given to the disease caused by the new coronavirus that appeared recently in China.
How is coronavirus spread?
Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
- Coughing & sneezing
- Close personal contact
- Touching objects or surfaces with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands.
What are the symptoms of coronavirus?
The symptoms are similar to the flu; fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
What are some preventive measures to protect yourself?
- Wash your hands often with soap & water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap & water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol).
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning wipe or spray.
Follow the CDC for the latest updates and prevention tips.
