COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus, which can cause mild to severe respiratory illness, was first identified in Wuhan, China, and has now spread globally, including the United States. There is a limited information available to characterize the spectrum of clinical illness associated with COVID-19 but it likely spreads to others when a person show signs or symptoms of being sick (e.g., fever, coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing, etc.).

According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

• Clean your hands often
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Put distance between yourself and other people
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
  • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public
  • The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected
• Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Immediately wash your hands after
• Clean and disinfect
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily

According to the CDC, if you have a fever or cough, you might have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness are able to recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick:

• Stay home except to get medical care
• Separate  yourself from other people and pets in your home
• Monitor your symptoms
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor
• If you are sick wear a cloth covering over your nose and mouth
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Clean your hands often
• Avoid sharing personal household items
• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day