Coronavirus FAQ

Coronavirus FAQ

There is a great deal of misinformation being circulated on the internet. The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website has compiled Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about (1) the Basics of Coronavirus; (2) How it Spreads; (3) How to Protect Yourself; (4) Symptoms & Testing. This trusted information can be accessed here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

2. If I think I have been exposed to someone who has been confirmed by laboratory testing to have the Coronavirus infection, should I go to work?

No. If you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with Coronavirus through laboratory testing, you should not go to work. “Close contact” is defined by the CDC as being within approximately 6 feet of a confirmed Coronavirus-infected person for a prolonged period of time. Close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with an infected person or being coughed on by an infected person. In such case, you should self-quarantine for at least 14 days and consult your medical care provider should you develop symptoms

3. Should I stay home if I have symptoms of the Coronavirus Disease?

Yes. According to the CDC, the symptoms of the Coronavirus include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. Symptoms of Coronavirus may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. If you have symptoms of acute respiratory illness you should stay home until you are free of fever, signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). If you have medical concerns, beyond mild symptoms, please contact your personal medical care provider.

4. How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be 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.Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html.

5. I see people wearing masks, should I be doing that?

Health officials in the U.S. do not recommend the use of masks among people not showing symptoms of COVID-19. People in places where spread is more likely, may have been instructed to wear masks to prevent infecting others and to possibly prevent getting ill from close contact in crowded places.

6. Is there a vaccine?

 There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.

7. Is there a treatment?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.