If you are like many people around the world today, you find yourself worrying about COVID-19 (also referred to as coronavirus)and the possible impact it can have on you and your family. However, you may not yet know all of the important facts about COVID-19 and what you should do if you think you or a loved one may have contracted the virus. Get to know some of these important facts. Then, you can be sure you are doing your part to ensure you and your family are as safe and healthy as possible in the midst of this pandemic.
Covid-19 Is Not Airborne
One of the first things to know about COVID-19 that many people are confused about is the fact that COVID-19 is not an airborne disease. Airborne illnesses are those that are transmitted by small particles that hang in the air and that can remain there for prolonged periods of time and/or travel great distances.
Covid-19, on the other hand, is spread through droplets and direct contact. Droplets are from coughs, sneezes, and even breathing. However, unlike with airborne illnesses, these droplets cannot stay in the air for long and do not travel more than several feet (6 to 13 feet usually) from the source.
Covid-19 Has Several Symptoms
When it comes to determining if you have COVID-19 or another viral infection, it can get a little confusing. The primary symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. However, it can also cause (in rarer cases) diarrhea, body aches, nausea, sore throat, nasal congestion, and a runny nose.
Because of this varying in symptoms, it can be easy to assume you have a common cold or the flu rather than COVID-19. However, it is suggested that if you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19 that you act as though you have the virus. This is the most responsible and cautious course of action you can take.
Call Your Doctor Right Away If You Have Symptoms
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, especially a serious cough and/or shortness of breath, you should call your doctor right away. Be sure to call first. Do not just go into a clinic or the ER. Calling ahead will give the doctor a chance to prepare ahead of time for your arrival and to minimize exposure to other patients and staff.
Tell your doctor your symptoms and how long they have been going on. Be sure to mention any possible exposure to the virus you may have had (such as if you have a friend or family member that is sick).
Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the capabilities for testing your doctor's office, you may be asked to come in or you may be told to self-isolate for a period of time in your home. Of course, if symptoms get worse after you are told to self-isolate, you should call a doctor again to see if you should come in for additional support and treatment.
You Can Prevent the Spread of Covid-19
Whether you suspect you have the virus or not, you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you think you do have it, stay home and in isolation from other family members. Do not break quarantine until after your doctor has given you the okay to do so.
But if you do not have symptoms or the virus, you should also stay home as much as you can. Social distancing and staying at home are the best way to prevent this virus from spreading. If you are not near anybody who is sick, the virus cannot pass into you and on to other people. If nobody is exposed to a sick person, the virus has nowhere to go and will stop there. It is that simple.
Keep your distance from people if you do have to go out in public for work or to get groceries and necessities. The guidelines set out by the CDC and the government recommend staying six feet apart from people (or more if possible). If you follow these and other guidelines (such as wearing masks in public), you can help stop the COVID-19 spread in your area.
Now that you know some of the important facts about COVID-19, you can feel more prepared to deal with the situation and can contact your doctor at the first sign of trouble.
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