What is COVID-19 and how can I protect myself?

Answer From Pritish K. Tosh, M.D.

A new virus called the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that began in China in 2019. The
disease is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic.
Public health groups, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) and WHO, are monitoring the pandemic and posting updates on their websites.
These groups have also issued recommendations for preventing the spread of the virus.

How does the coronavirus spread?

Data has shown that it spreads from person to person among those in close contact
(within about 6 feet, or 2 meters). The virus spreads by respiratory droplets released
when someone infected with the virus coughs, sneezes or talks.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms can be very mild to severe. Some people have no symptoms. The
most common symptoms are fever, cough and tiredness.
Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, muscle aches, chills, sore throat,
headache, chest pain, and loss of taste or smell. This list is not all inclusive. Other less
common symptoms have also been reported. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days
after exposure.

Can COVID-19 be prevented?

A vaccine isn't currently available to prevent COVID-19.

What can I do to avoid becoming ill?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.
The CDC and WHO recommend following these precautions:

 Keep 6 feet (2 meters) of distance between yourself and people outside your
household.
 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
 Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or
sneeze. Throw away the used tissue.
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
 Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch on a daily basis.
If you have a chronic medical condition and may have a higher risk of serious illness,
check with your doctor about other ways to protect yourself.
Should I wear a mask?
The CDC and WHO recommend that people wear cloth face coverings in public when
social distancing is difficult. This advice is based on evidence that people with COVID-
19 can transmit the virus before they realize they have it.
Using masks in public may help reduce the spread from people who don't have
symptoms. Non-medical cloth masks are recommended for the public. Surgical masks
and N-95 respirators are in short supply and should be reserved for health care
providers.

Can I travel?
If you're planning to travel, first check for travel advisories. You also may want to talk
with your doctor if you have health conditions that make you more susceptible to
respiratory infections and complications.

What can I do if I am or may be ill with COVID-19?

If you develop symptoms and you've been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, contact your
doctor for medical advice. If you need to go to the doctor or hospital, call ahead so
health care providers can take steps to ensure that others aren't exposed.
Take the following precautions to avoid spreading the virus:

 Stay home from work, school and public areas, except to get medical care.
 Avoid public transportation, taxis and ride-sharing if possible.
 Wear a cloth face mask around other people.
 Isolate yourself as much as possible from others in your home.
 Use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible.
 Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items.