Covid-19 FAQ
COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease) is an infection caused by a large family of viruses.
Where did covid-19 come from?
On December 2019, China told the World Health Organization (WHO) of several cases of lung disease. Originating from Wuhan China, cases where linked to an open seafood and livestock market place.
What is the name of the disease and the virus?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has named the disease COVID-19, or coronavirus disease. Covid-19 disease is caused by a Virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
You can find more information on the World Health Organization (WHO) webpage:
Who is most at risk for complications from coronavirus disease?
People older of age and people who have chronic disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are more at risk for severe illness. If you are at high risk for complications, we recommend you take extra precautions:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have a fever, cough or other respiratory symptoms.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose or eyes.
- Avoid social gatherings or gathering in large crowds.
- Wear a mask when in public or indoors when gathering with others.
How does coronavirus disease spread?
The virus that causes coronavirus disease is said to be very contagious. It can spread from person to person and is also a community-spread disease. This means covid-19 has spread to:
- people who have no known contact with other infected people.
- People who have not traveled
It appears to spread from person to person through droplets from coughing and sneezing.
Can you get Covid-19 from surfaces or objects?
The virus that causes coronavirus disease is still being studied by scientist. Mostly, a lot of information is being based on viruses similar to the virus that causes coronavirus disease. Information such as:
- In general, viruses do not survive very long on hard surfaces. They need a human body to survive.
- It is more likely that the virus is being spreed by direct contact with other people. Such as hugging, shaking hands, and breathing in droplets traveling through the air. This may happen when an infected person sneezes or coughs on or near other people.
- To minimize the risk of indirect contamination such as touching object. It is recommended to avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth as much as possible.
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a 60% alcohol based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
What are the symptoms of covid-19?
Symptoms of covid-19 may very from person to person. Most common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Tiredness, weakness, or fatigue
- Fast breathing or feeling short of breath
- In some case, people reported the lack of taste and/or smell
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after you’ve been exposed. Contact you’re healthcare provider if you develop any symptoms and follow the instructions given to you. In some case, people can develop severe symptoms needing hospitalization.
Covid -19 testing
Your healthcare provider will decide wether you should be tested based on your symptoms, history of exposure, and your risk factors. If testing is required, a healthcare provider will collect samples.
samples may be collected by:
- Taking a swab of fluid from your nose (most common)
- Taking fluid from the lungs by having you cough up mucus into a sterile cup
- Taking blood samples.
Covid-19 Vaccination
At NEHH, we abide by all state and federal regulations on vaccination. To include employee vaccination and/or weekly covid testing to ensure safety for our staff, patients, and families.
For More information on getting vaccinated visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html?s_cid=10493:covid%2019%20vaccination:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY21
Summary
- A respiratory virus is spreading from person to person causing coronavirus disease.
- The virus which causes covid-19 appears to spread easily. It is spread through droplets such as coughing and sneezing.
- Older adults and those with chronic diseases are at higher risk to develop severe complications and should take extra precaution.
- There is now a vaccine and booster vaccine for covid-19. Visit link provided for more information.
- You can protect yourself and others by washing your hands often, avoiding touching your face, and covering your coughs and sneezes.
As always, we are here to help! At NewEraHH (NEHH), we aim to provide education and make information easily accessible to our patients, families and communities. This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your primary care provider.
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