COVID-19 is a newly emerging and evolving disease first identified in China in December 2019. It has now been detected in almost 70 locations internationally, including the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has taken the lead on this along with The White House. Community-acquired cases of COVID-19 have recently been identified. Now the risk for exposure in the United States is considered high. It is also important to remember that local, state and federal governmental agencies have been developing plans and protocols for such an event for a very long time.
A coronavirus is part of a family of viruses that are common in both people and animal species. Symptoms of COVID-19 have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness. There are reported deaths associated with the disease. (Source: CDC)
Symptoms of the virus may appear 2-14 days after exposure, and they include:
Not everyone initially presents with fever. According to the NYSDOH, in a conference call on 2/11/20, 44% of people presented initially with fever but ultimately – throughout the course of the disease – 90% of the people had fever.
Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness.
This includes.
Older adults
People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.
Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.
Follow these five steps every time.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask:
The caregiver and infected person should wear a surgical mask when in the same room. Wear a cloth mask if surgical masks are not available. Caregiver should add gloves if in contact with the patient’s blood, stool, or bodily fluids.
Monitor the patient’s symptoms and each family member’s symptoms. If the patient is behind a closed door, have a method of communication to decrease the feel of isolation and to be aware of any sudden change in their condition.
Close the door to the patient’s bedroom. Pets should not enter. Limit children’s exposure to the infected person.
Screen visitors for fever and cough before allowing into the home.
All visitors must wear a mask.
If separate bathroom is unavailable, the infected person should wear a mask during use.
Any bathroom should be disinfected following use.
Be sure to wash your hands as you leave the bathroom.
Avoid sharing household items with the patient including dishes, towels, bedding, and eating utensils. Clean “high touch” surfaces often using disinfectant. Bleach can be used in place of other disinfectants. For bleach solution, mix 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water.
Wash the infected person’s clothes and bedding, and all cloth masks immediately if soiled with blood, stool, or bodily fluids, including mucous. Use disposable gloves when handling these items and keep them away from your body. Use the warmest recommended temperature to dry.
All used disposable gloves and masks should be placed in a lined trashcan with a lid and then added to household trash for pick-up.
Wash hands after handling.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Ensure the infected person eats nutritious foods,
drinks plenty of fluids,
and takes all prescribed medications.
Caregivers should care for pets.
1-877-PA-HEALTH, 1-877-724-3258, visit www.health.pa.gov, or contact your county/municipal health department listed below:
