 Spreads And What Symptoms To Watch For "Pinterest")
The world is on watch as the new Coronavirus spreads slowly around the globe. COVID-19 is the term given to the new virus and the CDC is still learning about how it spreads, how fast it spreads and how to cure it.
The following is straight from the CDC website (Centers for disease Control and Prevention) and offers up important information on what they know right now, in regards to how it spreads and what health symptoms to look for if contracted.
How COVID-19 Spreads
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- 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.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
- Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects
It 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.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.
Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
Thus far, the virus has landed in America and has effected people in California, Washington state, Oregon and New Hampshire.
Symptoms of Coronavirus
You want to watch for the following:
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
These symptoms most certainly can mimic many other less serious health issues, but it is best to always get check out by a doctor. Especially if you have come into contact with someone who has contracted the virus, or traveled to and from a place where the virus is effecting people.
