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With the coronavirus being novel, no one is 100% certain of what will happen next. We’re here to make sure that common concerns and worries about the coronavirus are addressed.
How Severe is COVID-19?
From reported illness, the coronavirus can cause different illnesses ranging from a regular cold to pneumonia- mild to severe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), those who experience a mild illness most likely recover while there is a greater risk with severe illness- especially among the elderly and those with existing health conditions.
What Are Symptoms for COVID-19?
A few symptoms are (but are not limited to)
A fever
Coughing
Having difficulty breathing
Sore throat
Headache
Losing sense of taste or smell
Body or muscle aches, fatigue
Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea
Currently, information says that symptoms can appear from 2 to 14 days after being exposed to the coronavirus.
What Should You Do if You THINK You Are Sick?
If you think you have been exposed to the coronavirus, contact your healthcare provider and keep track of your symptoms. You can use the CDC’s Self-Checker (click on this link and scroll down to find the self-checker) to help make decisions and find the right medical care for you.
What Should You Do if You ARE Sick?
Stay at home
Most people who have a mild illness are able to recover at home. Don’t go outside of the house unless you are getting medical care.
Taking care of yourself is crucial!
Make sure you stay hydrated and get enough rest
You can take over-the-counter medicines to help feel better.
Stay in contact with your doctor
Stay in one certain room and try your best to not come into contact with others (people and pets)
Try to use a different bathroom if possible
Don’t share household items such as eating utensils, cups, or towels
Wear a cloth mask that covers your mouth and nose when around others
Stay 6 feet apart from others
Wash and clean your hands frequently
Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
Wash your hands right after
Keep track and monitor your symptoms
Clean and disinfect frequently-used surfaces in your separated room and bathroom
When Should You Get Emergency Medical Care?
If you or anyone you know are showing these signs, seek emergency medical attention! Call 911 or a local emergency facility and inform them that someone who has or may have COVID-19 is seeking care.
Difficulty breathing
Blue-toned lips or face
Chest pain or pressure
Not being able to stay awake or wake up
Confusion or not being able to think clearly
Remember, symptoms are not limited to the ones listed above. If you have any other symptoms that are troubling you or are severe, contact your healthcare provider.
How and Where Can You Get Tested?
Call your healthcare provider
Your doctor will order a test and schedule you for a test. Tell your healthcare provider which site is best for you
Visit MD COVID-19 Testing for more information on testing sites and getting a test.
When Can You Be Around Others If You Do or You Think You Have COVID-19?
You can be around others after 3 days without a fever, improved symptoms, and 10 days after symptoms first show. Keep in mind that all of the factors must be met in order to be around others. If you want more information about this topic, visit CDC.
Can You Hangout With Friends?
The answer is short and simple-NO. Social distancing is crucial to ensure the health and safety of you, your family, and others. Because friends can be an important part of your life, it’s completely understandable that you miss them, mostly during these difficult times. But, it’s best to stay at home and refrain from hanging out. Instead, you can use various apps and platforms to keep in touch with and see your friends.
Here are a few widely-used apps to talk and hangout with your friends:
Houseparty
Instagram
Snapchat
Facetime (on Apple iPhones)
Netflix Party
Google Duo/Hangouts
Let’s all stay at home to keep ourselves and everyone around us happy and healthy!
Works Cited
“About COVID-19.” Emergency Management, emergency.wustl.edu/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-19-faqs/about-covid-19/#:~:text=Reported illnesses have ranged from,lung disease or diabetes.
“Maryland Department of Health.” Coronavirus, coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/symptoms-testing#siteapp.
“Symptoms of Coronavirus.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 May 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html#.
“Updates on Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19).” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/maldives/news/detail/31-01-2020-updates-on-novel-corona-virus-(COVID-19)#:~:text=The virus can cause a,sore throat and headaches.
“What to Do If You Are Sick.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 May 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html#:~:text=Most people with COVID-,not visit public areas.