INFORMATION FROM THE CDC



. How to Prepare/Protect yourself for COVID-19

Know the signs and symptoms, and what to do if symptomatic. Stay home when you are sick. Call your health care provider’s office in advance of a visit. Limit movement in the community. Limit your number of visitors. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

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.

. Take steps to protect yourself

.. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. .. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

.. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

. Avoid close contact

.. Avoid close contact with people who are sick

.. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting sick. Stay Home if You’re Sick Cover Coughs and Sneezes

.. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

.. Throw used tissues in the trash.

.. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

. Wear a face mask if you are sick

.. If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.

• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

. Clean and disinfect

.. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

.. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

. Symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if you are sick

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Symptoms include:

.. Fever

.. Cough

.. Shortness of breath

The steps you should take if you think you are sick with COVID-19 depend on whether you have a higher risk of developing severe illness.

High-Risk Individuals

.. People 65 years or older, and/or people with medical issues, like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, or a weakened immune system, are at a higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.

.. If you are a high-risk individual and you develop fever or symptoms, call your doctor.

.. If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can recover at home. Follow your doctor’s instructions and refer to CDC recommendations for how to take care of yourself at home.

General Population

.. If you are in generally good health and have mild symptoms, stay home and take care of yourself like you would for a cold or the flu.

.. If symptoms worsen, call your doctor.

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