Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) information & prevention
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Recently, a new coronavirus - 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus - was detected in China that has not been previously found in humans. This coronavirus can lead to fever, cough and shortness of breath. There are thousands of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside of Wuhan and additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally, including the United States. There are ongoing investigations to learn more about this virus.
Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas, should call ahead to their health care provider before seeking treatment in person.
The 2019 novel coronavirus is a new virus and shouldn’t be confused with other coronaviruses that have been around for many years causing upper respiratory symptoms, like the common cold. If a routine test ordered by your health care provider and done at a local hospital or lab, is positive for coronavirus, that means that you have one of the common coronaviruses. The only way to test for 2019 novel coronavirus is through specialized testing at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are unsure which kind of virus you are being tested for or what the result means, be sure to ask your health care provider. This is a rapidly changing situation. Please regularly check this site and the CDC’s Novel Coronavirus webpage for updates.
Click read more for more information and prevention tips.
Important Health Information For Those Who Have Recently Traveled to China
If you recently traveled to China and feel sick with fever, cough or trouble breathing, you should:
- Seek medical care right away. Call ahead and tell them about your travel and symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others. Stay home, except for seeking medical care.
- Avoid further travel until the illness resolves.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Symptoms
The 2019 novel coronavirus may cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms like:
- cough
- fever
- trouble breathing and
- pneumonia
CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.
How Does Novel Coronavirus Spread?
Most of the early reported cases had contact with seafood and live animal markets, suggesting an animal source of the outbreak. However, most cases are now likely to be spread from person to person by droplets when coughing. Since this virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully watch how this virus spreads.
Prevention
While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
THE CDC DOES NOT RECOMMEND YOU USE AN N95 Mask if you are feeling well. You may use the mask only if you have symptoms to prevent spreading to others but not to prevent contracting it.
Those who are at higher risk are elderly and those with weaker immune systems. Should you feel symptoms similar to the above, you do not need to go to the hospital necessarily. Contact your physician, self-quarantine and treat your symptoms the same as you would for a cold or flu. If you are in need of an ambulance or other EMS assistance, please notify the dispatcher of your symptoms so that they first responders can respond appropriately to your condition.
For further updated information, please go to the New York State Dept of Health Website or the CDC
