FAQs: What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus

  • February 27, 2020
  • COVID-19

As the coronavirus – its official name is COVID-19 – continues to circulate, myths, misconceptions and misinformation seem to be spreading around the globe faster than the illness itself.

Because COVID-19 is a new virus, there is still much we don’t know, and researchers and public health officials are working to find answers. But, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) here are some evidence-based answers to common questions about the virus:

Q: What is the coronavirus?

A: There are many types of coronavirus and many of them cause only mild illness. The new strain of coronavirus currently causing concern is called COVID-19. The first infections, in late 2019, were linked to a live animal market in Wuhan City, China, and are believed to have come from human contact with infected animals. Now the virus is spreading from person-to-person contact.

Q: How deadly is the virus?

A: Scientists aren’t sure yet. But in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where it first was detected, 2% to 4% of patients have died, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Elsewhere in China, the death rate has been much lower. WHO officials speculate this could be because once people became aware of the disease, they sought medical care more quickly.

Q: How can I protect myself from the virus?

A: Currently there is no vaccine to prevent contracting the disease. However, the CDC recommends precautions such as:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

  • 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

 

Q: How does the virus spread?

A: The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person contact, specifically:

  • Between people who are in close contact, typically within about 6 feet of each other.

  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

  • It may be possible to contract COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your nose, mouth or possibly eyes, but this is not believed to be the main way the virus spreads.

Q: When are infected people contagious?

A: People are thought to be most contagious when they are the sickest. Some may be contagious before they show symptoms but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Q: How long after exposure to the virus do symptoms appear?

A: The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two days to two weeks after exposure.

Q: What are the symptoms?

A: Symptoms can be mild or severe, and can include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

Q: What should I do if I think I may have COVID-19?

 A: The CDC advises the following:

  • Stay home except to get medical care. Don’t go to work, school or public areas and avoid using public transportation, including ride sharing.

  • As much as possible, separate yourself from those you live with, including roommates and pets. Use a separate bathroom if possible.

  • Get medical care, but call ahead first. Tell your medical provider that you may have COVID-19, so they can take steps to protect others who may be in the facility when you arrive.

  • Wear a facemask. It’s important to do as much as possible not to infect others.

Q: Is there a risk from packages or products shipped from China?

A: There likely is very low risk of contracting the disease from products or packages from China. Generally, these types of viruses do not survive well on surfaces and spread mostly through respiratory droplets, such as from coughing or sneezing.

Finally, let us dispel a few of the more common myths circulating about the new coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization:

1.     Hand dryers do not kill COVID-19.

2.     Spraying alcohol or chlorine over your body will not kill the virus.

3.     People of all ages can get the virus. Those with other medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease may become more severely ill.

4.     Eating garlic will not protect you from getting sick. It’s a virus, not a vampire.

For more, factual information about the new coronavirus, visit the following websites:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters