Coronaviruses are respiratory viruses named for the crown-like spikes on the surface of the virus.

These range from viruses that cause the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The latest coronavirus is called the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID 2019. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds. (How soap kills viruses video)
  • Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Clean high-touch surfaces often.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
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Spreads through close personal contact with a sick person

Close contact is defined as being within approximately six feet of another person.

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Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Covid symptoms icons: Fever, cough and difficulty breathing.

Call your health care provider if:

  • You have symptoms and a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Please call the office, do NOT show up at the clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I know if I have novel coronavirus?

A The CDC is making available a test specifically to determine whether patients have coronavirus. General testing by your health care provider will not identify the novel strain.

Symptoms of novel coronavirus may appear in as few as two days, or in as many as 14 days after exposure. Symptoms can include: fever, cough and shortness of breath. Call your health care provider if you have these symptoms.

Unless your symptoms are severe, call your health care provider first, rather than showing up in the office or Emergency Room. When you call or visit, be sure to note your symptoms.

For more information please visit the CDC official website.

How can I protect myself if I am over the age of 60 or immunocompromised?

If you are over the age of 60, stay home as much as possible, avoid crowds and non-essential travel.

To prevent the coronavirus, you should:

  • Wash your hands frequently with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if you are unable to wash your hands.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Avoid close contact (about six feet) with other people.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched daily, such as keyboards, doorknobs, tables, remotes or light switches. You can disinfect using diluted bleach, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol and most common household disinfectants, such as Lysol or Purell.

To prepare for staying at home, you should also:

  • Contact your health care provider to ask about getting extra necessary medications.
  • Consider mail-order for medications if you cannot get extra.
  • Make sure you have over-the-counter medicines and tissues at home.

Have your groceries delivered or brought to your home by family or friends.