The Novel Coronavirus – FAQ

Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins CSSE

About the Virus

Q. What do we know about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
A. The Novel Coronavirus (recently renamed COVID-19) is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that range from the common cold to other viruses like MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Coronaviruses commonly circulate in animals and sometimes also infect humans. As of January 30, the person-to-person transmission was confirmed by CDC.

The latest research has determined an incubation period of five days, with a range of 2-14 days. Similar to influenza and other respiratory viruses, the transmission of COVID-19 spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets exchanged among close contacts (those who interact with a person at a distance closer than about 6 feet). Details about the virus transmission are still being researched.

Information about the virus and its spread continues to evolve rapidly, and the CDC has advised that communities should prepare for the potential of community spread in the United States. Approved Home Care is engaged in planning and preparedness efforts.
 
Symptoms & Preventative Measures

Q. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
A. Symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
 
Q. Is there a vaccine?
A. There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The CDC is working on a COVID-19 vaccine, but early estimates suggest that a vaccine is not expected on markets for another year.
 
Q. How do you test a person for COVID-19?
A. At this time, diagnostic testing for COVID-19 can only be conducted at the approval of the CDC and can only be done if criteria are met for testing. These criteria are defined by the CDC as criteria for “Patients Under Investigation.” If these criteria are met, your health care provider will work with the Texas Health Department and the CDC to obtain and send a laboratory specimen to the CDC for testing and arrange for isolation while waiting for results.
 
 
Q. Are there ways to prevent contracting the virus?
A. The CDC recommends preventative actions to reduce the risk of developing the flu or other respiratory diseases, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• When you are sick, stay home.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• If you haven’t already been immunized against the flu, it is not too late to get a flu shot.

Q. I’m sick. How do I know if it is COVID-19 or something else, like the flu?
A. COVID-19 symptoms and flu symptoms can be similar, but COVID-19 is related to the current outbreak affecting many countries. Even if you’ve traveled to an affected area – or have had contact with someone who has – if you have symptoms of fever, cough, body aches, it is possible that it could be the flu.

If you have symptoms as described above and have traveled to an affected area — or have had contact with someone known to be infected with COVID-19 (or who is currently being tested) — should go to your primary health care provider. Please call your provider ahead of time and inform them that you will be arriving.
 
 
Q. I’m worried about someone who might be sick or might have been exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?
A. If you know someone that has flu-like symptoms, you can encourage them to contact their primary health care provider to seek advice and care.
 
Please Note:  It is important to recognize that we are still in the midst of the cold and flu season. CDC reports that influenza activity is, and will remain, high for the next several weeks.  With many community members feeling under the weather, it is critical that we each strive to lead with compassion and empathy and to avoid making assumptions based on someone’s perceived symptoms or identity.

Best Wishes and Stay Healthy.
Approved Home Care