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About COVID
Want to know the basics about coronavirus? Below is important information about what the virus is, how it spreads, what the symptoms look like and how to protect yourself and others.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will have mild to moderate respiratory illness and will recover without the need for special treatment. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer, are more likely to develop serious illnesses.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infections by washing your hands or frequently using alcohol-based rubbing and not touching your face.
COVID-19 virus is spread mainly by saliva droplets or runny nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it is important to practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing in a flexed elbow).
COVID-19 is an extremely contagious virus. Human coronaviruses spread in the same way as the flu or cold:
- Through the air through coughing or sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it
- Occasionally, fecal contamination
COVID-19 symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- Repeated stirring with chills
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
Symptoms may appear in just two days or up to 14 days after exposure. The reported diseases ranged from people with few symptoms to no symptoms to people who were seriously ill and dying.
Most people with mild symptoms can recover at home without medical care. If you want to be tested for a diagnosis, contact your healthcare provider or schedule an appointment at a publicly available test site.
If you do not want to be tested, it is still important to stay home, isolate yourself and avoid contact with others, rest and drink fluids. If you feel unwell, call your healthcare provider.
For severe symptoms (including a fever above 100 °), call your healthcare provider. If you do not have a health care provider, call the nearest hospital or emergency department to schedule an appointment.
If it’s an emergency, call 911.
Emergency warning signs may include:
- Breathing problems
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- New confusion
- Inability to wake up or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
- Wear a mask – indoors and outdoors – whenever you leave home or have people who do not live with you in your space.
- Keep your distance from those you do not live with and avoid congestion.
- Download the COVID Alert PA mobile app to be alerted if you’ve been with someone who has tested positive and to alert others if you’ve tested positive.
- Cover cough or sneeze with your elbow. Do not use your hands!
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if there is no soap and water.
- Clean high-touch surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remote controls, and other frequently touched objects.
- if you are sick – even if your symptoms are mild – stay home until you feel better.