COVID-19 FAQs

Updated: 3/23/2020

    1. How is the virus transmitted (ie, how do we get the virus)?

      1. According to the CDC, the COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads, the severity of the illness, and to what extent it may spread in the US.

      2. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person:

        1. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

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

      3. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

    2. Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

      1. People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).

      2. Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

    1. Can virus spread from contact with a contaminated surface?

      1. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

    1. How easily does the virus spread?

      1. How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

      2. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.

        1. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

    1. Can you get the virus from a hand shake?

      1. Yes. If the infected individual sneezes or coughs droplets in his/her hand and then the infected individual shakes another person's hand, the one receiving the handshake could also contract the virus.

    1. What should I do if I find out I have been in the same room with someone who found out he/she had COVID-19?

      1. CDC recommends that post-exposure public health management for asymptomatic exposed individuals continue until 14 days after the last potential exposure; however, these decisions should be made based on the local situation, available resources, and competing priorities.

    1. Do I need to call SBA if I know I have been in the same room as someone with confirmed COVID-19?

      1. Yes, please call our Crisis Management Team.

    1. How likely are my children to get the virus if I contract it?

      1. You and your child are highly likely to come within the 6 foot range. Therefore, your child is highly likely to contract the illness if you have it.

    1. What is the risk of my child becoming sick with COVID-19?

      1. Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date. You can learn more about who is most at risk for health problems if they have COVID-19 infection on CDC’s current Risk Assessment page.

    1. Are the symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults?

      1. No. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However, children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms. Reported symptoms in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. It’s not known yet whether some children may be at higher risk for severe illness, for example, children with underlying medical conditions and special healthcare needs. There is much more to be learned about how the disease impacts children.

    1. What exactly should I be doing daily to help my family to stay virus free?

      1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

      2. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

      3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

    1. What do I do if I develop symptoms of COVID-19?

      1. Stay home and speak to your healthcare provider if you develop fever, cough, or shortness of breath

      2. If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. CALL ER AND ALERT THEM YOU ARE ON THE WAY PRIOR TO ARRIVAL. In adults, emergency warning signs*:

        1. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

        2. Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

        3. New confusion or inability to arouse

        4. Bluish lips or face

        5. *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.

      3. Keep away from others who are sick

      4. Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet)

      5. Put your household plan into action:

    1. When is someone with COVID-19 no longer contagious?

      1. People infected with the novel coronavirus shed large quantities of the virus early in their illness and likely become less infectious as the disease wears on, according to a small study.

      2. One study suggests that while people with mild infections can still test positive by throat swabs for days and even weeks after their illness, those who are only mildly sick are likely not still infectious by about 10 days after they start to experience symptoms.

    1. Who is at high risk of developing complications from COVID-19?

      1. Early information out of China, where COVID-19 first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:

        1. Older adults

        2. People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:

Heart disease

Diabetes

Lung disease

Feel free to contact me with any questions. I am happy to help. If I do not know the answer, I will find the answer for you.

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