As more information about the coronavirus pandemic develops, some of the information on this page may have changed since it was last updated. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit the online resources provided by the CDC, and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
You can work to better protect yourself from COVID-19 by :
- washing your hands,
- avoiding contact with sick individuals, and
- sanitizing your home.
Q: What is a novel coronavirus?
A: A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
Q: What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
A: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. There are many types of human coronaviruses, including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Q: U.S. cases of COVID-19?
A: Data: cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. related to international travel, person-to-person spread, and reported community spread in parts of the United States. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC updates the risk assessment as needed.
Q: How can I prevent COVID-19?
A: The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.
Q: What treatments are available for COVID-19?
A: People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For people with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19, illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death. For severe illness, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. Seek prompt medical attention if your illness gets worse (for example, you have difficulty breathing). Before seeking medical attention, call your health care provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. Put on a face mask before you enter the doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital.
Q: Can disinfectant sprays or wipes be used on my skin to prevent spread of COVID-19?
A: No. Always follow the instructions on household cleaners. Do not use disinfecting sprays or wipes on your skin because they may cause skin and eye irritation. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are not intended for use on humans or animals.
Q: How does COVID-19 spread?
A: People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay away from a person who is sick.
Q: Can the virus that causes COVID-19 to be transmitted through the air?
A: Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through contact with respiratory droplets rather than through the air. See the previous answer on “How does COVID-19 spread?”
Q: Can CoVID-19 be caught from a person who has no symptoms?
A: The main way the disease spreads is through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is breathing or coughing. However, many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true at the early stages of the disease. It is, therefore, possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has, for example, just a mild cough and does not feel ill.
The CDC is assessing ongoing research on the period of transmission of COVID-19 and will continue to share updated findings.
Q: Can I catch COVID-19 from the feces of someone with the disease?
A: The risk of catching COVID-19 from the feces of an infected person appears below. While initial investigations suggest the virus may be present in feces in some cases, spread through this route is not a main feature of the outbreak. The CDC is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will continue to share new findings. Because this is a risk, however, it is another reason to clean hands regularly, after using the bathroom and before eating.
Q: Should I worry about COVID-19?
A: Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones.
We can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. First and foremost among these actions is regular and thorough hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene. Secondly, keep informed and follow the advice of the local health authorities including any restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings.
Q: Who is at risk of developing severe illness?
A: While we are still learning about how COVID-19 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others.
Q: How can my household prepare for COVID-19?
A: There are also basic steps every household should take to prepare for any unexpected event:
- Learn about your employer’s sick leave and telecommuting policies.
- Establish a childcare plan in the event your kids need to stay home from school.
- Make sure you have the kinds of foods, drinks, medications and pet supplies you would want if you become sick and would be unable to leave the house for a couple of weeks.
- Get to know your neighbors (give them a call, drop them a note in their mailbox, say hello when you see them outside--be sure to maintain at least 6 feet of distance), especially those who might need extra help like seniors or people living alone
Q: Is a “deep cleaning” necessary?
It's still unclear exactly how long COVID-19 can remain on a surface. Early evidence suggests that the virus can survive for several days at room temperature. This is why wiping down commonly touched surfaces helps to prevent the spread of illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu.
Q: I feel like I’m getting sick or I have reason to believe I may have come into contact with someone who may have been exposed. What steps should I take?
A: The most important thing you can do is stay at home. Care for yourself (these tips may be helpful), and contact your health care provider by phone if you think you need medical care. There are many germs that cause fever or respiratory illness, including influenza or pertussis, and a provider can discuss with you what testing you may need.
Q: If I get symptoms or had close contact with a person sick with the virus, what should I do?
A: Call your health care provider to decide if you need to be seen. If so, you can create a plan to enter a clinic in a way that avoids being around and potentially infecting others.
If you need urgent medical attention, call 9-1-1. Tell the operator if you are experiencing symptoms or had recent contact with someone who might be sick with the novel coronavirus.
Q; How do you tell the difference between this virus and the flu?
The symptoms of novel coronavirus are similar to flu and other respiratory viral illnesses.
Both can cause a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Illness can range from mild to severe. The only way to tell what specific germ is causing illness is through laboratory testing. We recommend people with fever and cough call their health care provider to decide if you are well enough to stay home or need to go to a clinic or hospital. If a person meets the criteria for novel coronavirus testing, providers should call their local health department.
Q: How can my workplace prepare for a coronavirus outbreak?
A: Typically, the response team works with facilities on a case-by-case basis because every outbreak and disease is different. If there are more people with similar illnesses than expected for a facility, call your local health department to report a possible outbreak.
Employees should know their work policies around telecommuting. It’s smart for everyone to have a basic plan in case they have to stay home for an extended time.
Q: What do I do if I can't find hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, or supplies to make my own in the store?
A: You can use other items like soap, detergent, and bleach to clean and disinfect. 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.
If you know someone from your home or business with any fever or cough illness, it is reasonable to delay or reschedule non-essential appointments as a general approach to preventing the spread of disease to others.
ServiceMaster by Lovejoy has developed a comprehensive process for Coronavirus decontamination. If you believe your facility may have been exposed to the Coronavirus COVID-19, call ServiceMaster by LoveJoy immediately. There is evidence for other coronaviruses of the potential for widespread contamination of patient rooms or environments, so effective cleaning and decontamination are vital, and only the certified professionals can do that. Call us today at 678-293-0297 for Conyers and 770-992-1575 for Roswell.
ServiceMaster by Lovejoy services Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, and Dekalb County; we have you covered!
