What is it?
A new respiratory virus which originated in China in December 2019, identified as 2019 Novel Coronavirus. It has spread throughout China and into 28 nations around the world, including the US. There is no vaccine or treatment at this time.
What are the symptoms?
Flu like – fever, cough, shortness of breath
How do I get it?
Since we are in the middle of traditional flu season, there may be confusion whether someone has this virus or not. You can be diagnosed with Coronavirus only if you have flu like symptoms AND traveled recently to China or are in close contact with someone who has traveled there
How do I prevent it?
Apply usual procedures for flu prevention, such as:
- Get a flu shot
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
- Wash hands often with soap and water. Use paper towel to dry hands well and discard in trash
- Use alcohol based hand rub if soap and water are not available
What do I do If I have symptoms?
Do NOT assume that you have the Coronavirus
- Avoid contract with others, such as stay at home
- Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to not spread germs
- Wash hands often, dry with paper towel
- Follow usual flu recommendations, such as drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest
References for additional information:
General information from CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
Fact Sheet from CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/2019-ncov-factsheet.pdf
Summary Sheet from CDC with links to US and global map
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html
Hand washing from CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/
“What the Public Should Do” flyer from CDC
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/what-you-should-do.pdf
Flyer from San Diego County Health Department
