
Coronaviruses are a type of virus. There are many different kinds and some cause disease. A newly discovered coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans and has caused a worldwide pandemic of respiratory illness is called COVID-19.
How Covid-19 Spreads
Avoid Exposure
People at Risk
COVID-19 is spread mainly through close contact from person to person (within 6 feet). People produce respiratory droplets when they cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe. COVID-19 infection occurs through the exposure to these respiratory droplets that contain COVID-19 viruses. There is evidence that people can infect others who were more than 6 ft away. This kind of spread is referred to as airborne transmission and occurs within enclosed spaces that have inadequate ventilation. It is possible for people to contact COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that the virus has landed on and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.
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Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth
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Stay 6 feet apart from others
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Avoid Crowds and poorly ventilated spaces
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Wash your hands or use gel sanitizer often
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Stay home and isolate when you are sick
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Get a COVID-19 vaccine
Some people are more likely than others to become severely ill with COVID-19. Severely ill means that a person with COVID-19 may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe.
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Older Adults -greater than 65 years
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Pregnant People - Although the overall risk of severe illness is low, pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 when compared to non-pregnant women.
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People with certain medical conditions - Cancer, Chronic Kidney disease, Chronic lung disease, neurological conditions (Dementia, Stroke), Diabetes, Down syndrome, Heart conditions, HIV, Immunocompromised (weak immune system), Liver disease, Obesity, Sickle Cell, Smoker, substance use disorders.
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People who need extra Precautions- rural communities, homelessness, disabled people
Symptoms
COVID-19 can have a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
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Fever or chills
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Cough
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Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
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Fatigue
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Muscle or body aches
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Headache
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New loss of taste or smell
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Sore throat
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Congestion or runny nose
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Nausea or vomiting
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Diarrhea
Emergency warning signs for COVID-19
Seek immediate medical advice
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Trouble breathing
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Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
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New confusion
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Inability to wake or stay awake
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Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

Testing for Covid-19
Types of tests for Covid-19
Who should get tested for a current infection?
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People with COVID-19 symptoms
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People with COVID-19 symptoms who have been vaccinated or had a prior COVID infection
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People who have had close contact (within 6ft for 15 min or more over 24 hours) with a confirmed person with COVID-19
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People who have taken part in activities that put them at risk for COVID-19 because they cannot physically distance themselves, such as travel, large social gathering or crowded poorly ventilated indoor setting
Covid 19 tests are available to determine a current infection or past infection. Two types of viral tests can be used: nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and antigen tests
NAAT Test
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Detect genetic material (nucleic acid)
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Identify the RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequences that comprises the nucleic acid of COVID-19
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CDC recommends collecting specimen from nasopharyngeal, nasal mid turbinate or anterior nares
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Most sensitive test for current infection “gold standard”
Antigen Test
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Immunoassay test that detects and measures specific viral antigens (COVID-19, influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial virus)
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Inexpensive and used at the point of care with return results in approximately 15 minutes

Types of tests for PAST Covid-19
Antibody or Serology Test
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Detect COVID-19 antibodies in your blood to determine if you had a past infection. The body’s immune system creates antibodies after you have a COVID-19 infection or have had the vaccine.
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It can take 1-3 weeks after the COVID-19 infection for your body to make antibodies
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Antibody tests are not used to diagnose a current infection
Whether your test positive or negative for COVID-19 on a viral or an antibody test, you still should take steps to protect yourself and others.
Covid-19 Vaccination
Covid-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. Covid 19 vaccines are safe, effective, and reduce your risk of severe disease.
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Vaccines that are in development are being carefully evaluated in clinical trials
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Experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do get COVID-19
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Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you
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Experts continue to conduct studies about the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on severity of illness, as well as its ability to keep people from spreading the COVID-19 virus.
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People who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic
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Authorized and Recommended Vaccines in the United States:
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Pfizer-BioNTech
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Moderna
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Johnson & Johnson
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The combination of getting vaccinated and following the CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19
Please reference the CDC website for up-to-date information regarding Covid-19.