Coronavirus: What You Need to Know – University Hospitals

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a type of virus that are common in animals and, rarely, infect humans. A newly identified coronavirus emerged in humans in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Its called coronavirus because it is covered with pointed structures that look like a corona, or crown. COVID-19 is the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus.

People with the virus have reported symptoms that range from mild to severe, including illness resulting in death. Mild cases may be difficult to distinguish from colds or flu.

Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure. They include:

Most patients will get symptoms like fever, sore throat or cough, says Elie Saade, MD, UH Director for Infection Control. In a minority of patients, that will progress to cause severe pneumonia and that can lead to death.

If you develop symptoms, call your doctor.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS Think you or a loved one may have coronavirus? Well help you find the right care. Check your symptoms now.

Feeling feverish? Have a cough? Trying not to rub itchy eyes? If you're feeling ill but are unsure what illness you may have, check out our symptom guideon The Science of Health blog.

The coronavirus is a respiratory disease that appears to spread like the flu virus person-to-person and through the air. Virus-containing droplets from coughs or sneezes land in the mouth or nose of another person. You also can pick up the virus by touching an infected surface with your hand, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

People with the virus may be able to spread it before symptoms appear but, in general, people are thought to be most contagious when they are the most symptomatic.

People have little or no immunity to the virus because it is new. This allows the virus to spread quickly from person to person around the world. It may be months before an effective vaccine is developed.

People who have a higher chance of getting very sick from COVID-19 are:

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of exposure to the disease.

Most people infected with the coronavirus will have mild symptoms and can recover at home without seeing a doctor for treatment.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, follow these steps:

Call your physician. Call your physician as the first step in your care and follow your physicians advice for treatment at home. Your doctor will determine if you need to be tested. If you dont have a physician, visit a UH Testing Sitefor evaluation by a clinician.

Stay home. Try to stay in one room and away from other people. Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, towels or bedding, and wash them after use. Use a separate bathroom, if possible. Do not go into public places, such as a grocery store, or use public transportation or ride-sharing services.

Monitor and treat your symptoms. Take your temperature. You can take acetaminophen (sold under brand names such as Tylenol) to reduce fever and relieve body aches. Drink plenty of fluids and rest.

Watch for severe signs. If you develop trouble breathing, seek medical attention. Be sure to call your doctor or emergency room before going in and tell them your symptoms.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS Think you or a loved one may have coronavirus? Well help you find the right care. Check your symptoms now.

If you suspect you have COVID-19 because of symptoms or confirmed exposure to someone with the virus, use the evaluation and testing guidelines to determine when and where to go for care.

A government website,COVID.gov,can help you find locations near you that offer COVID-19 testing, medications, vaccines, masks and more. The site can help you find test-to-treat locations, where you can receive antiviral medication on the spot if you test positive for COVID-19. There are currently more than 2,000 of these one-stop-shop locations in the U.S., including many in Northeast Ohio. The websitecan also help you find where you can receive COVID-19 vaccines and high-quality masks. You can also order at-home test kits through the website.

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Coronavirus: What You Need to Know - University Hospitals