Experts are still learning about the coronavirus
(COVID-19). With new information coming out every day, it can feel overwhelming
at times. Here are answers to some questions you may have.
How Does Coronavirus (COVID-19) Spread?
People can catch coronavirus from others who have the virus. This happens when
an infected person sneezes or coughs, sending tiny droplets into the air. These can
land in the nose, mouth, or eyes of someone nearby, or be breathed in.
People also can get infected if they touch an infected droplet on a surface and
then touch their own nose, mouth, or eyes.
Experts are looking at whether the virus can spread through stool (poop).
Can Someone Who's Infected Spread Coronavirus (COVID-19) if They Don't Have Symptoms?
The virus spreads most easily when an infected person has symptoms. But the virus
can also spread before symptoms start. It can take 2–14 days after someone is
exposed to the virus for symptoms to show up.
Is My Child at Risk for Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Experts are still learning about coronavirus, but it seems to usually cause a milder
illness in children
than in adults or older people. But there have been cases of kids developing more
serious symptoms, sometimes several weeks after being infected with the virus.
Most people who have died from coronavirus were older adults or people with health
problems such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.
Can Someone Get Coronavirus (COVID-19) From Mail or a Package?
The risk of getting infected from mail or a package is very low. But it's
a good idea to:
- Wash your hands after handling mail.
- Open and discard/recycle packages outside, then wash your hands right away when
you go back into the house.
Can Pets Get Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Some animals have tested positive for coronavirus. People who are sick shouldn't
have contact with their pets. If someone must care for a pet while sick, they should
wash their hands before and after contact and wear a face mask. If your pet is sick,
call your vet for advice on what to do.
Who Should Wear a Face Covering?
If you need to go out, cloth face coverings (or a face mask, if you have one) on
adults and kids over 2 years old can help slow the spread of the virus:
- To see how to put on and remove cloth face coverings and face masks, clean them,
or make your own cloth face covering, check the CDC's
guide.
- Even when you're wearing a cloth face covering (or a face mask), keep at least
6 feet between you and other people.
What Should I Do if a Family Member Has Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The symptoms of coronavirus (fever,
cough, sore throat, and
trouble breathing) can look a lot like illnesses from other viruses. If a family member
has trouble breathing, go to the emergency
room or call an ambulance right away.
Call your doctor if
someone in your family has a fever, cough, sore throat, belly pain, vomiting,
diarrhea, rash, dizziness, or just doesn't feel well. If this person has been near
someone with coronavirus or lived in or traveled to an area where lots of people have
coronavirus, tell the doctor. The doctor can decide whether your family member:
- can be treated at home
- should come in for a visit
- can have a telehealth
visit
- needs to be tested for coronavirus
How Do Doctors Test People for Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
To test someone for coronavirus, doctors send a mucus sample from the nose and
back of the throat to a lab. If the person coughs up mucus, doctors might send that
for testing too.
How Can We Protect Ourselves From Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
To help protect yourself and your family from the coronavirus (COVID-19):
- Avoid people who are sick. If someone at home is sick, take
precautions to prevent the virus from spreading.
- Try to stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from other people.
- Follow national and local recommendations for social
distancing, leaving your home, and wearing a face
covering.
- Wash your hands
well and often. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
with at least 60% alcohol. Teach your kids to do the same.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Use a household cleaner or wipe to clean surfaces and objects that people touch
a lot.
How Is Coronavirus (COVID-19) Treated?
Doctors and researchers are working on medicines and a vaccine for coronavirus.
Most people with the illness, including children, get better with rest and fluids.
People who are very ill get care in a hospital with breathing help, IV
fluids, and other treatments.
Should We Cancel Our Travel Plans Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Recommendations for travel are changing every day. Check the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest updates.
What Is the Future of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Experts aren't sure what will happen. Some things that may influence what happens
with coronavirus include:
- how effective areas are at controlling its spread
- how long it takes to develop medicines to treat coronavirus
- how long it takes to develop a COVID-19 vaccine
Where Can I Get Updated Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Check the CDC
and World
Health Organization (WHO) websites for up-to-date, reliable information about
coronavirus.
