Chapter 4 Important Resources from NIH

4.1 Important Information on COV-19:

The medical community are in the learning curve to know about COV-19. Perhaps, it will probably take time to have the complete clinical picture in regards to COVID-19. Reported illness varies among the age groups based on individual immune systems and general health conditions. There are reports of infected persons having no symptoms and some about 16% or so showed severe illness resulting in death. Older people including the people of all ages with severe chronic medical conditions — like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes are obviously at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.

4.2 What You Should Know:

Symptoms:
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure with fever, cough and shortness of breath.


4.3 How COV-19 Spreads:

Mainly from person-to-person contact. During close interaction respiratory droplets get transmitted to other person. An injected person can easily transmit the virus to others through sneezing or coughing. The transmission of COVID-19 is similar to flu and many other viruses such as MARS and SARS.

Steps to Prevent Illness:

  1. Clean your hands often, 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.
  2. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  4. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  5. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
  6. Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
  7. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  8. Throw used tissues in the trash.
  9. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  10. If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
  11. If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
  12. Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  13. If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

What To Do if You Are Sick:

  1. Stay home: People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
  2. Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.
  3. Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ):

  • Protect Yourself and Your Family:
  • Travel:
  • Schools, Workplaces & Community Locations:
  • Checklist for Individuals and Families:
  • Clean & Disinfect:
  • Interim Guidance: Public Health Communicators Get Your Community Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):
  • If You Are at Higher Risk:
  • Pregnancy & Breastfeeding:
  • Schools & Childcare:
  • Talking with children about Coronavirus Disease 2019: Messages for parents, school staff, and others working with children:
  • Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education with Students Participating in International Travel or Study Abroad Programs:
  • Colleges & Universities:
  • Businesses & Employers:
  • Steps Healthcare Facilities Can Take Now to Prepare for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19):
  • Get Your Communityand Faith-Based Organizations Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019:
  • Community Events:
  • Law Enforcement:
  • Home Care:
  • Guidance for Healthcare Professionals:
  • Water Transmission and COVID-19:
  • Information for Laboratories:
  • Interim Guidance for Homeless Shelters: