What you need to know about... COVID-19

Know the Risks

What you need to know about . . .
COVID-19
A coronavirus is one of a large group of viruses that can cause illness in animals and humans. Most viruses in this group cause upper respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose. Some types of coronavirus can cause more severe respiratory symptoms.
Novel (new) coronavirus is a new virus that first appeared in humans in Wuhan, China in 2019. This new virus causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, chills, shaking with chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell. Symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
Any person can develop COVID-19 after being exposed to novel coronavirus. Based upon available information, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified people with the following conditions as being at higher risk of developing more severe symptoms:
People aged 65 years and older People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility Other high-risk conditions could include:
o People with chronic breathing problems, such as COPD or asthma o People who have heart disease with complications o People who are immunocompromised* including cancer treatment o People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index 40) or certain
underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk Women who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk
*Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, bone marrow or organ transplantation, autoimmune disorders, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications.
People can catch this new coronavirus and spread the virus to others before showing any signs of the illness.
AA

Know

Symptoms can be mild or severe. These are the symptoms of COVID-19: Fever

the

Cough Shortness of Breath Chills

Repeated Shaking with Chills

Signs

Muscle Pain Headache Sore Throat

New Loss of Taste or Smell

These symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. For individuals

who have difficulty communicating, supporters should watch for fever and

cough and seek medical attention when those appear. Don't wait for other

symptoms. Remember that individuals who cannot communicate well

might not be able to tell you they are feeling shortness of breath, muscle pain, loss

of taste or smell, or other symptoms that are experienced but cannot be observed.

Know what to do

EVERYONE should:

Wash your hands frequently. Use soap and water and wash for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or have coughed or sneezed.

Avoid contact with people who are sick.

Put distance between yourself and other people. Avoid crowded places and wear facial coverings (such as masks) when you need to go to places where you cannot maintain a distance of six feet between yourself and others.

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. This includes phones and keyboards.
IF YOU ARE SICK:

Stay home if you are sick. If you must go out, avoid public transportation.

Cover coughs and sneezes. Do not re-use tissues. Throw used tissues away.

Wash your hands after you cough or sneeze.

Separate yourself from other people in your home.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Only go to a doctor's office or hospital when instructed to do so.

IN AN EMERGENCY Monitor your symptoms.
Do not share

personal household items (towels, dishes, utensils, bedding, etc.)

Call 9-1-1 immediately if a person in your care:
Appears to have difficulty breathing or shortness of
breath

Wear a mask when near

High fever, possibly with chills and shaking

other people.

Has persistent pain or feeling of pressure in the chest

Is confused or difficult to arouse

Has dark or bluish color to lips or face

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Has any other severe or concerning symptoms
This COVID-19 Fact Sheet is #8 in a series of Improving Health Outcomes Fact Sheets. It was developed with reference to resources available through US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Public Health. This Fact Sheet is not a substitute for clinical evaluation or physician's orders. The information above is current as of April 23, 2020.