What is COVID-19?

Novel coronavirus is a type of virus that causes cold-like symptoms.

All colds are caused by viruses, and have names such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and coronavirus. Although coronavirus is a type of cold virus that causes an upper respiratory illness like most colds, a new, or “novel,” version of coronavirus began causing a respiratory illness that is sometimes worse than a cold. This new illness is called COVID-19 and has recently spread to the United States from China and other countries.

Since COVID-19 is new, it means that many people are likely to become infected with it. Our immune systems don’t know how to fight it very well yet. Most people with COVID-19 will have mild symptoms similar to a cold, but it is possible in rare cases to have severe illness requiring hospitalization. Just like all colds, this new version of coronavirus cannot be treated with antibiotics. The main things that can help while recovering at home are fever reducers, fluids, and rest.

If there are concerns that you or your family may currently have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to it and you need testing, we can see your family via video visit.

Symptoms

People who should be tested for the new strain of coronavirus include:

People who may have had exposure in the last 14 days AND have symptoms including fever, cough, or trouble breathing.

COVID-19 Cold / Upper Respiratory Infection Allergies / Hay Fever Influenza
Symptoms? Common? Symptoms? Common? Symptoms? Common? Symptoms? Common?
Fever Yes Common Yes Rare Yes Common
Fatigue (Tiredness) Yes Common Yes Sometimes Yes Sometimes Yes Common
Dry Cough Yes Common Yes Sometimes Yes Common
Difficulty Breathing Yes Severe Yes Sometimes
Aches & Pains Yes Sometimes Yes Rare Yes Common
Sneezing Yes Common Yes Common Yes Sometimes
Runny Nose Yes Sometimes Yes Common Yes Sometimes
Stuffy Nose Yes Common Yes Common Yes Sometimes
Watery Eyes Yes Common
Sore Throat Yes Sometimes Yes Common Yes Sometimes
Diarrhea Yes Sometimes Yes Rare

Symptoms Comparison Tables

COVID-19
Symptoms? Common?
Fever Yes Common
Fatigue (Tiredness) Yes Common
Dry Cough Yes Common
Difficulty Breathing Yes Severe
Aches & Pains Yes Sometimes
Sneezing
Runny Nose Yes Sometimes
Stuffy Nose
Watery Eyes
Sore Throat Yes Sometimes
Diarrhea Yes Sometimes
Cold / Upper Respiratory Infection
Symptoms? Common?
Fever Yes Rare
Fatigue (Tiredness) Yes Sometimes
Dry Cough
Difficulty Breathing
Aches & Pains Yes Rare
Sneezing Yes Common
Runny Nose
Stuffy Nose Yes Common
Watery Eyes
Sore Throat Yes Common
Diarrhea
Allergies / Hay Fever
Symptoms? Common?
Fever
Fatigue (Tiredness) Yes Sometimes
Dry Cough Yes Sometimes
Difficulty Breathing Yes Sometimes
Aches & Pains
Sneezing Yes Common
Runny Nose Yes Common
Stuffy Nose Yes Common
Watery Eyes Yes Common
Sore Throat
Diarrhea
Influenza
Symptoms? Common?
Fever Yes Common
Fatigue (Tiredness) Yes Common
Dry Cough Yes Common
Difficulty Breathing
Aches & Pains Yes Common
Sneezing Yes Sometimes
Runny Nose Yes Sometimes
Stuffy Nose Yes Sometimes
Watery Eyes
Sore Throat Yes Sometimes
Diarrhea Yes Rare

Who Should Get Tested?

At this time, community spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 has become extensive and testing is recommended for people who have symptoms and for people who have had close contact* with a known/suspected case.

Anyone who has been in close contact with a known/suspected case should also quarantine for 10-days, even if there are no symptoms unless a negative COVID-19 test has been obtained 7-days after exposure, because the illness can develop any time between 2 and 14 days after exposure.

Close contact is defined as having been within 6 feet of an infected person for a total of 15-minutes (cumulative) over a 24-hour period.

What Happens After I Get A Test?

Testing helps to identify people who are currently contagious with the virus that causes COVID-19, but a negative test does not always mean the illness will not develop. It can take up to two weeks after exposure for illness to develop, so a quarantine period of 10-days after being exposed is needed. Talk with your healthcare provider about what steps to take to keep yourself, your family, and the community safe from this virus if you have been exposed.

For people whose test results are positive, a 10-day isolation is necessary so that no one else is at risk of becoming sick. Minimizing exposure to others is the most important way to stop the spread of COVID-19. Most people recover within that 10-day period and start to feel better, but anyone with worsening symptoms should seek medical care.

With schools and businesses reopening, more people are at risk of exposure and testing is an important part of keeping infection levels low so that we can all safely return to as many activities as possible. Identifying anyone at risk of spreading the virus through testing along with having exposed people quarantine until the risk of infection has passed will keep us all safe and healthy.

Treatment

The treatment for the new strain of coronavirus is the same as any other cold—fever control, increasing fluids, and rest. There are no medications that specifically treat cold viruses. Our immune systems will fight these viruses.

Any concern for complications from a cold virus such as difficulty breathing, dehydration, extreme fatigue, or prolonged high fever should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

If you believe you or your family may have novel coronavirus or may have been exposed, please see us via video visit for evaluation and testing.

Start a Virtual Visit for Yourself!

Prevention

Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds throughout the day, especially when there has been contact with people in public. Alcohol gel can be used if hand washing is not possible, but washing is best.

Stay home when there are signs of illness such as fever, cough, or runny nose.

Cough into the bend of the elbow instead of hands.

Avoid touching your face—illnesses can find their way into your body through eyes, nose, and mouth.

< style=”text-align: center;”>Wear a mask (over your nose and mouth) to protect yourself and others.

Eat healthy foods and make sure all family members are getting enough sleep.