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In about 80% of people, COVID-19 causes only mild symptoms, although this may change as variants emerge. Symptoms can range in severity from very mild to severe. The average time before experiencing symptoms is five days. The time between becoming infected and showing symptoms (incubation period) can range from two to 14 days. How soon after becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 will I develop COVID-19 symptoms? Are over the age of 60 with pre-existing medical conditions or a weakened immune system.Close contact is defined as being within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. Have had close contact with a person who has a laboratory-confirmed or a suspected case of the COVID-19 virus.Live in or have recently traveled to any area with ongoing active spread.Persons at greatest risk of contracting COVID-19 include those who: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.Stay self-isolated at home if you are feeling ill with symptoms that could be COVID-19 or have a positive test for COVID-19.
#Corona definition windows#
Open windows to bring in outdoor air as much as possible. If soap isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Wear a cloth mask that covers your mouth and nose when around others.Stay 6 feet away from others whenever possible.The best way to avoid spreading COVID-19 to others is to: You are no longer contagious 10 days after your symptoms began. If you have COVID-19 it can take several days to develop symptoms - but you’re contagious during this time. How long is a person with COVID-19 considered contagious?
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SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, enters your body through your mouth, nose or eyes (directly from the airborne droplets or from the transfer of the virus from your hands to your face). In the case of SARS-CoV-19, the first people infected are thought to have contracted the virus at a food market that sold meat, fish and live animals. Eventually, the virus can jump from animal species and begin to infect humans. The viruses may change (mutate) as they transfer to other species. Sometimes these viruses then spread to different animal species. The viruses live in but don’t infect the animals.
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Where do coronaviruses come from?Ĭoronaviruses are often found in bats, cats and camels. It has since spread to every country around the world. The new strain of coronavirus - SARS-CoV-2 - was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and the common cold are examples of coronaviruses that cause illness in humans. They are called “corona” because of crown-like spikes on the surface of the virus. What is coronavirus?Ĭoronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness in humans. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness.
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