What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a respiratory disease that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in almost 70 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Patients infected with 2019-nCoV may experience:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
More information may be found at: CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Symptoms
COVID-19 Hotline Available
Provided by: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has setup a hotline for public health and other experts to answer health-related questions about COVID-19.
The hotline will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19 infection. People infected with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
When to seek care
If you are experiencing trouble breathing, please go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care.
If you are not seriously ill or have questions, please call your primary care provider or visit our telemedicine McLarenNow
How does Coronavirus (COVID-19) Spread?
It is not confirmed but it is believed that COVID-19 spreads like other coronaviruses (like those that cause SARS
or MERS), by respiratory droplets. When person-to-person spread has occurred with MERS and SARS, it is thought to have happened via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Spread of SARS and MERS between people has generally occurred between close contacts.
Person-to-person
When person-to-person spread has occurred with MERS and SARS, it is thought to have happened via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Spread of SARS and MERS between people has generally occurred between close contacts.
How contagious is COVID-19?
It’s important to note that how easily a virus spreads person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. It’s not clear yet how easily COVID-19 spreads from person-to-person. It’s important to know this in order to better understand the risk associated
with this virus. Preliminary information suggests this virus is not as contagious as the SARS virus.
When can an infected person spread COVID-19 virus to others?
While not completely known, its likely mirrors that of other coronaviruses, in that spread occurs with fever and respiratory symptoms. While there have been initial reports of asymptomatic transmission, the CDC states that the data are not clear at this stage that asymptomatic spread occurs.
Can people who recover from COVID-19 be infected again?
The immune response to COVID-19 is not yet understood. Patients with MERS-CoV infection are unlikely to be re-infected shortly after they recover, but it is not yet known whether similar immune protection will be observed for patients with COVID-19.
Prevention
Prevention is a key strategy with any virus, such as influenza or coronavirus, so it is important to both protect yourself and take measures against spread to others. The most effective infection prevention strategy is meticulous hand sanitizing.
- Take general precautions like frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of any virus, including seasonal flu, which is still active across region, and the U.S.
- If you have not received a flu shot, it is not too late. For additional advice contact occupational health
- If you have flu-like symptoms, it is likely the common cold or a common strain of the flu. Symptoms of coronavirus include, but are not limited to, fever, runny nose, headache, cough, and the general feeling of being unwell; these also are symptoms of the common flu virus.