General Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses arhe known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 is mainly spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets (small droplets from the nose or mouth). Those infected with COVID-19 can either display symptoms or be asymptomatic.
As of March 2021, there are three vaccines authorized and recommended to prevent COVID-19 – Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, and Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine. There is a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States, but supply will increase in the weeks and months to come. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved one drug, remdesivir (Veklury), to treat COVID-19 as determined by your healthcare provider.
COVID-19 vaccines and medications are two of many important tools to help us stop this pandemic. It’s important for everyone to continue covering your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, and washing your hands often.
As of March 2021, there are three vaccines authorized and recommended to prevent COVID-19 – Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, and Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved one drug, remdesivir (Veklury), to treat COVID-19 as determined by your healthcare provider.
Early detection and care can also promote recovery from this virus. If you have reason to suspect you may have been in contact with COVID-19 and are feeling unwell, please seek medical advice right away. We encourage you to follow CDC guidelines for personal hygiene and cleanliness that can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19:
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and immediately dispose of the tissue in a trash receptacle.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are not feeling well, except to receive medical care.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead. Tell them about any of your recent travel, your symptoms and/or if you suspect you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19
You can visit the CDC website for more information at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
