As your respiratory care provider, SuperCare Health strives to keep you informed and educated about managing your health. With the increasing concern over coronavirus and COVID-19, we want to help you best protect yourself. Below is some information gathered from the Centers for Disease Control.
What is it?
Coronaviruses are common and have circulated among people for a long time, causing mild illnesses like the common cold. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the illness caused by a new strain of coronavirus that is the current case of concern as it spreads in the U.S. and other countries.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the cold or flu, and include fever, cough, shortness of breath, body aches, and fatigue. These symptoms can be mild or severe, sometimes including vomiting or diarrhea, and can result in pneumonia. Patients most vulnerable if infected with coronavirus are older and elderly adults.
What causes it and how does it spread?
The main way COVID-19 is spread is from person-to-person, either between people who are in close contact with one another or through respiratory droplets created when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes.
How do I avoid contracting COVID-19?
You can minimize your exposure to COVID-19 by avoiding:
- close contact with people who are sick
- large crowds in public events or spaces
- touching your face without washing your hands first
What if I am feeling sick?
If you are feeling sick, regardless of whether you have been diagnosed with coronavirus, you should:
- stay home and avoid going out into public spaces, unless you are going for medical care
- cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue to avoid spreading germs
- clean any surfaces or items you come into contact with daily
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
What is the treatment for COVID-19?
There are currently no vaccines or specific treatments approved for COVID-19 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, it is recommended that anyone who suspects they may have come into contact with or have the virus contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Stay healthy and stay informed
As always, we encourage you to stay informed. You can visit our COVID-19 Updates page to keep up to date on your home medical equipment and other news.