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CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19) What you need to know about: Q: What is COVID-19? A: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Q: How does COVID-19 spread? A: COVID-19 spreads the same way the flu and other respiratory diseases spread, through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or or sneezes. Q: What are the of COVID-19? A: Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness with of fever, cough and shortness of breath. In severe cases, patients with COVID-19 have developed pneumonia in both lungs. Q: Is there a vaccine for COVID-19? A: There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. Q: Who can be infected with COVID-19? A: Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity. People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get COVID-19 than any other American. Help stop fear by letting people know that being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19. Q: How can I help protect myself from COVID-19? A: The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. The same measures that are urged to prevent the spread of any respiratory virus are increasingly important for all Georgians: • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Stay home if you’re sick. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Get a flu shot! • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Q: How is COVID-19 treated? A: There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should call their healthcare provider before going to any provider’s office, emergency department or urgent care. For more information: dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html