What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is constantly undergoing small genetic changes, these changes lead to new variants. COVID-19 spreads quickly and is very contagious. COVID-19 is often associated with respiratory symptoms that are similar to other seasonal viruses although other parts of the body may also be affected by the infection. People with COVID-19 may have mild or severe illness.
Transmission
COVID-19 spreads when respiratory droplets released when an infected person breathes out or coughs come in contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth of a person who is susceptible to infection. A person may also be infected if they inhale droplets or particles that contain the virus. Even people who do not have symptoms can spread COVID-19.
Prevention
You can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by using everyday preventative strategies.
- Regardless of how much COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the CDC recommends staying up to date on your COVID vaccinations.
- Washing your hands frequently using soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water aren't available.
- When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. As soon as possible, dispose of the tissue and wash your hands.
- Frequently clean and sanitize surfaces, especially those that are handled frequently like phone screens, door handles, and faucets.
- If you become ill with symptoms of COVID-19 get tested.
- Avoid contact with people who are ill or are known to have COVID-19. If you can not avoid being in contact with a person who has COVID-19 follow other preventative strategies like wearing a well-fitting face mask, improving indoor ventilation, and practicing good hand hygiene.
- If you were exposed to COVID-19 but don't have symptoms test after 5 days.
- If you were exposed to COVID-19 there are specific precautions you should take. Follow the CDC's recommendations for a person exposed to COVID-19.
- Improving indoor ventilation and filtration or move indoor activities outdoors. Improving ventilation inside can help prevent virus particles from accumulating in indoor air and help protect you from becoming infected and spreading the COVID-19 virus.
- When COVID-19 is circulating at high levels in your community wearing a well-fitting face mask, avoiding crowded places, and keeping your distance from other people can help prevent you from becoming ill from COVID-19. Wearing a mask can help lower the risk of respiratory virus transmission. When worn by a person with an infection, masks reduce the spread of the virus to others. Masks can also protect wearers from breathing in infectious particles from people around them.
For updated guidance and information on COVID-19 vaccines, cases, data, and other precautions, visit the CDC’s COVID-19 site,
found here.