To support residents seeking information about COVID-19, the Manchester Board of Health released the following information.
Covid-19 : What You Should Know
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within approximately six feet, for 15 minutes or more) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have a mild to severe respiratory illness. The more classic symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. A dry cough with chest
pain is common. It’s been noted that many individuals have experienced a mild illness with symptoms including nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, or diarrhea.
What are the severe complications from this virus?
Some patients develop pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and in some cases death.
Who is at risk of getting sick from this illness?
- Epidemiologists predict that 40-70% of the U.S. population will contract a COVID-19 infection. 80 percent of them will have a mild illness, 20 percent will have a moderate to severe illness requiring medical support.
- Adults over 60 have a significantly higher incidence of serious illness with a mortality risk that increases with age, from 3.6 percent for people in their 60s to 14.6 percent for individuals over age 80.
- People who have associated medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease or are immunocompromised, are at increased risk.
If you are at a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 due to your age or on-going health problems, it is especially important for you to immediately take action to reduce your risk of infection.
How can I protect myself?
- Practice social distancing, maintaining at least six feet between you and others.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid social gatherings.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Disinfect countertops, doorknobs, car keys, and cell phones with disinfectant wipes, frequently.
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected:
- Stay home except to get medical care.
- Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
- Wash your hands often for 20 seconds with soap and water.
- Call ahead before visiting your doctor and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help them take steps to keep other people from getting exposed.
- Wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and immediately wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Avoid sharing personal household items, including towels.
- If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a face mask before emergency medical services arrive.
- Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.
Is there a treatment?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.
What should I do if I recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19?
If you have traveled from high risk countries such as China, Iran, Italy, or South Korea, you will be asked to stay home for a period of 14 days from the time you left the area. Take the following steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet).
If you develop symptoms during this period (fever, cough, trouble breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health care provider before you go and tell them about your travel and symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out, and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
