Important information about COVID-19 from CDPH&E, CDC, Fema and more…

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus

FROM CDPH&E:

Take everyday actions to protect yourself and those you love  

  • There are effective ways to reduce the risk to yourself and the people you care about.  
    • Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.  
    • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.  
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Stay home if you’re sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.  
    • Clean surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.  
  • Be calm and prepared.  

Things to remember  

  • It is normal to be scared, distressed or angry when you hear about a disease outbreak, even when you are at a low risk of getting sick. Be careful not to turn fear and anger towards people who have become sick. Ask yourself:  
    • Would you think or do the same thing if this was a different infectious disease, like the flu?  
    • Does what I’m doing make people safer or does it create more fear or harm?    
  • The risk of COVID-19 is not at all connected with race, ethnicity, or nationality. Blaming others will not help fight the illness. Seeking and sharing accurate information will. 

How COVID-19 spreads

The disease most likely spreads the same way as similar respiratory illnesses.

  • Person-to-person contact:   
    • To become sick, you have to be exposed to the virus. CDC defines exposure as being within 6 feet (2 meters) of someone with a confirmed infection for a prolonged period of time.    
    • Exposure can occur through respiratory droplets — when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how flu and other respiratory viruses spread.   
  • Infected surfaces or objects:  
    • It may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or possibly your eyes.   
  • For these reasons, people at increased risk of infection are:  
    • People who have been to areas where widespread community transmission is occurring.  
    • People who had direct close contact with someone who has COVID-19. 

Symptoms and severity

  • Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
  • Illness can be severe and require hospitalization, but most individuals recover by resting, drinking plenty of liquids, and taking pain and fever-reducing medications.

If you are sick

It is important to call ahead before going to see a doctor or emergency room to prevent the spread of illness. Tell them your symptoms and that you suspect you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 or had  recent travel to a place that is experiencing community spread.

How can we fight the Coronavirus – Dr. Sanjay Gupta https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/11/health/coronavirus-cold-allergies-flu-difference-symptoms-wellness-trnd/index.html