Because the coronavirus spreads through a cough, sneeze, or kiss, there are some simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy. These are the same things you would do to prevent colds and flu:
With COVID-19, it is important to stay protected against the flu. Learn more about seasonal flu prevention, symptoms and resources here.
Please DO NOT go straight to a hospital or other health care facility if you:
Develop a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
Coronaviruses are a kind of virus that causes flus and colds. The coronavirus that is spreading now is a new type that causes respiratory flu-like symptoms. COVID-19 is the name of the illness caused by this new coronavirus. Most cases are mild to moderate. Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions, may experience more severe respiratory and other illnesses related to COVID-19.
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 spreads by respiratory droplets in the air and on surfaces, just like colds and flu. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, the virus can spread up to 6 feet and then it drops to the ground or onto a surface. Most cases have happened through close contact with an infected person.
The most common COVID-19 symptoms may include:
Or at least two of these symptoms:
Some additional symptoms include body aches, congestions or runny nose, sore throat, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. Some people have COVID-19 but don’t feel any symptoms at all.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus.
At this time of year, colds and seasonal allergies are common. With several overlapping symptoms, it’s natural to wonder if that cough, sneezing, and scratchy throat could be caused by COVID-19. To start, fever is a symptom that’s much more common with the new coronavirus. Itchy eyes are most often a sign of seasonal allergies. Below you’ll find links to Cleveland Clinic and Harvard Medical School articles with more information that can help you understand the differences between the symptoms of these illnesses and take action, if needed. As always, please give your Martin’s Point provider a call if you are concerned about symptoms you may be having.
Cleveland Clinic: Is It Covid-19, a Cold, or Seasonal Flu?
Harvard Health Publishing: Allergies? Common cold? Flu? Or COVID-19?
Call 211 or Visit 211Maine.org
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
State and Local Government Links Details on state-level updates
World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus disease advice, recommendations, and resources