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 may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Illness can be severe and require hospitalization, but most individuals recover by resting, drinking plenty of liquids, and taking pain and fever-reducing medications.

Higher-risk people

Certain people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, including:

• Older adults
• People of any age with underlying medical conditions.

​Everyone's daily preventive actions are important in reducing spread to people who may experience more severe illness.

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.

Personal prevention

Stay informed with reliable sources of information and share accurate information with neighbors, friends and co-workers, especially people who may have difficulty receiving or understanding the information.

There are effective ways to reduce the risk to yourself and the people you care about:

• Make or buy a cloth covering that will cover your mouth and nose and use it whenever you are outside your own house or yard. Scarves and bandanas will work as coverings. Wash your face covering frequently
• 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 high touch surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.