Health Services

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new virus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which continues to expand. Chinese health officials have reported thousands of infections with COVID-19 in China, with the virus reportedly spreading from person-to-person in many parts of that country. Infections with COVID-19, most of them associated with travel from Wuhan, also are being reported in a growing number of international locations, including the United States.

Of the confirmed COVID-19 infections, illnesses can range from being mildly sick to being severely ill and dying. Symptoms can include:

• Fever or chills

• Cough (new or worsening)

• Shortness of breath (or difficulty breathing)

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore Throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fatigue

The respiratory symptoms of COVID-19 typically appear an average of 5-6 days after exposure, but may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure, according to the CDC.

Per recommendations from the CDC, nonessential travel outside the United States or to affected areas within the U.S. is not recommended at this time. Aside from avoiding nonessential travel, the best steps to avoid contracting respiratory viruses include:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• If you think you might be infected with COVID-19 please call your Primary Care Provider or your local Health Center and ask to speak with a nurse BEFORE visiting a Health facility. Many health systems have online portals available as well as telemedicine for convenience and protection.