COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus) – OLD

COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus) Resources

The 2019 novel coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, is a virus strain that was newly identified at the end of 2019. An outbreak was caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in hundreds of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan, with additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally. The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020. The outbreak is spreading across the country, including Kansas.

This is an ongoing investigation and information is changing rapidly. And the Coronavirus emergency is a reminder of the essential role Community Health Centers perform in ensuring the health and strength of our communities.

Community Care offers this page as a resource to guide health care providers to accurate sources of information at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and others.

What are the symptoms?

People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 have reported symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing and fever that may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.

In severe cases, infection can cause bronchitis, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. From what we know so far, illness seems to be more severe in older individuals and in people with other health conditions, although younger people are being affected as well.

If you have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath and have had contact or believe you have had contact with someone who has a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.

Who is at risk for COVID-19?

As the risk to the general public has increased, stay-at-home orders and the practice of social distancing are proving effective. To minimize the risk of spread, health officials are working with healthcare providers to promptly identify and evaluate any suspected cases. Travelers to and from certain areas of the world may be at increased risk. The same holds true for those visiting Kansas counties with community spread.

The virus is thought to spread between people who are within about 6 feet of each other for at least 10 minutes through droplets from coughing and sneezing.

How can I avoid getting COVID-19?

Steps you can take to prevent the spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent COVID-19:

Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid contact with people who are sick.
Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

How is COVID-19 treated?

There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. There are no medications specifically approved for COVID-19. Most people with mild COVID-19 illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting and taking pain and fever medications. However, some cases develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization.

Updated: April 13, 2020