1. It’s a Pandemic (A pandemic is the worldwide spread of a new disease)
  2. There is no specific treatment or vaccine for this disease (yet!).
    • When a disease is new, there is no vaccine until one is developed. It can take a number of years for a new vaccine to be developed. Because of the worlwide urgence there is hope it might be found quicker than usual, but it is still unknown if a vaccine will even be found and if it will work.
  3. You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is.
    • You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
  4. People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV), but the elderly and/or ill are more prone to serious complications if catching it.
    • People of all ages can be infected by the new coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.
  5. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work against bacteria.
    • The new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus and, therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment.
    • However, if you are hospitalized for the 2019-nCoV, you may receive antibiotics because bacterial co-infection is possible.
  6. Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity.
  7. The Coronavirus spreads much faster then SARS.
  8. For most people, the immediate risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low.
  9. There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  10. You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms:
    • Fever
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath

Seek medical advice if you

    • Develop symptoms

AND

    • Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.