With all the information being shared about Coronavirus, or COVID-19, we sat down with Dr. Kate Burke, our Senior Medical Advisor at PatientsLikeMe to get the facts.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This information is changing quickly as more details become available.

For the most up-to-date news and information about COVID-19, you can visit the following websites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

• World Health Organization website. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak

The Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a respiratory illness that causes fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. It is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can affect people and animals – causing mild to moderate respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses can cause severe illness that can lead to pneumonia or even death.   

The Coronavirus is thought to be spread mainly from person to person – between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet) and transmitted through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person sneezes or coughs. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby and possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

It is also possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that is contaminated, and then touching their own mouth, nose, or face, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus is spread.

People are thought to be the most contagious when they are symptomatic (the sickest). However, based on recent studies, the CDC has let us know that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms of the disease, and as a result, spread it to others without knowing they are spreading it. Even those who do develop symptoms can transmit the virus to others before showing any symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people who are interacting in close proximity even if they are not showing symptoms of the virus.

Symptoms of infection can include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Chills

• Repeated shaking with chills

• Muscle pain

• Headache

• Sore throat

• New loss of taste or smell

If you have a fever with a cough or trouble breathing, and might have been exposed to COVID-19, call your doctor or nurse. Symptoms may appear in 2–14 days.

If you are severely ill and need to go to the clinic or hospital right away, you should call ahead. This way the staff can care for you while taking steps to protect others. You will need to put on a face mask and wait elsewhere away from people.

• Stay away from others in your home, as much as possible to prevent transmitting the virus

• Use a face mask when you are with people and when you see your health care provider

• Do not travel while sick

• Do not use public transportation or taxis

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands)

• You should remain at home and avoid contact until your provider tells you it is safe to resume regular activities

You can also track your symptoms on PatientsLikeMe if you’re exhibiting symptoms, have been diagnosed, or think you may have been exposed.

Samples of blood, sputum, and swabs from the back of the nose and throat may be taken. In some cases, samples of fluid from the lungs may be collected by bronchoscopy. Urine and stool samples also may be collected for further testing. If a person is thought to have COVID-19, these samples will be sent for COVID-19 testing. 

Testing for COVID-19 in the US has been a bit of a roller coaster. It has at times proven difficult to get a test, and more tests need to be completed in order to contain the disease as effectively as possible. Each day, the FDA is pushing forward in its review and rollout of tests. The Emergency Use Act has been enabled, which relaxes standards during times of crisis.

While supplies of these tests and turnaround times are increasing, it may still be difficult to find a place to get tested. See Testing for COVID-19 for more information.

As always, please visit the CDC for the most up to date information that is quickly changing and FDA for testing information.

There are various treatments available to those who have contracted COVID-19. Supportive care is also being given to help relieve symptoms – this will vary depending on the severity of symptoms. To read a full list of available treatments and their respective uses, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html.

Currently, there are two approved vaccines for individuals over the age of 16. To read more about the vaccines, when you can receive a vaccine, and how vaccines are currently being distributed, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html. 

Although there is no vaccine for COVID-19, the best way to avoid infection is to avoid people who have the virus. Since we do not know who has had or currently has the virus, physical distancing as much as possible from anyone outside of your household will best protect you. 

If you have been traveling, check the CDC recommendations regarding travel restrictions and what to do when you get home. Depending on your travel history, you will be asked to stay home for a period of 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread or ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice):

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html

Taking these steps can prevent the spread:

• Physical distancing – decreasing your time in public spaces with crowds can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. When you are outside running errands and taking walks, it is important to stay 6 feet away from other people and wear a mask. 

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water, or clean them with an alcohol-based instant hand sanitizer

• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue away after use

• Do NOT share food, drinks, or utensils

• Clean commonly touched surfaces with a disinfectant

While we are still learning about how COVID-19 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease or a compromised immune system) appear to develop serious illness more often than others. Consequently, the CDC recommends that you take extra care and use the preventative measures mentioned above. A few other things to note for people who are immune compromised: 

• Wash your hands more regularly than most using the guidelines mentioned above

• If you do develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath call your doctor and discuss your condition in the event you need to be evaluated and or tested given your pre-existing medical conditions

• When you are at higher risk of severe illness it is important to practice physical distancing. Stay home if possible, avoid travel and close contact with others. 

If you take prescription medications, visit this link to learn about stockpiling your prescriptions.

The CDC now recommends that everyone wear a cloth mask when going out in public where physical distancing is not an option – such as to the grocery store, or the pharmacy. However, it is still necessary to maintain 6 foot distancing rules to continue to slow the spread of the virus and to stay at home whenever possible.

Cloth face coverings can be made from household materials, such as a cotton t-shirt, or pillowcase. Just make sure your mask covers your nose and chin. I for one, do not know how to sew, nor own a sewing machine! View this video from the Surgeon General and posted by the CDC for instructions to make a cloth mask at home with no sewing involved.

We have created a new condition page for people diagnosed with COVID-19 to start tracking their symptoms and connect with others who have the disease or may have been exposed:

https://www.patientslikeme.com/conditions/COVID-19

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