The COVID-19 coronavirus: What You Should Know

A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) State health departments including the New Hampshire (NH) Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services' (DPHS), and City of Dover emergency management and health officials continue to monitor the situation. 

What are coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, but only several types are known to commonly cause infections in people, with these common human coronaviruses usually causing mild to moderate respiratory illness (like the common cold). Newer human coronaviruses, like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and the COVID-19 can cause more severe symptoms. The COVID-19 is originally thought to have spread from animals to humans, but person-to-person spread is widespread.

How is it spread?

COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet);
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
• COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

The virus may be spread in other ways:

• By touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

This is similar to how influenza and other respiratory infections spread. The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably between people. The more closely a person interacts with others and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread.

What are the symptoms?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. 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 of body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you have traveled to/from countries with a COVID-19 Travel Advisory and develop symptoms of a fever or respiratory illness within 14 days of your travel, contact your health care provider before going to their office or the emergency department, and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms. You can also contact the NH Division of Public Health Services at 603-271-4496, if you have questions or concerns.

For the latest travel information and advisories, visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

How can I protect myself and others?

There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting sick from viral respiratory infections, and help prevent transmitting infections to others, including:

• Avoid close contact. When outside your home put 6 feet (about 2 arms' length) distance between yourself and people who you do not live with. This is known as social distancing.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others. Everyone should wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don't live in your households, especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. The mask is not a substitute for social distancing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home from work or school if you have a fever or are not feeling well.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
• Get a flu shot - it is not too late to be protected from flu.

Is there a treatment?

There are no specific antiviral treatments recommended for infection with the COVID-19. People infected with COVID-19 can receive supportive care at home to help relieve symptoms, such as taking pain or fever medications, drinking plenty of fluids, and staying home and resting. Some patients who are very sick may need to go to the hospital to get care.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their health care provider immediately.

Additional resources

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services website provides updated information about the state's response to COVID-19. The page can be accessed at: https://www.nh.gov/covid19/

Additional information, including advisories for travel, businesses and schools, can be found at the Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 page at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

The Dover School District also provides updates about COVID-19 and the response by school officials here.