COVID-19 is a disease caused by a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This is a new virus that hasn't caused illness in humans before. Worldwide, COVID-19 has resulted in thousands of human infections, casing illness and sometimes death. As the virus continues to spread, there have been cases reported in least 100 countries, including the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic in early March.

As of today, the risk to most people in the United States remains low. In Maryland, there have been six confirmed cases--four cases in Montgomery County, one in Harford County and one in Prince George's County (3/10/2020). In the U.S., most cases are related to international travel. However, experts anticipate that the number of U.S. cases will increase through person-to-person transmission, as there has been some community spread reported in the U.S. Community transmission is how the common cold and flu are spread--meaning people catch it from each other while going about their daily lives.

Currently, people who are most at risk are those who:

• Older adults
• People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Lung Disease

If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should:

• Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
• When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick, limit close contact and wash your hands often.
• Avoid crowds as much as possible.
• Avoid cruise travel and nonessential air travel.
• During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.

Vulnerable populations include people who are:

• 60 years old and older.
• People with certain health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease and weakened immune systems.
• See additional recommendations. 

COVID-19 is spread just like colds or flu through:

• coughing and sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching an object or surface with the virus on it

Symtoms:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• In more severe cases, pneumonia (infection in the lungs)

Most people recover from this infection. Close to 80 percent will have mild or moderate symptoms. Ill people may be advised to recover at home and isolate themselves from others. These individuals should call their physician or clinic if their symptoms worsen. There is also no specific medicine currently to cure COVID-19 because it is a new disease. However, people who have COVID-19 should get medical care to lessen the severity of symptoms.

Some COVID-19 infections can lead to serious illness, and in some cases death. If someone has a more serious illness from COVID-19, they may be admitted to the hospital. Older people and those with pre-existing medical problems have a greater risk for serious illness. Examples of pre-existing medical problems are cancer, diabetes, heart disease, COPD and other conditions that impact the our immune system's ability to fight germs.

There is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. It is therefore important to take everyday preventive steps that are always recommended to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds, flu and COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using standard cleaning practices.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, your sleeve, or your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home except to get medical care.  Inform your supervisor of any illness.

If you have recently traveled internationally or were in contact with someone with COVID-19, and you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care right away. Follow these steps:

• Call your doctor or emergency room before you go.
• Tell them about any recent travel and close contacts (such as people in your household).
• Wear a mask if one is available.  An ear loop mask or simple surgical mask would be appropriate.

No. Face masks are not recommended for the general public. Masks can be useful in some settings, such as in a clinic waiting room, to prevent someone who already has a respiratory illness from spreading it to others.

There is no COVID-19 home test kit on the market for sale. People who suspect they have COVID-19 should contact their health care provider, who will determine if that patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and will decide to refer the patients for lab testing.

Your physician or health care provider will assess your symptoms and determine if diagnostic testing for the COVID-19 virus is appropriate. If your health care provider suspects COVID-19, THEY will coordinate testing with a laboratory or the State health department. While some commercial labs have the ability to analyze and report results to the patient or provider who ordered testing, the labs currently only perform the analysis and DO NOT collect specimens directly from patients. You may also call the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services' Disease Control Office to speak with a nurse. The number is 240-777-1755.

Have an adequate supply of over-the-counter drugs and other health supplies on hand, which could include:  pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
Have a thermometer, tissues and hand sanitizer in case you become ill and must stay at home to recover.

Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
Have a two-week supply of water and food in your home.

Currently, the CDC warns that travelers avoid all nonessential trips to China, Iran, Italy and South Korea. They also advise people who are elderly and those with chronic conditions to avoid nonessential travel to Japan. As more countries report community spread of COVID-19, the number of countries added to the travel advisory list may increase. View travel advisories at CDC's website.

Do not stigmatize people of any ethnicity.  People who have not recently traveled to China or other affected regions, and have not had close contact with a person who is ill with COVID-19, are at no greater risk of disease than you.  Viruses do not target people from specific populations, ethnicities or racial backgrounds.
Stay informed and only get information from trusted, official sources.  Be especially wary of myths, rumors, misinformation and scams circulating online and elsewhere.  Health information spread on social media, except from trusted sources, is frequently inaccurate.