What is coronavirus?
The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
What do we know about COVID-19?
The virus is spread by respiratory droplets, which may travel up to six feet from someone who is sneezing or coughing. An individual who has been confirmed with COVID-19 can also transmit the virus by shaking hands, touching a doorknob, tabletop or other surfaces. The risk of infection is dependent on exposure. Those who work in close contact with individuals who have been confirmed are at greater risk of exposure, for example, healthcare workers and those who share a living space.
What can everyone do to protect themselves from viral infections?
Get vaccinated. Care Resource is offering several COVID-19 vaccines to help stop the spread and to protect individuals from developing a severe reaction to the coronavirus. Click here to make your appointment as soon as possible.
Wash your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home.
- Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
- Wear a cloth face cover when in public areas, (i.e. grocery store, pharmacy) where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
- Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter-tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
Monitor Your Health
- Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
What are symptoms and when do they begin?
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 or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you are experiencing any symptoms, it’s IMPORTANT to call ahead before visiting your healthcare provider or county health department.
How is Care Resource responding to COVID-19?
Care Resource is actively monitoring and addressing the potential risk of the COVID-19. During this rapidly evolving period, with guidance from the CDC and Florida Department of Health, we have taken the necessary precautions by increasing safety, as well as awareness to patients and Care Resource staff, and will respond as needed.
Is there a treatment for COVID-19?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has currently approved two drugs as treatment or therapies* for COVID-19.
1. Molnupiravir from Merck, in pill form to treat mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in adults with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, and for whom alternative COVID-19 treatment options authorized by the FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate.
2. Paxlovid from Pfizer, in pill form to be prescribed for use in adults and children ages 12 and up with mild to moderate COVID who are at risk for severe disease or hospitalization.
* These drugs are not a substitute for vaccination and are generally reserved for people who are the most vulnerable, including seniors, transplant recipients and those with conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?
There are two COVID-19 vaccines with full FDA approval, the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna MRNA based vaccines. There are three vaccines approved under EUA (Emergency Use Authorization). These include Johnson & Johnson/Janssen, AstraZeneca, and Novavax (Protein based).
Does Care Resource offer any COVID-19 vaccines?
Care Resource is currently administering the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to everyone 6 months + and older. Click here to schedule your vaccination or for more information.
Does COVID-19 impact people living with HIV or other chronic conditions differently?
Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Based on information from the CDC, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are:
- People 65 years and older
- People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:
- People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
- People who have serious heart conditions
- People who are immunocompromised
- Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
- People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
- People with diabetes
- People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
- People with liver disease
Have more questions?
Click here to visit the CDC website Frequently Asked Questions.
