NAPCA is not a health care provider. These recommendations have been gathered based on recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and information provided by the Administration for Community Living. For additional information, please review the CDC.gov website or view NAPCA’s resources section with additional national and state specific information.
To learn about COVID-19 emergency food or housing resources in Seattle and Los Angeles,
call the NAPCA Helpline: ☏ 1-800-336-2722
Prevention
The new Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is thought to spread mainly between people in close contact with one another through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. The virus may also be transmitted when you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching a surface or object with the virus on it. There are several ways you can protect yourself, your family, and your community from the virus.
The most effective way is to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
It is important to avoid people who may be infected and avoid crowded places to protect yourself and others. Stay home if you are sick (except to get medical care), cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow, and clean and disinfect touched surfaces frequently.
More information on COVID-19 prevention here.
More information on how COVID-19 spreads here.
Symptoms
The new Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 may cause mild to severe symptoms including: fever, cough, and shortness of breath that appear within 2-14 days after exposure. Not everyone with COVID-19 will experience symptoms, or they may be mild enough that they are dismissed, but they can still be contagious.
Older adults and people who have chronic medical conditions are at a greater risk for more serious COVID-19 illness and death. This is because immune systems grow weaker as we age, which makes it more challenging to fight off infectious diseases.
If you develop symptoms of the virus, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms, your exposure, and any pre-existing conditions. Your provider will decide whether you need to be tested based on the information you share.
To diagnose a potential case, health providers may run tests to rule out influenza or other common infections. Not all healthcare facilities are able to test for COVID-19 at this time, and there is currently no treatment for the virus.
More information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing here.
Preparedness
There are steps you can take to prepare yourself and your family in case the new Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, spreads to your community. The CDC suggests creating a household plan of action that may include making an emergency contact list, planning for ways to care for those who may get sick, and having access to several weeks of supplies in case you need to stay home for an extended period of time.
Also, be aware that local public health officials may make recommendations that are specific to your local situation. How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the community you live in, and the things that make you different from other people. Taking care of yourself can help you cope with the stress during an outbreak and helping others cope with their stress and sharing accurate information about the virus can make your community stronger.