Coronavirus FAQs
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease process which can consist of the any of the following:
Fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting and or diarrhea;
CO stands for corona, VI stands for virus, and D stands for disease. 19 is the shortened version for the year 2019, when the disease first appeared.
What is SARS COV 2?
SARS COV 2 is the specific type of coronavirus which causes COVID-19. It is an abbreviation for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome COronavirus type 2
How does the virus spread?
The virus is spread mainly through respiratory droplets from person to person. This can occur with sneezing, coughing, talking, singing, or yelling. Chances of person to person contact increase within 6 feet.
Are facemasks or face coverings recommended?
Yes, they have been scientifically proven to prevent the spread of infection. Face masks/coverings must cover both the nose and mouth to be effective. They are recommended for children two years and older.
What if my children can’t/won’t wear a facemask?
Face shields and/or splash screens are options.
Who is considered “close contact” to someone with COVID-19?
Any person within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 48 hours before the person began feeling sick until the time the patient was isolated.
Are the symptoms different in children than adults?
No. Symptoms are similar in both populations. Children may present with a type of inflammatory syndrome (vascular inflammation), but that is rare.
Can my children hang out with their friends?
Sure, as long as they maintain a safe distance of 6 feet.
How long after I am exposed to a patient with COVID-19 disease can I have symptoms if I become infected?
Generally, within 14 days, but most people will present with symptoms after 2-4 days of exposure.
Should I get tested for coronavirus if I think I have it?
Most people may not need to be tested. The majority of cases is mild and can be managed at home.
Should I get an antibody test?
It may not be helpful. A negative antibody test may miss Coronavirus antibodies in up to 50% of the time. Also, a positive antibody test does not necessarily mean that you have antibodies to the specific coronavirus (SARS COV 2) which causes COVID-19. There are a number of other types of coronaviruses which can cause a mild common cold like illness; the antibody test could be positive for these other types of coronaviruses.
Who is at higher risk for COVID-19?
Older people and others with underlying medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, a compromised immune state, obesity, serious heart conditions, sickle cell disease, and type two diabetes.
Is my child with an underlying medical condition at risk for severe illness?
Most cases in children are not severe at all. Underlying conditions which have been associated with severe disease in children include chronic lung disease, heart disease and a compromised immune system.
How many children have died from COVID-19 in Ohio?
As of mid July, 2020, from the over 3000 deaths in the state of Ohio, only 2 deaths have occurred in the age range of 2-20 years.
Can I get COVID-19 from my pet?
No, there is no proof that pet to human transmission occurs. But, some animals have tested positive for the virus.
Should playgrounds be disinfected after use?
No, disinfection has not been shown to be effective in prevention of spread. Routine cleaning of playgrounds is recommended.
What is the treatment for COVID-19?
There is no proven cure. Hospitalized patients are supported with oxygen and fluids until their bodies can heal. Experimental medicines are still being investigated.
What is herd immunity?
Herd immunity occurs when enough people become immune to a disease, and thus make its spread unlikely in that community. Herd immunity is generally accomplished with mass vaccination.
When will the vaccine be ready to use on the general population?
Most scientists predict early to mid-2021. But, even if developed, if a significant proportion of the population refuses to receive it, the US might not reach the critical level of herd immunity needed to end the pandemic.
