What is Covid-19?

  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person.
  • The virus that causes COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has spread throughout the world.
  • You can become infected by coming into close contact (about 6 feet) with a person who has COVID-19.
  • You can become infected from respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
  • You may also be able to get it by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Symptoms of 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
*People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

How to stop the spread:

  • Stay home if you are sick, unless it is to get medical attention.
  • Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and face.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.​
  • Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Always remain 6 feet from other people when you are out in public.
  • Don't forget to wear a mask!

How Covid affects older adults:

Among adults, the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults being at the highest risk. For example, people in their 80's are at a higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50's. The greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are those aged 85 or older. Severe illness means that the person with COVID-19 may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe. There are also other factors that can increase your risk for severe illness, such as having underlying medical conditions. The CDC has reported that 8 out of 10 COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. have been in adults aged 65 years or older.

Have seasonal allergies?

​Sometimes seasonal allergies and COVID-19 can look very similar to one another, but they have their differences as well. For example, COVID-19 can cause fever, which is not a common symptom of seasonal allergies. Since it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two, you may need to get a test to confirm your diagnosis. Take a look at the diagram below to help distinguish between the symptoms:
*Seasonal allergies usually do not cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, unless a person has a respiratory condition such as asthma that can be triggered by exposure to pollen.
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For more information on Covid-19 versus seasonal allergies visit the CDC's website here: ​https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-seasonal-allergies-faqs.html

For more resources:​