March 7, 2020 | Covid-19
By now you are well aware of the fast-evolving, global situation with COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus.
This week, U.S. health officials called the continued spread of the virus “likely” and asked the public to be prepared in case the virus becomes more widespread.
At Windward Life Care and Windward Home Health, we are working with our staff, clients, patients and their families to help them prepare, understanding the potential disruption that could occur with further spread of the virus.
We hope this information will help you take steps to stay healthy and plan for the possible need for “social distancing measures” to avoid the further spread of illness.
What are the symptoms?
Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection report mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
At this time, the CDC believes that symptoms of coronavirus may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. COVID-19 differs from seasonal flu viruses in that there is no vaccine or treatment available for COVID-19. Researchers are still trying to compile data to determine how the coronavirus spreads and manifests, but at this point it is believed to spread more rapidly than the flu.
Who is most at risk?
The people most at risk to develop severe symptoms are those with vulnerable immune systems, such as adults over age 65 and those with existing immunodeficiency issues.