How Is COVID-19 spread?
It is primarily spread from person-to-person through:
- Close contact within approximately six feet;
- Respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
It is an upper respiratory illness that causes the following symptoms. It can take as little as two days, or as long as 14 days for symptoms to appear.
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
The list is not all possible symptoms. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
A significant portion of people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic.
What is the difference between the flu and COVID-19?
Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm diagnosis. For more information on similarities and differences, click here.
What should you do if you are exposed to COVID-19?
Be informed and know your next steps.
The Texas Medical Association COVID-19 Task Force has created a decision tree to help people understand what
to do after they have been exposed to COVID-19.
Venturing out?
With businesses reopening, you might be looking for ways to resume daily activities. Here are some things to consider:
- How many people will you interact with?
- Can you keep 6 feet of space between you and others?
- What’s the length of time you will be interacting with people?
Additional Guidance
Errands and Going Out — CDC
Risky Activities during COVID-19
TMA has developed a chart which identifies the level of risk associated with everyday activities.
- See the chart for details.
- What are you going to do for the holidays? Check out the new holiday risk chart to help you with that decision.
For Questions, Contact Your Local Health Department
How Can You Help? Give Blood Today
In order to maintain an adequate blood supply, healthy and well people should donate regularly. If you want to be a blood donor, contact the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center to set up an appointment at a facility near you.