If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention at
once. In adults, emergency warning signs*:
Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs
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Pay attention for potential COVID-19 symptoms including fever, cough, and
shortness of breath. If you feel like you are developing symptoms, call your
doctor or do a virtual video visit.
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If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention at
once. In adults, emergency warning signs*:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for
any other symptom that is severe or concerning.
To avoid getting COVID-19; you should:
Have supplies on hand
-
Contact your healthcare provider to ask about obtaining extra necessary
medications to have on hand in case there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in
your community and you need to stay home for a prolonged period of time.
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If you cannot get extra medications, consider using mail-order for
medications.
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Be sure you have over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies
(tissues, etc.) to treat fever and other symptoms. Most people will be
able to recover from COVID-19 at home.
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Have enough household items and groceries on hand so that you will be
prepared to stay at home for a period of time.
Take everyday precautions
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
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Take everyday preventive actions
- Clean your hands often
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having
been in a public place.
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If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that has
at least 60% alcohol.
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To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public
places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with
people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or
finger if you must touch something.
- Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
- Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
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Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine
cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables,
doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks &
cell phones)
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Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Your risk of
exposure to respiratory viruses like COVID-19 may increase in
crowded, closed-in settings with little air circulation if there are
people in the crowd who are sick.
- Stay home as much as possible.
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Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family,
social, or commercial networks
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Avoid all non-essential travel including plane trips, and especially
avoid embarking on cruise ships.