(CNN) – While the United States records its first coronavirus deaths and the number of infections is growing worldwide, many people wonder what symptoms to watch for and how to protect themselves.
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This is what you should know to stay safe:
What are the symptoms
Coronavirus affects people, usually with a mild to moderate disease of the upper respiratory tract, similar to a common cold. Its symptoms include runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache and fever that can last a couple of days.
For those with a weakened immune system, the elderly and those who are very young, there is a possibility that the virus may cause a lower and much more severe respiratory tract disease, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
How it spreads
Transmission between humans occurs when someone comes into contact with the secretions of an infected person, such as cough drops.
Depending on how virulent the virus is, a cough, a sneeze or a handshake can cause exposure. The virus can also be transmitted by coming into contact with an object that an infected person has touched and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. Caregivers can sometimes be exposed when handling a patient’s waste, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The virus seems to spread primarily from person to person.
“People are believed to be more contagious when they are more symptomatic (the sickest),” the CDC says. “It is possible for something to spread before people show symptoms; There have been reports that this happens with … the coronavirus, but this is not believed to be the main way the virus spreads. ”
How is it treated
There is no specific antiviral treatment, but research is under way.
Most of the time, the symptoms will disappear on their own and experts advise seeking early attention. If the symptoms feel worse than those of a standard cold, consult your doctor. Doctors can relieve symptoms by prescribing medications for pain or fever. The CDC says that a room humidifier or a hot shower can help with a sore throat or cough.
People with coronaviruses should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. In some severe cases, treatment includes care to support the vital functions of the organs, according to the CDC.
People who think they may have been exposed to the virus should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
How long is the incubation period?
Quarantine is generally established for the incubation period, the period of time during which people have developed the disease after exposure. For the coronavirus, the quarantine period is 14 days from the last exposure date, because 14 days is the longest incubation period observed for similar diseases.
How can it be prevented?
There is no vaccine to protect you, at least not yet.
The National Institutes of Health of the USA UU. They are working on a vaccine, but it will take months until clinical trials begin and more than a year until it becomes available.
Meanwhile, you can reduce the risk of infection by avoiding sick people. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and disinfect objects and surfaces that you touch.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Awareness is also key. If you are sick and have reason to believe that it may be a coronavirus, you should inform a health care provider and seek early treatment.
Kristie Lu Stout, Jen Christensen and Meera Senthilingam contributed to this report.
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