Every day, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases new updates and trustworthy information regarding COVID-19. These updates help keep the American people up-to-date about everything going on with this fast spreading disease.
Today, we'll review a few of the most important recommendations and details that have been announced by the CDC in the past few weeks!
What are symptoms of COVID-19? What should I do if I'm experiencing symptoms?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have 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
Experiencing any of these symptoms? Consider visiting a local testing center and self-quarantining until your symptoms improve.
It is also important to look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If you are showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
Call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
What steps should I take if I may have been exposed?
At this time, there is no reliant method of treating COVID-19. Therefore, it's important to take actions on your own to
care for yourself and
protect others.
If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you should:
- Stay home, except to get medical care.
- Monitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider immediately.
- Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
- If you have a medical appointment, notify your healthcare provider ahead of time that you have or may have COVID-19.
- Stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. If possible, use a separate bathroom. If you must be around others, wear a mask.
Is it safe to travel again?
Travelling does increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is still the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
However, many states have begun loosening travel restrictions, meaning that travel is back on the table. Before you consider travelling, consider the following:
- Is COVID-19 spreading at your destination?
- How many COVID-19 cases has your destination had in the last 7 days?
- Does your destination have any specific requirements / restrictions for travelers?
During your trip, take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
- Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings.
- Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet apart from anyone who is not from your household.
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
How is the U.S. trending?
Nationally, COVID-19 activity continued to decline or remain stable. Additionally, deaths attributed to COVID-19 declined nationwide, but are still happening at an alarming rate.
While it may be encouraging to see the number of new cases declining and life slowly returning to normal, it is important to continue to take the pandemic seriously. By continuing these efforts, we can expect a complete return to normalcy sooner rather than later.
Looking for even more updates about COVID-19? Then visit www.CDC.gov/coronavirus to learn more!
Stay healthy and safe, everyone!
