A quick guide to help you understand, prevent and deal with coronavirus (COVID-19)
Do you know what the symptoms of the new coronavirus, or COVID-19, are and who may be at most risk?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19.
Current research says that these symptoms of the coronavirus may appear two to 14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The CDC says to get medical attention immediately if you experience:
- 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 symptoms that are severe or concerning. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.
Can I or should I get tested for coronavirus?
The CDC currently says that if you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or you are a resident of a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider and explain your symptoms and your exposure. The provider will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home.
Coronavirus testing locations in North Carolina are in development.
If you are at higher risk for serious illness
People at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 should contact their health care provider early, even if their illness is mild.
Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
Editor’s note: Information compiled from resources available from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as of March 17, 2020.
Keep up with developments and find out more
Daily status updates on the number of cases of coronavirus in North Carolina, plus official declarations and breaking news
North Carolina coronavirus resource guide where you can find information and direct links to schools, churches, health care providers, travel advisories and more
You can strengthen independent, in-depth and investigative news for all of North Carolina
Carolina Public Press is transforming from a regionally focused nonprofit news organization to the go-to independent, in-depth and investigative news arm for North Carolina. You are critical to this transformation — and the future of investigative and public interest reporting for all North Carolinians.
Unlike many others, we aren’t owned by umbrella organizations or corporations. We are an independent and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, founded and operated in North Carolina. And we haven’t put up a paywall — we believe that fact-based, context-rich watchdog journalism is a vital public service. But we need your help. Carolina Public Press’ in-depth, investigative and public interest journalism takes a lot of money, persistence and hard work to produce. We are here because we believe in and are dedicated to the future of North Carolina.
So, if you value independent, in-depth and investigative reporting in the public interest for North Carolina, please take a moment to make a tax-deductible contribution. It only takes a minute and makes a huge difference. Thank you!
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. You may republish our stories for free, online or in print. Simply copy and paste the article contents from the box below. Note, some images and interactive features may not be included here.
I am glad that you mentioned that we should talk to a medical professional if we have severe symptoms. I woke up with a sore throat and a fever and I suspect it may be COVID. I will be sure to contact a doctor for a test so I can know for sure.