- A person with the virus is potentially infectious the entire time that s/he has the virus, but the period when s/he is most infectious to others is the 24 hours prior to developing symptoms.
- From the time a person is exposed to COVID-19 until symptoms develop is typically ~ 4 days. Of course, there can be some variation (3-14 days), but it’s usually around 4 days.
- Certain medical factors put a person at greater risk of developing severe illness. The riskiest conditions a person can have and smoking, age, obesity, and certain pulmonary diseases. Conditions such as kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, immunosuppression can affect progression and outcomes as well.
- Children generally don’t develop symptoms, but they may have significantly greater viral loads than sick adults—and they can still transmit the infection.
- There will be more cases, but later cases won’t be as virulent.
- After having COVID-19 once, you can’t get it again.
A good discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZFhjMQrVts&feature=youtu.be
CDC Information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF (AND OTHERS)?
- Wash your hands A LOT.
- Avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and head.
- Avoid sharing personal household items.
- Minimize touching surfaces, including handles and doorknobs.
- Keep away from crowds—remember people are most infectious before they have symptoms.
- Use zinc lozenges. Let a lozenge dissolve on your tongue every hour or two while awake—the zinc inhibits viral replication.
- Generally take good care of yourself: eat healthy foods, sleep well, and take prescribed medications.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CORONAVIRUS INFECTION?
Of course, people can start with generalized upper respiratory symptoms (scratchy throat, runny nose, muscle aches, etc.), but FEVER, COUGH, and SHORTNESS OF BREATH are the major symptoms of a COVID-19 infection.
If you develop symptoms, consider sequestering yourself.
HOW CAN I BE TESTED FOR COVID-19?
There is currently ONE testing site in all of Colorado: it’s a drive through facility at 8100 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO 80230. (As a matter of fact, no matter where the samples are collected, they are sent to the same state lab.)
If you’re interested in getting a test, a physician’s prescription is required (with which we can certainly provide you). Because there is only one testing site, the line can be long, so you might want to call ahead.
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/covid-19-testing
For testing in other states, follow the link below!
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/testing-in-us.html