COVID-19 is a respiratory sickness caused by a virus. The virus, called SARS-CoV-2, causes respiratory symptoms ranging from mild cough and nasal congestion to more severe symptoms like trouble breathing. Most people who get this virus will recover on their own within 1-2 weeks.

Anyone with respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, fever, or shortness of breath should consider getting tested. Many patients with COVID-19 have very mild symptoms or even none at all. Anyone who has been exposed to a person with COVID-19 should be tested.

If you are having trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, or other severe symptoms, you should call 911 immediately.

If you are having milder symptoms, have been exposed to COVID-19, or just want testing for peace of mind, click on the COVID Testing link on our homepage or come to one of our testing sites. A staff member will be available to help you get registered and get tested.

Patients over the age of 65, those with chronic heart, lung, or kidney disease, or those with a compromised immune system are at a higher risk for having more severe complications from COVID-19.

At this time, there is no cure or vaccine for the virus, but there are some medications that may help reduce the severity of the illness and treat the symptoms. Your healthcare provider can guide you regarding the best treatments for your specific condition.

There are several steps you and your family can take to help reduce your chances of getting sick, and prevention is always the best medicine.

• Wash your hands several times per day with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It's also a good idea to wash your hands after touching public surfaces like doors or shopping carts.
• Avoid touching your face. We usually don't realize how often we touch our faces, but the COVID-19 virus enters the body through the mouth and nose, so try not to touch those areas.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as pens and phones. These items may carry viral particles that could spread to your hands.
• Avoid large public gatherings and other crowds. Stay home unless an outing is truly necessary.
• If you are sick, be sure to cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw the tissue in the trash. Do not return to work or school while you are still sick.

More information on COVID-19 may be found on the CDC's website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html