As the COVID-19 coronavirus is reported in more countries and states within the U.S., one of the most common questions and online searches involves the symptoms of the illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, coronavirus patients have reported a mild to severe respiratory illness, with symptoms of cough, fever, and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Additional symptoms include chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.
The CDC says those symptoms can appear within two days, or as long as 14 days after exposure.
The CDC recommends these everyday lifestyle tips for avoiding the spread of any type of respiratory virus:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
If you are sick, the CDC says to take these steps to avoid spreading a respiratory illness:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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