Students please call the Health Center 972-721-5322 and complete this form. Employees with symptoms should complete this form.
Groundhog's Guide to Health
About the coronavirus
About the Coronavirus
What is the coronavirus? SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19, the disease.
How is it spread?
Transmission of the COVID-19 virus is thought to occur mainly from person-to-person
contact (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets when an infected person
coughs, sneezes or talks.
People are most contagious when most symptomatic (sickest). Spread may also be possible when a person touches a contaminated object and then touches
their own mouth, nose or their eyes.
It is possible for people to spread COVID-19 before symptoms occur, but this is less
likely.
Symptoms
How quickly will symptoms appear? Symptoms typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure (usually 5 days).
What are COVID-19 symptoms?
Symptoms include fever/chills, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue,
headache, nasal congestion, muscle or body aches, sore throat, new loss of sense of
smell or taste, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
Older adults and people with preexisting conditions are most at risk for severe illness.
• Fatality rates are estimated at 2.5-3% overall, primarily in older adults and people
with pre-existing medical conditions.
Note 97-99.75% of people recover, and ~ 80% have only a mild illness. The fatality rate in people under 65 years old and with no other medical conditions
is <1%.
Prevention of spread
How can the spread of COVID-19 be prevented?
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
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 using a regular household
cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after
going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with
at least 60% alcohol.
Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
Limited supplies of COVID-19 vaccines are now available in North Texas. For information
on eligibility and registration requirements, which vary among vaccine providers,
click on the county health department link.
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