The CDC has received several reports of a small number of pets (including cats and dogs) becoming infected with the virus, as well as a tiger at a zoo in New York. Most of these animals had contact with a person with COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited data available, the risk of animals … [Read more...] about What about my pets? Can they get sick with COVID-19?

Contact your public health department or your own medical provider as soon as possible. Stay home and avoid visitors until you are instructed on next steps. Information on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in your home or community if you were exposed to COVID-19 and have developed symptoms can be found here. Much is unknown about breastfeeding and COVID-19. The most current advice can be found … [Read more...] about I was exposed to/diagnosed with COVID-19 and I’m concerned about protecting my family. What should I do?

In the case of COVID-19, there is no proven effective treatment or prophylaxis for household members currently available. For individuals with symptoms of mild infection (fever, cough, sore throat without dehydration or shortness of breath), home management and isolation is advised. For those with more concerning symptoms (shortness of breath or labored breathing, chest pain with breathing, … [Read more...] about My child has a fever and cough and I’m concerned that they may have COVID-19.

In a change from previous guidance, the CDC now recommends the use of cloth face masks when leaving the house as part of a bundle of behavior-based practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19. What’s the reason behind this change? The incubation period (time between exposure to the virus and when symptoms first appear) for COVID-19 is reported to be between 2-12 days for the majority of … [Read more...] about Why does the CDC now recommend the use of cloth face masks?

There is currently no vaccine or antiviral therapy proven to be effective against COVID-19, although vaccine development and clinical drug trials are in their earliest stages. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. COVID-19 can be spread by those with asymptomatic infections as well as by those who are in the early period of infection before symptoms develop. While … [Read more...] about How can I prevent from getting COVID-19 disease?

Based on numerous published studies in the past several months, children continue to show that they are the least likely age group to experience severe illness. However, certain groups are considered at higher risk of serious disease, including older adults and those with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, immunocompromised status, heart disease, chronic lung disease, and kidney … [Read more...] about Who is at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19?