COVID-19 Information

A: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) and now COVID-19. The viruses are typically zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Coronaviruses get their name from a distinctive corona, or “crown,” of sugary proteins that appear around the virus under a microscope.

A. A novel coronavirus (nCov) is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The 2019 novel coronavirus is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among people and cause mild illnesses like the common cold. A novel virus, even if mild, often has a significant impact on the population because communities do not have herd immunity against it.

A. Indiana has four common strains of coronaviruses that circulate through our state every year. These are not new or novel, and we are able to test for them through our local laboratories. A diagnosis of coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43 or HKU1 is NOT the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. These are very different viruses, and patients will be evaluated and cared for differently.

A. Most often, spread of the disease is from person to person in close contact (within approximately six feet). Person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory illnesses are spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby and can be inhaled into the lungs. It is believed that individuals can become infected with COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes; however, that risk is very low.

A. Follow this link to the CDC’s webpage covering COVID-19 symptoms. This is an excellent resource and includes a symptom checker that patients can use to determine the appropriate level of care required.

A. This information is evolving daily. The following websites are reputable sources with up-to-date information.

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
• https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/2400.htm

A. Follow these links to the CDC’s webpage and Indiana State Department of Health’s webpage covering current quarantine guidelines for COVID-19 infection.

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html
• https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/files/20_Family%20quarantine_12-4-20.pdf