Question 1

What are the symptoms of the Coronavirus, or COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms appear 2-14 days after exposure, and include fever, cough, shortness of breath.

Question 2

Are testing kits available in my local market? If not when will they be available?

Accepted Answer

COVID-19 testing kits are in limited supply and this issue is being addressed by federal, state, and local officials across the nation.

Question 3

Is there a treatment?

Accepted Answer

There is no antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should seek medical care to help relieve symptoms, such as receiving a fever reducer.

Question 4

Can my pet get coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would with other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with the disease limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus.

Question 5

Is COVID-19 a pandemic?

Accepted Answer

On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) publicly characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic.

Question 6

Is the Corona virus a threat? / How dangerous is the coronavirus? / How dangerous is the COVID-19 Wuhan coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

Although we don’t know the true severity yet, the virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas.

Question 7

What are my odds of dying if I get infected?

Accepted Answer

Mortality rates vary by age– .02% for younger healthy populations to 15% for the elderly.

Question 8

Is testing available everywhere? How do I get it?

Accepted Answer

Contact your doctor, health care provider, or local county health department. They will use CDC guidelines to determine if testing is warranted. There are a few ways that a lab may get a sample for testing.nSwab test. A health care provider will use a special swab to take a sample from your nose or throat.nNasal aspirate. A health care provider will inject a saline solution into your nose, then remove the sample with gentle suction.nTracheal aspirate. A health care provider will put a thin, lighted tube called a bronchoscope down your mouth and into your lungs, where a sample will be collected.nSputum test. Sputum is a thick mucus that is coughed up from the lungs. You may be asked to cough up sputum into a special cup, or a special swab may be used to take a sample from your nose.nBlood. A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm.

Question 9

What are the symptoms vs. the flu?

Accepted Answer

See the CDC quick tip sheet

Question 10

Who is most susceptible to COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

The CDC has not yet identified any factors that would increase an individual’s risk of acquiring COVID-19. However, the very young and elderly, pregnant woman, or people with compromised immunity (i.e., recent surgeries, cancer, etc.) are at higher risk of complications if infected with COVID-19.nOlder adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. Early data suggest older people are twice as likely to have serious COVID-19 illness.

Question 11

I am pregnant, am I more susceptible?

Accepted Answer

We do not yet know if pregnant women have a greater chance of getting sick from COVID-19 than the general public. With viruses from the same family as COVID-19, and viral respiratory infections such as influenza, women have had a higher risk of developing severe illness.

Question 12

I have a chronic condition; what do I do if I get the virus?

Accepted Answer

Your primary care physician will be able to help you. If you don’t have a doctor, visit your member website or call Member Services at the number on the back of your insurance card to identify an in-network doctor.

Question 13

I have kids in college- they live in dorms. Should they move out if others are sick?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they should seek medical attention. In addition, local health officials may recommend temporary class suspension and event or activity cancellation. Check your school’s policies or contact their public affairs office.

Question 14

I have kids in school- should they stay home if they have symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they should seek medical attention. In addition, local health officials may recommend temporary class suspension and event or activity cancellation. Check your school’s policies or contact its public affairs office.

Question 15

I have small children. Are they more susceptible to contracting?

Accepted Answer

There is no evidence showing children are more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. The majority of known cases have been in adults.

Question 16

Should I keep my children home from school?

Accepted Answer

Check with your local school district for more information; local health officials may recommend temporary class suspension and event or activity cancellation.

Question 17

Do I need to purchase face masks?

Accepted Answer

No. Follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. However, the use of facemasks is crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Question 18

When will a vaccine be available?

Accepted Answer

Estimates range between 6-18 months. No vaccine is currently available.

Question 19

How long can the coronavirus linger?

Accepted Answer

It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature, or humidity of the environment).nIf you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

Question 20

Mail from China? International shipments?

Accepted Answer

The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.

Question 21

No hand sanitizer left in PA, what now?

Accepted Answer

While it’s possible to make your own hand sanitizer at home, a simpler solution is to just wash hands with available bar or liquid soap and water for 20 seconds, frequently.

Question 22

Should I wear a mask?

Accepted Answer

CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of facemasks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Question 23

I travel for work, when should I cancel it?

Accepted Answer

Contact your employer’s Human Resources department for guidelines. CDC recommends avoiding all non-critical travel.

Question 24

I am pregnant; should I still travel?

Accepted Answer

The CDC recommends avoiding all non-critical travel.

Question 25

I travel frequently for work or personal reasons. How can I protect myself?

Accepted Answer

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:nAvoid close contact with people who are sick.nAvoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.nStay home when you are sick.nCover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.nClean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.nWash 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. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Question 26

Do I need to let my PCP know I'm infected when I am traveling?

Accepted Answer

The CDC recommends avoiding all non-essential travel. If you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to someone infected with COVID-19, contact your primary care doctor immediately.

Question 27

I am supposed to go to an affected country soon, How do I know if I should go?

Accepted Answer

The CDC recommendations on postponing or canceling travel abroad are available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers.

Question 28

If I get sick while traveling, can I come home for care?

Accepted Answer

Seek medical advice where you are currently.

Question 29

My travel partners might be sick… what do I do? Where do I go?

Accepted Answer

Seek medical advice where you are currently.

Question 30

Will I be quarantined if I am abroad?

Accepted Answer

If you fall sick while abroad, seek medical advice where you are currently. Depending on your travel history, you will be asked to stay home for a period of 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread cases or ongoing community spread.

Question 31

How do I prepare for a quarantine?

Accepted Answer

Create a household plan of action in case of illness in the household or disruption of daily activities due to COVID-19. Consider a 2-week supply of prescription and over the counter mediations, food, and other essentials. Know how to get food delivered, if possible.

Question 32

How long should I stock pile for?

Accepted Answer

Local public officials may make recommendations appropriate to your local situation. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and those family members who may be at risk for severe complications from COVID-19 illness. A 2-week supply of food, prescriptions, and non-prescription medicines is a good start.

Question 33

How much food and medicine should I stock pile?

Accepted Answer

Local public officials may make recommendations appropriate to your local situation. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and those family members who may be at risk for severe complications from COVID-19 illness. A 2-week supply of food, prescriptions, and non-prescription medicines is a good start.

Question 34

Should I stock up on supplies?

Accepted Answer

Local public officials may make recommendations appropriate to your local situation. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and those family members who may be at risk for severe complications from COVID-19 illness. A 2-week supply of food, prescriptions, and non-prescription medicines is a good start.

Question 35

What supplies should I stock up on as a caretaker?

Accepted Answer

Local public officials may make recommendations appropriate to your local situation. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and those family members who may be at risk for severe complications from COVID-19 illness. A 2-week supply of food, prescriptions, and non-prescription medicines is a good start.

Basics and Tips

What are the symptoms of the Coronavirus, or COVID-19?

Is COVID-19 a pandemic?

Is testing available everywhere? How do I get it?

I have children, how do I talk to my child about the coronavirus?

What are the symptoms vs. the flu?

How to protect yourself

Should I wear a mask?

Do I need to purchase face masks?

How do I make a mask at home?

Do I still need to stay 6 feet away when wearing a mask?

When will a vaccine be available?

What about travel?

I travel frequently for work or personal reasons. How can I protect myself?

Do I need to let my PCP know I’m infected when I am traveling?

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