What is coronavirus, or COVID-19, and how does it spread?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control is the most useful resource for information regarding this new virus. Please visit the CDC website to learn more.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
What steps can I take to protect myself?
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure. Social distancing is a primary method to avoid contact with the virus. Good personal hygiene is paramount to prevent the spread of the virus. Visit the CDC website for a complete list of best practices to protect yourself.
What if I become symptomatic or think I have been exposed to COVID-19?
STOP! Please do not go to University Health Services, urgent care, your physician’s office, or the emergency room without first calling.
Take the free online health assessment at www.uamshealth.com OR call the hotline at 1-800-632-4502.
Call University Health Services to report your status: 870-235-5237.
IF YOU FEEL YOU NEED URGENT CARE, DIAL 911.
Take steps to protect yourself
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take steps to protect others
Stay home if you’re sick
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection