Did You Know?
~ One of the coronavirus symptom is loss of smell called Anosmia.
The most commonly reported symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath. However, as the disease has spread around the world, healthcare providers have noticed a few unusual symptoms, including loss of smell (anosmia) and decreased sense of taste (ageusia).
~ The COVID-19 virus can live on surfaces for days.
COVID-19 is spread primarily through respiratory droplets. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, the virus can travel from one person to another, either directly (which is why the CDC recommends maintaining at least a 6-foot distance from other people) or via an intermediate surface. The virus can also spread through the air, but this is more likely in crowded, indoor areas with poor ventilation than in areas with plenty of outdoor air and fewer people.
Researchers have found that the virus can live up to 24 hours on cardboard and 2 to 3 days on plastic and stainless steel. The CDC reports that the virus was detected on surfaces of the Diamond Princess cruise ship up to 17 days after passengers disembarked. However, only pieces of the virus were detectable, not viruses capable of infecting a person.
~ You may already have been infected.
Some people—about 20% of infected individuals—never develop symptoms. And some people who had what they thought was a “bad cold” or the flu may have actually had COVID-19.
Scientists developed tests that can detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the blood, which is evidence of past infection with the virus. Such tests may help us eventually understand the true extent of this pandemic. Contact your doctor or public health department about antibody testing if you think you had the infection. The CDC recommends virus testing for active infection for anyone who may have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, even if there are no symptoms.