From Adventist Risk Management, Inc.

Covid-19 SYMPTOMS

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

Background Information

COVID-19 was discovered in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It is an aggressive respiratory infection that is believed to be transmitted through droplet spread when infected people cough or sneeze. The virus can gain access to the body through the respiratory tract, mainly through the nose and mouth. Symptoms are similar to the common influenza strain and include fever, cough, muscle pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Initially isolated to mainland China, the World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting for the first time that there are more new cases being discovered outside China than from within China.[1] As of their March 1 report, the WHO is reporting 87,137 confirmed cases, with only 7,169 of those outside of China.[2]

In the United States, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting 494 presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, meaning they have tested positive by a public health laboratory and are pending confirmation by the CDC. This includes at least 2 cases of where the virus was contracted by individuals with no relevant travel history.[3] The first death due to COVID-19 in the United States was reported in Washington State on February 29[4].

Regarding travel, the CDC has issued the following recommendations[5]:

• Warning (Level 3) – avoid all non-essential travel to China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran. Entry of foreign nationals from China and Iran into the U.S. has been suspended.
• Alert (Level 2) – older adults and those with chronic medical conditions should consider postponing travel to Japan.
• Watch (Level 1) – use regular travel precautions for travel to Hong Kong.

Information from Adventist Risk Management, Inc. (ARM) regarding travel, insurance coverages, and tips for preventing the spread of this serious disease.

Precaution & Prevention

Using good hygiene practices can further reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. Here are some simple preventative measures you can take:

• If you are symptomatic (fever, coughing, sneezing, body aches, etc.) do not go out in public where you can infect others. The common influenza/flu virus is also very active right now and has killed more people already this year than COVID-19. If you’re sick, stay home!
• Frequently wash hands with soap and warm water, scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer may also be effective.
• Follow proper etiquette when sneezing or coughing. Sneeze and cough into your elbow rather than your hand to avoid spreading the germs.
• Consider using a mask when traveling or in public areas. Masks should especially be used if you are coughing or sneezing frequently.
• Maintain at least 3 feet (1 meter) between yourself and other people in public, if possible. Avoid close contact with those who cough or are sneezing.
• Avoid touching/rubbing your eyes, nose and mouth, especially in public places where germs are easily spread.
• If you develop a cough or experience changes in your breathing, see your primary care physician as soon as possible. Be prepared share your travel history with the doctor.
• Avoid open markets and direct contact with animals/animal products
• Use careful food-safety practices (cook food thoroughly, wash produce well, use only pasteurized milk, etc.).

Resources

This is an ongoing situation that is evolving quickly. For updated information regarding the spread of the virus and travel advisories please consult the following resources:

World Health Organization

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

International SOS

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak

U.S. State Department

Current Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)