What are the symptoms?
How should you prepare?
How does it spread?
These are some of the questions you’ve asked us about the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re here to answer them for you.
If you want to ask the WLRN newsroom a question, or have us check out a rumor you've heard, send us an email at newsroom@wlrnnews.org, message us on Facebook or tweet at us.
This post will be updated as we continue to receive and answer your questions.
Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Fever, dry cough and shortness of breath.
Q: How long might it take for symptoms to show up?
Two to 14 days. There are some warning signs of COVID-19, too. They include pressure in your chest and difficulty breathing. If you’re experiencing anything concerning, seek medical advice.
Q: Say I get sick, what do I need at my home if I do not need to be hospitalized?
Aspirin, tylenol and cough syrup, at the very least. Another thing is to consider is keeping documentation of how you feel and what’s happening. Remember, you need to stay isolated for two weeks from the day you become sick.
Q: What should I do to prevent the spread of the disease if I contract it? Should I be worried every single time I see somebody sneeze?
We are not quite there yet. But do use proper sneezing and coughing etiquette because a single cough can give about 3000 droplets, a single open mouth sneeze can give about 40,000 droplets and form these little turbulent clouds that could travel in a matter of seconds to minutes across the room, 26 feet away. By using a handkerchief or a tissue you will trap those particles.
Q: Can pets get the virus?
There is no indication that pets can get the disease or pass the disease. If you want regular updates, you can get more info at the American Veterinary Medical Association website.
Q: What's the red flag to go out and seek medical attention?
Use common sense. If you just returned from certain hotspots for transmission like Italy, Japan, China or South Korea and feel sick, seek medical attention and avoid contact with others.
Q: Is there a COVID-19 hot line?
Yes, there is. The call center number is 1-866-779-6121.
WLRN talked to Dr. Bindu Mayi, a professor of microbiology at Nova Southeastern University; Dr. John Sinnott, a specialist in infectious disease and chair of internal medicine at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine; and Dr. Doug Mader, a veterinarian who owns the Marathon Veterinary Hospital.
