How can herd immunity for COVID-19 be achieved?
In most cases, herd immunity is not achieved without an effective vaccine. For COVID-19, the percentage of the population that needs to be infected to achieve herd immunity is estimated to be between 70% and 90%, and this is assuming lasting immunity is possible.
How do I treat fever from COVID-19?
The best way to treat fever from COVID-19 is with acetaminophen—the active ingredient in Tylenol and other over-the-counter painkillers. Some early reports suggested that ibuprophen—the active ingredient in Motrin, Advil, and others—may make COVID-19 worse. Although the jury is still out on this issue, it cannot hurt to play it safe and stick with acetaminophen. Remember to follow the dosage and timing directions on the package.
What gastrointestinal tract (GI) symptoms can COVID-19 patients experience?
The most prevalent symptom is the loss of appetite or anorexia. The second most common is upper-abdominal or epigastric (the area right below your ribs) pain or diarrhea, and that has happened with about 20 percent of patients with COVID-19.
How long should I stay home if I’ve been in close contact with someone with COVID-19?
Anyone who has had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should stay home for 14 days after their last exposure to that person. The best way to protect yourself and others is to stay home for 14 days if you think you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19.
Can someone spread COVID-19 without being sick?
Yes. People who do not have symptoms (asymptomatic) and do not know they are infected can spread the virus to others. While the incubation period for the virus that causes COVID-19 can be 2-14 days, people who are infected with the virus may become infectious to others several days before they start to feel ill. That’s why it’s important for everyone to practice social distancing (staying at least 6 feet away from other people) and wear masks in public settings.
How do I treat COVID-19?
There is no cure for COVID 19 yet. There is also no vaccine available yet. The best you can do is treat symptoms. Only the very sick will need hospitalization.
If you are generally in good health and get sick, you should stay home and manage your symptoms like you would for a cold or the flu. Call your doctor only if symptoms get worse.
If you are in a high-risk category, call your doctor as soon as you get sick and get their advice before you go anywhere. If you are not sick enough to be hospitalized, you can recover at home.