What You Need To Know

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe respiratory illness. Novel coronaviruses, like COVID-19, SARS, and MERS, are coronaviruses that jumped the animal to human species barrier.

What are the symptoms? 

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms of people with confirmed COVID-19 have primarily included 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, or diarrhea. Some people who are infected with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, meaning they do not show any symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, call your healthcare provider. Learn when to call 911 or your healthcare provider.

How is it spread? 

Similar to how flu and other respiratory illnesses spread, human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets, including:

• Through the air by coughing and sneezing;
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; and
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with unwashed hands.

Is there a treatment? 

There are no specific treatments recommended for infection with the COVID-19. People infected with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms, such as taking pain or fever medications, drinking plenty of fluids, and staying home and resting. Some patients who are very sick may need to go to the hospital to get care. People who think they might have been exposed to COVID-19 should call their healthcare provider immediately.

Travel Advisory

The City of Nashua recommends the following guidance from the CDC for any domestic and international travel. Due to this rapidly evolving situation, the CDC’s full updated travel advisory can be found on the their website, CDC: Information for Travelers. 

Because travel increases your chances of getting infected and spreading COVID-19, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick. Do not travel if you are sick or if you have been around someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days. Do not travel with someone who is sick. If you are thinking about traveling away from your local community, visit the CDC for considerations and guidance.

All individuals who have traveled or have had close contact with an individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19 should stay home and self-monitor for signs and symptoms of respiratory illness for 14 days after the date of their last exposure. If you are told by public health authorities to stay home, please maintain strict quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Quarantine helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. For more information about who needs to quarantine and the steps to take, visit the CDC.

We are aware that individuals with preexisting conditions, suppressed immune systems, and those older than 60 years of age are at increased risk of serious health complications, and even dying if they become ill with COVID-19. Older adults and those of any age with serious chronic medical conditions should postpone any non-essential domestic or international travel to minimize their risk from COVID-19.

If you are experiencing signs of respiratory illness, have recently traveled, and/or have had close contact with an individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19, we advise the following:

• Stay home for 14 days and avoid close contact with others. 
• Call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and recent travel before visiting their office. If you do not have a healthcare provider, you should contact NH DHHS at (603) 271-4496. If you need emergency or urgent care, call the facility prior to your visit.
• Prevent the spread by washing your hands often, staying at least six feet away from others, and wearing a face covering.

Prevent the Spread

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illness in our community, please practice the following:

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing
• Stay home if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of respiratory illness
• Stay home unless you need to travel for essential needs (groceries, medications, medical supplies, receiving medical care, caring for a loved one, or going to an essential job)
• Wash your hands often with running water and soap for at least 20 seconds
• Practice social distancing by avoiding large gatherings and maintaining a distance of at least six feet from others
• Wear a face covering to protect others from your respiratory droplets in situations where you are unable to maintain social distancing
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using standard cleaning products, according to the product’s manufacturer label. Surfaces should be allowed to air dry.