Experts are still learning about the range of illness from novel coronavirus. Reported cases have ranged from mild illness (like a common cold) to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization. So far, deaths have been reported mainly in older adults who had other health conditions.

People who have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus have reported symptoms that may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus:

FEVER                   COUGH                  DIFFICULTY BREATHING

Currently the risk to the general public is low. At this time, there are a small number of indivudal cases in the U.S. To minimize the risk of spread, health officials are working with healthcare providers to promptly identify and evaluate any suspected cases.

Travelers to and from certain areas of the world may be at increased risk. Although coronavirus originated geographically in Wuhan, China, the disease is not specific to any ethnic group. Chinese ancestry -- or any other ancestry -- does not make a person more vulnerable to this illness.

Steps you can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent coronavirus:

• wash hands often with soap and water. if not available, use hand sanitizer.
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• avoid contact with people who are sick, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions that put you at higher risk for severe illness.
• stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
• cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent novel coronavirus infections.

Call your primary care provider, if you have symptoms like cough, fever or respiratory problems and think you should be checked by a healthcare provider.

Island Hospital's Primary Care Clinic line is (360) 293-3101.

The Washington State Department of Health has guidance available for people who have or think they may have COVID-19:

• What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (PDF)
• What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (PDF)
• What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (PDF)

There are no medications specifically approved for coronavirus. Most people with mild coronavirus illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications. However, some cases develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization.