Coronavirus (COVID-19): What Your Need to Know and How to Protect Yourself

Like ALL viruses, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for coronavirus. Antibiotics do not help treat viruses (they are anti-bacterial). People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. People who think they may have been exposed to 2019-nCoV should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
See the CDC's Interim Coronavirus Guidance for Healthcare Professionals for information on patients under investigation .

Vaccine

As of mid-December 2020, there are at least 2 FDA-approved vaccines and they are in production and being shipped. Initial focus is on getting frontline essential workers and the elderly vaccinated.

Who would get the vaccine?

According to a new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, only about half of Americans (as of late May 2020) would want to get a Coronavirus vaccine when it becomes available. 31% said they weren't sure if they'd get vaccinated. And 20% said they'd refuse to get vaccinated. See this page for more about the vaccines.

Treatment

In the beginning of the pandemic, doctors did not know what treatment would work best, and so over-used ventilators, which caused damaged and introduced infections. As of December 2020, ventilator use is way down. More effective treatments, like Remdesivir have been developed.

But for most people under the age of 70, in otherwise good health, and no underlying health conditions, the doctor will simply tell you to quarantine, drink fluids and rest and in 2 weeks you will be over most of it.

More details about the coronavirus

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. SARS is another form of coronavirus that emerged to infect people, came from civet cats. MERS, another coronavirus variant, came from camels.

References and More information about the source and spread of 2019-nCoV

1. Philadelphia Inquirer: Who should and shouldn't get the COVID-19 vaccine by Grace Dickinson, Posted: December 18, 2020
2. Forbes, August 2020: How Long Are You Immune After Covid-19 Coronavirus? Here Is What CDC Says (spoiler alert: they don't know, but admit at least 3 months)
3. CDC 2019-nCoV Situation Summary: Source and Spread of the Virus.
4. NBC News: CDC suggests recovered COVID-19 patients have protection for 3 months
5. U.S. Department of State China Travel Advisory
6. World Health Organization, Coronavirus
7. Know the Facts About COVID-19 and Help Stop the Spread of Rumors - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2020
8. Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel (New Travel Alerts)MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2020
9. CDC in Action: Preparing Communities for Potential Spread of COVID-19SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2020
10. Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and ChildrenSUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2020
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