FAQs About COVID-19

COVID-19 has been a unique but NEW time in history, which means many people have a ton of questions about this virus. That being said, our health clinics at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to share a few very important frequently asked questions about COVID-19 (from the CDC) and the helpful answers they provide, in this week’s blog. Don’t forget, if you have an appointment with one of our Mid-MO health clinics, please call ahead if you have a fever, cough, or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. We will be properly prepared for you. For a complete list of our locations and phone numbers, please visit the Central Ozarks Medical Center website at www.CentralOzarks.org.

FAQs About COVID-19

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

According to the CDC:

Q: What is a novel coronavirus?

A: A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

Q: What is the source of the virus?

A: COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people. This occurred with MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, and now with the virus that causes COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is a betacoronavirus, like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. All three of these viruses have their origins in bats. The sequences from U.S. patients are similar to the one that China initially posted, suggesting a likely single, recent emergence of this virus from an animal reservoir. However, the exact source of this virus is unknown.

Q: How does the virus spread?

A: The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

All of us here at Central Ozarks Medical Center hope that this blog found you safe and healthy! We encourage you to stay as up to date as possible on all of the information the CDC provides on COVID-19. Here at Central Ozarks Medical Center, we share a great deal of important information they provide and we encourage you to do the same. Follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements. Stay safe everyone and remember we can get through this together!

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