What are the common symptoms of COVID-19?
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Sore throat
• Recent loss of taste or smell
How is the virus transmitted?
Person-to-person transmission occurs via small droplets from the nose or mouth of the infected person when they cough, sneeze, or exhale. The virus can remain on surfaces for a limited time period. Although less common, transmission may occur from touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
How can I help stop the spread of COVID-19?
Wear a mask to help stop the spread of COVID-19 to others.
Stay at least 6 feet (about two arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you, particularly in crowded areas.
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
What are the best ways to clean and disinfect in order to stop the spread of COVID-19?
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. To disinfect, most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Always read and follow the directions on the label to ensure safe and effective use, including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
What counts as close contact with someone who has COVID-19?
• You were within six feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
• You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19.
• You had direct physical contact with someone who has COVID-19 (e.g. hugging, kissing).
• You shared eating or drinking utensils with someone who has COVID-19.
• Someone who has COVID-19 sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you.
How long should I quarantine after coming into contact with someone with COVID-19?
Those who can can maintain a 14-day quarantine should do so.
See the state of West Virginia’s guidance for more quarantine options.
What if I get sick?
If you get sick with fever, cough, or shortness of breath (even if your symptoms are very mild)
during the 14 days after close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you likely have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home.
• You should isolate yourself at home and stay away from other people for 10 days after your symptoms began.
• Isolation can be discontinued after 10 days IF you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications AND your symptoms have improved.
• Always wear a mask if you have to be around someone.
• Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
• Stay in touch with your doctor if you are at increased risk of severe illness. Call before you seek medical care.
Should I seek medical attention?
Look for emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face
*This list does not include all the possible symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
Where can I find information about testing events?
Drive-up COVID-19 testing events on posted on the calendar page of our website, KCHDwv.org. They’re also on our Facebook page. Testing is also offered by appointment Monday through Friday at KCHD by calling 304-348-8080.
Testing information is also offered on the website of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
How many COVID-19 cases are there in Kanawha County?
The number of cases is updated daily at 4:30 p.m. on our website, KCHDwv.org.
What should I bring with me to the testing event?
Photo ID.
When should I get tested for COVID-19 and when?
• If you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 and have symptoms, get tested as soon as possible.
• If you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 and do not have symptoms, get tested no sooner than five days after contact.
• If you think you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 but are not sure, get tested no sooner than five days after contact.
• If you have been in a high-risk situation, such as large group gatherings, especially with limited social distancing and/or few people wearing masks, get tested for COVID-19 no sooner than five days after contact.