OhioHealth Medical Minute: COVID-19 Symptoms and Prevention

The coronavirus has been top of mind for many Ohioans, but this is a global event that has impacted so many around the world. OhioHealth system medical director of infectious diseases, Joe Gastaldo, MD, says that this virus has some of the same characteristics of the common cold and flu.

This is a virus that we have never seen before, a novel virus. It is spread very similarly as the common cold or flu. Initial symptoms may look like the common cold: a cough, runny nose, fever and headaches. As time goes on, those symptoms can progress to shortness of breath. If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath, please call your provider’s office for guidance. Do not visit hospital patients if you are ill.

In these times and always, the best course of action is to properly cover a cough or sneeze. If you're in close proximity to someone who coughs or sneezes, try to keep your distance. Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth and practice social distancing. As always, keeping your hands clean is key. Frequently wash your hands for 20-30 seconds with soap and water, and if you have access to hand sanitizer, use that as often as possible.