COVID-19 can affect everyone. Up to 40% of adults with COVID-19 do not show symptoms and may unknowingly spread the virus. More and more children, teens, and young adults have COVID-19 with serious symptoms and are bringing it home to their family. By following the guidelines below you can empower your loved ones to guard against COVID-19 and protect the health of EVERYONE.
Wear a Mask
AIRBORNE COVID-19 is how people usually catch the virus, so masks work!
Are you wearing the right kind of mask?
Denver health’s chief medical office Dr. Connie Price discusses how to select the right kind of mask to protect you and your family.
Ways To Guard Against COVID-19
- Wear a mask
- Stay home whenever possible
- Keep six feet of social distance (about the length of a yoga mat, alligator, or couch)
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue
- Store your mask in a clean, paper bag
- Don’t touch your face
- Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly
- Wash your hands regularly
- Use hand sanitizer frequently
- Wash cloth masks every day
Understanding COVID-19
COVID-19 is the disease, SARS-CoV2 is the virus. So technically we don't pass COVID-19 to one another, we pass SARS-CoV2. Below is how SARS-CoV2 is spread.
- The virus is airborne, through droplets and aerosols from talking, laughing, singing, sneezing, coughing, and more.
- The virus is also on surfaces. You can get it from touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face
Am I at greater risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms?
COVID-19 affects everyone, but some people will experience more severe symptoms. Talk to a health care provider about your risk if you are age 60 and older and/or if you have any of the underlying conditions.
- Cardiovascular disease including hypertension
- COPD/chronic lung disease/moderate to severe asthma
- If you are immunocompromised
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Or have a BMI >=30