City of Pullman

What is COVID-19?
Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a viral strain that originated in China. The virus has potential to cause severe illness, especially to those with weakened immune systems, or other risk factors.

How does it spread?
COVID-19 is believed to spread through coughs, sneezes, close contact with an infected person, or by touching a surface on which the virus lives, and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. 

Is it serious?
In most cases, COVID-19 illnesses present as mild, with fever and cough. The majority of people who are infected do not require hospitalization. A small percentage of those infected will present with severe respiratory symptoms. 

How is COVID-19 treated?
There are no medications specifically approved for treatment of COVID-19. For most patients, recovery will take place on its own, with plenty of fluids, rest, and pain/fever medication as needed. In more severe cases, patients may develop pneumonia, and require medical care or hospitalization.

How do I know if I am infected?
If you present symptoms of COVID-19, your healthcare provider will determine whether testing for the virus is appropriate.  Be sure to call ahead so that your clinic can provide specific instructions for being seen, while reducing exposure to others.

We can all take help to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and to protect those who are most vulnerable to the virus. Preventative steps include those taken to prevent the common cold or flu: 

• Wash hands often - Use soap and water, and scrub hands for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid contact with those who are sick. 
• Do not touch your eyes, mouth, or nose with unwashed hands. 
• If you are sick, stay home and avoid contacts with others.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve, and wash hands immediately afterward.

If you are sick, stay home. Those who are mildly ill with COVID-19 can isolate at home. These people should not attend work or school, and should avoid public areas, and public transportation. They should leave home only to seek medical care.

At this time, there is no vaccination available to prevent COVID-19. 

If you plan to travel, check for COVID-19 travel alerts, and follow the recommendations of the CDC.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: Information for Travelers

Interim Guidance for Businesses & Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Interim Guidance for Risk Assessment & Public Health Management (February 8, 2020)

King County Washington: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Public Health Insider (Seattle & King County)

COVID-19 Live Updates from the Spokesman Review

Seattle Times Article: How does the novel coronavirus compare to the flu? 

Washington State Department of Health: Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19)

Washington State University: Coronavirus COVID-19

Whitman County Public Health: Coronavirus Resources

Tips for Talking to Kids About School Closures & COVID-19

Washington State COVID-19 Risk Assessment Dashboard

Risk Assessment Flowchart


Children
According to the CDC, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible to COVID-19. 

Elderly
If infected with COVID-19, the elderly are at greater risk for severe illness, including pneumonia. 

Pregnant Women
Pregnant women experience a variety of changes, which might increase their susceptibility to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19. The CDC 

Underlying Health Conditions
Those with underlying health conditions, and the people who work or live with them, should take extra care to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If infected, this population is at increased risk for severe illness, including pneumonia.

The following symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to COVID-19: 

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath

If you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person confirmed as being infected with COVID-19, or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing spread of the virus, you should contact your doctor right away.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention offers recommendations for those deciding whether to postpone or cancel travel plans, including risk assessment information by geographical location.