What is Coronavirus?
- What is the source of the virus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause illness in people, such as those that cause the common cold. Other coronaviruses only infect animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses have gained the ability to infect people and to spread from person to person. This is suspected to have occurred for the virus that causes COVID-19. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are two other examples of coronaviruses that originated from animals and then spread to people.
- What is community spread?
Community spread means there is a spread of the virus in an area between the people who live or travel into that area.
- Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including refrigerated or frozen food?
Coronaviruses are primarily spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets and possibly through airborne transmission. Currently there is no evidence that transmission of COVID-19 is associated with food. However, it is always good practice to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before preparing or eating food.
- When is someone infectious?
Since this is a new virus, there is still much about the virus that is not fully known. Recent evidence indicates that some people, particularly those who are young, can carry the virus without symptoms and may transmit it to others. Those who develop COVID-19 infection are considered to be infectious while they have symptoms and for a period of at least seven (7) days since symptoms started and three (3) days after the symptoms have resolved.
- Can the coronavirus live on soft surfaces like fabric or carpet? What about hard surfaces?
How long the new coronavirus can live on a soft surface — and more importantly, how easy or hard it is to spread this way — isn’t clear yet. So far, available evidence suggests it can be transmitted less easily from soft surfaces than frequently-touched hard surfaces, such as a doorknob or elevator button.
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses may survive on surfaces for just a few hours or several days, although many factors will influence this, including surface material and weather. That’s why frequently washing your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and regularly wiping down high-touch surfaces with disinfectants or a household cleaning spray, are recommended.
- Is it likely that people get COVID-19 and won’t know it? Is it possible that symptoms will be similar to a bad cold?
There is a wide a range of symptoms that one can experience if infected with COVID-19. Typical symptoms are often similar to the flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and runny nose. A decrease in the sense of smell or taste has recently been identified as an indicator of early infection in many individuals. As mentioned previously, recent evidence indicates that some people, particularly those who are young, can carry the virus without symptoms and may transmit it to others.
- What is the duration of the virus?
The length of infection can vary based on each individual and the severity of the infection. Eighty percent (80%) of individuals who are infected will have a mild infection that will resolve within two (2) weeks.
- Would we expect to see relief from the spread in the summer months? Why are people less likely to get sick in the summer? Why do viruses thrive in the winter?
It is not yet known whether weather and temperature impact the spread of COVID-19. Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months.
9. What if a spouse or child is showing any viral symptoms? Do we need to report it to you as well as stay home?
A household member who is experiencing symptoms that may possibly be COVID-19 should be tested. This can be arranged by calling the Occupational Health RN COVID line at 617-724-8100. The call line is open from 8 AM-8 PM on weekdays and 8 AM-5 PM on weekends. You do not need to stay home but should monitor yourself for symptoms. If you do experience symptoms, do not report to work and call the phone number listed above.
Where can I find the most updated information about COVID-19?
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
Rhode Island Department of Health
Other ways to help fight COVID-19
We are inviting MGB PROTECTS participants to join another Mass General Brigham (MGB) study that involves downloading and using a free app called the COVID-19 Symptom Study. Participation is optional and completely separate from the MGB PROTECTS study. The app is designed to collect information on whether people are feeling well, or if not, to record their symptoms. The data from this COVID-19 Symptom Study will be used to better understand the symptoms and potentially any risk factors associated with COVID-19.
The app is already being used by over 4 million participants and has led to important research findings that have helped inform the public health response. We use the data in a completely non-identifiable way to model and predict geographic areas that may be at particular risk, identify new risk factors for infection, and follow up outcomes among people that have become infected. The more people that participate, the more accurate our predictions will be. This citizen science approach is an easy way for you to help your community! If you choose to sign up and also let us know you are a participant in the MGB PROTECTS Study we will also be able to link the app data with the data you share through MGB PROTECTS and the Partners Biobank.
