MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As part of its response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Shelby County Health Department is offering a daily media update.
The Health Department's hotline number (833-943-1658) is available 7 days a week for the public to call with specific questions and requests for technical assistance. The number is staffed from 8am CST to 4:30pm CST. They request you leave a message if you call after hours.
Fore more informational resources related to COVID-19 from the Shelby County Health Department, this webpage features information and recommendations for health care providers, individuals and families, organizers of community events, business leaders, and schools.
Coronavirus in Context:
The symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the flu or a bad cold. Symptoms include a fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Most healthy people will have mild symptoms. A study of more than 72,000 patients by the Centers for Disease Control in China showed 80-percent of the cases there were mild.
But infections can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death, according to the World Health Organization. Older people with underlying health conditions are most at risk.
The CDC believes symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed.
Lower your risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you are 60 or over and have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD, the World Health Organization advises you to try to avoid crowds or places where you might interact with people who are sick.