1. Information About COVID-19 Vaccines
  2. Coronavirus Q&A

Coronavirus Q&A

Coronavirus Q&A

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

According to the CDC, patients with the coronavirus have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.

What should I do if I'm experiencing any of these symptoms?

Please seek medical attention. Call your healthcare provider first to alert them of your recent travel history and/or symptoms. If you are a patient coming to Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital or any other healthcare facility or clinic and have any of these symptoms, please tell the staff immediately.

How is COVID-19 spread?

Coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person to person, including close contact between people (within about 6 feet), through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching objects that have the virus on them and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

  • People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
  • Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Can the virus spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects?

It may be possible for a person to get the coronavirus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

What can I do to prevent myself from infection?

There is no vaccine or approved antiviral medication for treatment. To help prevent the spread of this and other infections, follow healthy habits such as:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home if you are sick, except to seek medical care.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Get a flu vaccine.

Should I wear a mask?

The CDC recommends the use of cloth face coverings that cover the mouth and nose to help slow the spread of COVID-19. These coverings can help prevent people who may not know they are infected from spreading the virus to others.

  • Cloth face coverings are not surgical masks or N95 respirators.
  • Those supplies should be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders.
  • New York State requires face coverings in public settings where social distancing cannot be maintained.

How can I tell what information about COVID-19 is accurate?

There is a significant amount of misinformation circulating about COVID-19. The World Health Organization has addressed common myths, including questions such as:

  • Are hand dryers effective against the virus?
  • Is it safe to receive packages from affected countries?
  • Can pets spread COVID-19?
  • Do pneumonia vaccines protect against COVID-19?
  • Can eating garlic prevent infection?

Read the full list of myths and facts