images: 0
video: 2
audio: 2
text: 2
Content is property of Cleveland Clinic and for news media use only.
The most up-to-date frequently asked questions can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions about 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). (The following questions and answers are based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). This document has been updated as of February 5, 2020.)
A: 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, is a virus strain, first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China that has only spread in people since December 2019. Health experts are closely monitoring the situation because little is known about this new virus and it has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people.
A: The 2019 Novel Coronavirus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, produced when a person coughs or sneezes. To become infected, people generally must be within six feet of someone who is contagious and come into contact with these droplets. Symptoms of 2019 Novel Coronavirus appear within two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose and difficulty breathing. Reported cases have ranged from mild illness (similar to a common cold) to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization.
A: Those who have been exposed to people infected with 2019 Novel Coronavirus and those ill with respiratory symptoms who have traveled from China in the last 14 days. Like all people suffering illness, patients who may be affected by this virus should be treated with compassion. We should all work to prevent actions that could perpetuate a stigma attached to 2019 Novel Coronavirus or appear to be targeted at people from other countries living in your communities.
A: While this is a serious health situation, the CDC still considers the risk to the general public in the United States to be low. While limited person-to-person spread among close contacts has been detected, this virus is not currently spreading in the community in the United States. It is far more likely that Americans will contract flu than 2019 Novel Coronavirus. The CDC estimates that there have been between 10,000 and 25,000 U.S. deaths from flu this season. There have been no confirmed U.S. deaths due to 2019 Novel Coronavirus. A flu shot is recommended for Americans 6 months old and older who have not yet received one this season; however, the flu vaccine does not protect against 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
A: The symptoms can be similar. CDC estimates that so far this season, there have been at least 19 million flu illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths in the U.S. As long as flu viruses are circulating, it is not too late to get vaccinated.
A: CDC believes at this time that symptoms of 2019 Novel Coronavirus may appear in as few as two days, or as long as 14 days after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS There are isolated reports of individuals transmitting the infection to others before they develop symptoms. To be cautious many governments are requiring an isolation period of 14 days for people returning from endemic areas.
A: There is currently no FDA approved medication for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. People infected with this virus should receive supportive care (rest, fluids, fever control) to help relieve symptoms and for severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
A: Currently, there is no vaccine available.
A: Practice the following:
A: There is no recommendation from the CDC right now to wear a face mask. Masks certainly do no harm. They do help to stop the spread of infection, so they can help if someone who is actively sick wears them. However, when it comes to this specific 2019 Novel Coronavirus, if you are not sick, around someone who is sick and do not have symptoms, maintaining proper infection control such as frequent hand washing and cough etiquette is the best form of protection.
A: We are closely monitoring this evolving situation and our clinicians are meeting regularly to continue to prepare. We are following CDC guidance. As part of this, we have added a screening question to identify patients who have recently traveled from China. Like other health systems, we are preparing should the need arise, following CDC and WHO’s recommendations and protocols and working closely with our public health partners.
A: As of Feb. 4, 2020, Cleveland Clinic has not treated any patients with 2019 Novel Coronavirus. This applies to all Cleveland Clinic locations across the enterprise.
A: We are following CDC recommendations on screening for travel from China. As part of the intake process, travel questions have been added to outpatient visits. Travel screenings are part of the standard process for inpatients.
A: If you traveled from China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough or have difficulty breathing, you should:
A: CDC recommends avoiding nonessential travel to China. If you must travel:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Southern Nevada Health District
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 81,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,743 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,160 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,690-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 276 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2023, there were 13.7 million outpatient encounters, 323,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 301,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 132 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
Editor’s Note: Cleveland Clinic News Service is available to provide broadcast-quality interviews and B-roll upon request.
