What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people can become severely ill. Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions. Post-COVID conditions are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience more than four weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Older people and those who have certain underlying medical conditions are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19.

Read more about COVID-19 online at: About COVID-19 | CDC 

How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected.

COVID-19 is spread in three main ways:

• Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.
• Having these small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze.
• Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.

Read more about COVID-19 transmission online at: Transmission | CDC

COVID-19 Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.

Possible COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. USFK will continue to update this list, as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

Read more about COVID-19 symptoms online at: Symptoms of COVID-19 | CDC

Preventive Measure Tips/Guidelines
Make sure to follow the core tenets: Protect Yourself, Protect the Bubble and Protect Others. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines are effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19, especially severe illness and death. Vaccines are safe and effective.

However, if you are feeling sick or ill, do not come to work and follow the below guidelines:

• Seek US medical care/treatment if you are feeling sick, experiencing fever, cough or difficulty breathing; be sure to call ahead to the medical clinic to advise them of recent travels and current symptoms
• Wear a surgical mask or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Perform routine cleaning of all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace - doorknobs, countertops, desks, refrigerators, keyboards, remote controls, etc. - with disposable wipes; additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is not needed
• Avoid nonessential travel
• Avoid travel or contact with others while sick
• Avoid contact with sick people

Read more about COVID-19 prevention online at: Prevent Getting Sick | CDC

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Review some of our frequently asked questions below in relation to HPCON Guidelines. 

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About the COVID-19 Vaccines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the one-dose Janssen vaccine, commonly referred to as Johnson & Johnson or J&J for use under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on February 27, 2021, which may help prevent COVID-19 in in individuals 18 years of age and older. To learn more about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, view the links below.

After a comprehensive review of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the vaccine for use under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on December 18, 2020, which may help prevent COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older. To learn more about the Moderna vaccine, view the links below.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for use under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on December 11, 2020, which may help prevent COVID-19 in individuals 16 years of age and older. On August 23, 2021, the FDA approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (now marketed as Comirnaty), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older.

On May 10, 2021, the FDA authorized (EUA) the use of this vaccine in adolescents between the ages of 12-15. On October 29, 2021, the FDA authorized (EUA) the use of this vaccine in children between the ages of 5-11. On June 17, 2022, the FDA authorized (EUA) the use of this vaccine in children between the ages of 6 months through 4 years. 

To learn more about the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, view the links below.

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Make sure to follow us on social media to find up-to-date messages and information about COVID-19 through our various social media channels below:

Also make sure to keep an eye on installation social media for up-to-date messages and information about COVID-19 for the various USFK installations, as they may have additional regulations in place.

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