If you prefer to listen to this article, click on the SoundCloud player below.

A new respiratory virus called the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19 is making headlines for causing an outbreak of respiratory illness throughout the world. The outbreak began in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China and quickly spread internationally – including to the United States. Thousands of people have become sick and public health officials are keeping a close watch on how the virus is spreading.

Intermountain is also watching the situation. Out of an abundance of caution we’re prepared to support our communities should the situation worsen and we’ll continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

Here’s what you need to know about coronavirus (COVID-19):

• What is a coronavirus?
• What's different about the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
• How are coronaviruses spread?
• What are the signs and symptoms of coronaviruses?
• How can I protect myself from coronaviruses?
• What do I do if I'm sick and think I've been exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19)?
• Additional resources about coronavirus (COVID-19) and other coronaviruses?

In confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections, symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath and the severity has ranged from mild to people being severely ill. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

In other coronaviruses, common signs of infection include:

• runny nose
• headache
• cough
• sore throat
• fever
• a general feeling of being unwell

The best way to protect yourself from contracting coronaviruses is by using the same daily habits that help prevent the spread of many viruses, including the common cold and the flu. To help prevent the spread of disease always:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently. Wash with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you’re sick (and keep sick children home from school).
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you begin to feel sick with fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please stay home. Call your primary care provider before going to a healthcare facility and let them know about your symptoms to limit potential exposure to others and avoid spreading the virus.

If you don't meet the CDC and Utah Department of Health criteria for COVID-19 but you're still concerned or have questions, call Intermountain Health Answers at 844-442-5244 to speak with an Intermountain nurse.

Please wear a mask in our facilities and around other people if you have a fever, are coughing, sneezing, have a runny nose, or are having difficulty breathing. Please also consider using Intermountain's Connect Care service on your smartphone, tablet, or computer to connect with an Intermountain clinician and receive specific care recommendations.

Information about COVID-19 is rapidly changing. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Center for Disease Control’s website.

• Center for Disease Control – Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
• World Health Organization – Coronavirus Disease (COVID-2019)
• CDC – About Coronaviruses
• Utah Department of Health