We’ve heard a lot about COVID-19 since the moment it first hit the news back in late February or early March. But do we really have a good understanding of what the condition is and how to prevent it?

While there’s still a lot we don’t know about COVID-19, there’s also a lot we do know. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Hixson is taking a few minutes today to share some insight.

What Exactly Is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a viral infection. More specifically, it’s a type of the coronavirus, which is also the underlying cause behind some strains of the common cold.

This virus is passed through airborne particles, meaning that it is spread from person to person when an infected person sneezes, coughs or even simply breathes. It can even be spread by a person who is infected but asymptomatic, meaning he or she exhibits no symptoms, or pre-symptomatic, meaning not exhibiting symptoms yet.

COVID-19 Symptoms

• 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

How Can I Protect Myself From COVID-19?

While our state’s stay-at-home order was lifted at the beginning of May, your best defense against getting COVID-19 is still to remain at home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others. If you’re venturing away from home, you’ll want to take other precautions, too.

The CDC recommends a few key steps—wearing a mask if you’re age 2 and older, maintaining at least six feet of space between yourself and others, washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces often.

Surfaces & Objects to Disinfect

• Tables
• Doorknobs
• Light switches
• Countertops
• Handles
• Desks
• Phones
• Keyboards
• Toilets

If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, we are offering COVID-19 testing at our urgent care center. Visit the AFC Urgent Care Hixson website to learn more or to schedule a testing appointment.