COVID-19 Health-Related FAQs

WHAT ARE RECOMMENDED CLEANING PRACTICES FOR SURFACES THAT COULD HARBOR THE CORONAVIRUS?

According to the CDC, "Community members can practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (i.e. tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks) with household cleaners and EPA-registered disinfectants that are appropriate for the surface, following label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product."

High-touch areas such as table or desktops, doorknobs, remote controls, counters, etc. should be disinfected at least daily. Most regular cleaners are effective against coronavirus if used as directed (including bleach and Lysol).

Kent State University has also posted additional information that may be helpful because of the relevance to the university community: 

• Cleaning enhancements and requirements are in place for faculty and staff.
• Dining halls will have protocols in place.
• Residence halls will have protocols in place.

How can you tell the difference between Coronavirus (COVID-19), the common cold and the flu? Check out the Ohio Department of Health Fact Sheet, to compare the differences. 

Access the Cold, Flu or COVID-19 Fact Sheet (PDF)

Find all relevant information on our COVID Response Team and reporting webpage.

What is novel coronavirus?

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), commonly known as a coronavirus, is a virus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers this a serious public health concern, based on current information, the immediate health risk from a coronavirus to the general American public is considered low at this time. For additional information, visit the CDC website.

Watch Experts from Kent State University’s College of Public Health answer your COVID-19 questions

What are the symptoms?

COVID-19 symptoms include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat or a new loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms have been reported, including gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

How does it spread?

Coronavirus disease 2019 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, which means to become infected, people generally must be within six feet of someone who is contagious and come into contact with these droplets. Symptoms of COVID-19 generally appear within two to 14 days after exposure and include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Reported cases have ranged from mild illness (similar to a common cold) to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization.

Health experts are still learning the details about how this new coronavirus spreads. Other coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through:

• The air by coughing and sneezing.
• Close personal contact, such as touching and shaking hands.
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
• In rare cases, contact with feces.

How can I prevent it?

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 vaccines help protect you from getting COVID-19. The CDC encourages you to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it’s offered to you. Access Kent State communications to see what has been shared with the university community. Or access Kent State’s prevention page for more information.

Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.

Find various health resources, wellness resources and a listing of external resources on our Health Resources web page.

What should I do if I feel ill?

Kent State GUIDELINES

 Kent State University requires university community members to contact the COVID Response Team in certain instances.

Other Best Practices 

If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, please find other guidance about best practices on the CDC website.

Monitor your symptoms

• Symptoms of COVID-19 fever, cough or other symptoms.
• Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department. Your local health authorities may give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting information.
• Visit the CDC website for more information. 

Related FAQ: COVID-19 Occurences, Reporting and Testing: What do you need to know?

Find all relevant information on our COVID Response Team and reporting webpage. You can also access our situational checker and guidelines using the button below.  Find out about COVID-19 Testing Options

According to the CDC, there is no current information from published scientific reports about susceptibility of pregnant women to COVID-19. Pregnant women experience immunologic and physiologic changes which might make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19.

The CDC says that there is no evidence that children are more susceptible to COVID-19. In fact, most confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported from China have occurred in adults. Infections in children have been reported, including in very young children.

For more information, the CDC has developed these fact sheets:

• “Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Pregnancy.” 
• “Frequently Asked Questions and Answers: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and Children.” 
• “Interim Guidance on Breastfeeding for a Mother Confirmed or Under Investigation For COVID-19.”

What is "social distancing" and “physical distancing” and why is it used? 

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home.

In addition to everyday steps to prevent COVID-19, keeping space between you and others is one of the best tools we have to avoid being exposed to this virus and slowing its spread locally and across the country and world.

Limit close contact with others outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you—or they—have no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Please visit the CDC website for more information. 
 

Travel can increase your chance of getting or spreading COVID-19. Anyone traveling should carefully review the continuously updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance regarding travel. 

The CDC’s travel website offers detailed information about airline travel, both foreign and domestic, and other travel.

Kent State Guidelines

Kent State requires university community members to contact the COVID Response Team in certain instances. Please get familiar with Kent State's COVID-19 reporting guidelines. 

Other Best Practices

Please visit the CDC website for updated information related to your specific travel questions.

University Health Services is open and available to answer questions about COVID-19 and safe practices at 330-672-2322, or after hours, contact the Kent State Nurse Line at 330-672-2326. Another option for additional information, is to visit the COVID Response Team web page.