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)

Additionally,  the COVID Response Team offers detailed guidance on what do to if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

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 vaccine page for more information.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue.
• Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
• Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
• Do not gather in groups.
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
• Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a face covering when around others
• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a face covering when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. Here is why you should wear a face covering.
  • CDC advises the use of simple cloth face coverings.
    • Cloth face coverings are protective gear to help people from unknowingly transmitting virus to others.
    • Cloth face coverings should completely cover a person’s nose, mouth and chin, with no gaps that would admit air to the nose, mouth or chin, to be effective.  
    • Acceptable alternatives are available, including transparent face shields. Be advised that for a face shield to be protective against the virus, it must wrap around to the ears and down past the chin where an attached cloth is used to prevent virus from being exhaled out below the shield.
    • Do NOT use a face mask meant for a healthcare worker.
    • Per the CDC, bandanas are not suitable face coverings as they are too thin and too loose to provide the needed protection.
    • Face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, or on anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
  • At Kent State, wearing face coverings is a critical component to the Flashes Safe Eight principles. All who can safely wear face coverings are required to do so.
    •  We understand that not everyone is able to wear a face covering, therefore; if you are a university community member, contractor working on campus or a visiting scholar concerned about wearing a face covering, please submit the Pandemic Adjustment Request. I
    • In addition, face coverings should never be worn by or placed on people who are younger than 2, have difficulty breathing, or are unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove them without assistance..
    • Face coverings and outdoors:
      • Face coverings should be worn outdoors while on campus. They can be removed when alone or with a family member/ household member in a green space area. Your face covering should be with you at all times and available to use should you come into close proximity to others.
      • Face coverings need to be worn when walking in higher density areas including campus and downtown Kent.
      • Even when wearing face coverings, keep outdoor gatherings small. When at an outdoor gathering, still wear a face covering.
  • The face covering is meant to protect other people in case you are infected. 
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The face covering is not a substitute for social distancing.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.
• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19.
  • This is especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.
• Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
  • Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
• 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. Please get familiar with Kent State's COVID Response Team and reporting guidelines.

COVID Contact or Symptoms? Act Now

Other Best Practices 

If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.

Stay in your current residence except to get medical care

• Stay in your current residence. Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover in your current residence without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
• Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
• Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people

• As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. If possible, you should use a separate bathroom. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of the home, wear a cloth face covering.
• Additional guidance is available for those living in close quarters and shared housing.
• See COVID-19 and Animals if you have questions about pets. 

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.

COVID Contact or Symptoms? Act Now  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. To practice social or physical distancing:

• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people
• Do not gather in groups
• Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings

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.

The Kent Campus resides in Portage County, and as such, must adhere to the state's guidelines for counties and their respective COVID-19 Risk Level status. 

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.