mteb/FeedbackQARetrieval huggingface dataset:
Frequently Asked Questions
Higher Risk
What about underlying medical conditions that are not included on this list?
Based on available information, adults aged 65 years and older and people of
any age with underlying medical conditions included on this list are at higher
risk for severe illness and poorer outcomes from COVID-19. CDC is collecting
and analyzing data regularly and will update the list when we learn more.
People with underlying medical conditions not on the list might also be at
higher risk and should consult with their healthcare provider if they are
concerned.
We encourage all people, regardless of risk, to:

Take steps to protect yourself and others.
Call your healthcare provider if you are sick with a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
Follow CDC travel guidelines and the recommendations of your state and local health officials.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Why are animals being tested when many people can’t get tested?
Animals are only being tested in very rare circumstances. Routine testing of
animals is not recommended at this time, and any tests done on animals are
done on a case by case basis. For example, if the pet of a COVID-19 patient
has a new, concerning illness with symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, the
animal’s veterinarian might consult with public health and animal health
officials to determine if testing is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How COVID-19 Spreads
Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including restaurant take out, refrigerated or frozen packaged food?
Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person to person through
respiratory droplets. Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission
of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is
important to always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20
seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day use a tissue to cover your
coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or
sneezing, or going to the bathroom.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or
object, like a packaging container, that has the virus on it and then touching
their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be
the main way the virus spreads.
In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces,
there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging.
Learn what is known about the spread of
COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Protect Yourself
Is it safe to get care for my other medical conditions during this time?

It is important to continue taking care of your health and wellness. If you have a chronic health problem, you may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Below are some things you can to do to take care of your health during this time.
Continue your medications, and do not change your treatment plan without talking to your healthcare provider.
Continue to manage your disease the way your healthcare provider has told you.
Have at least a 2-week supply of all prescription and non-prescription medications. Talk to your healthcare provider, insurer, and pharmacist about getting an extra supply of prescription medications, if possible, to reduce trips to the pharmacy.
Talk to your healthcare provider about whether your vaccinations are up-to-date. People aged 65 years or older, and those with some underlying medical conditions, are recommended to receive vaccinations against influenza and pneumococcal disease as soon as your provider tells you that can.
Call your healthcare provider
if you have any concerns about your medical conditions, or if you get sick.
to find out about different ways you can connect with your healthcare provider for chronic disease management or other conditions. Ask about phone calls, video appointments, use of the patient portal, emails and mailings. Learn more about telehealth hereexternal icon.


Do not delay getting emergency care for your health problems or any health condition that requires immediate attention. 
If you need emergency help, call 911.
Emergency departments have infection prevention plans to protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need care for your medical condition.


Continue to practice everyday prevention: wash your hands often, keep space between yourself and others, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around other people, cover coughs and sneezes, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing Your Home and Family for COVID-19
Should I make my own hand sanitizer if I can’t find it in the stores?
CDC recommends handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or,
using alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and
water are not available. These actions are part of everyday preventive
actions individuals can take to slow the spread of respiratory
diseases like COVID-19.

When washing hands, you can use plain soap or antibacterial soap. Plain soap is as effective as antibacterial soap at removing germs.
If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an FDA-approved alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

CDC does not encourage the production and use of homemade hand sanitizer
products because of concerns over the correct use of the ingredientsexternal
iconexternal icon and the need to
work under sterile conditions to make the product. Local industries that are
looking into producing hand sanitizer to fill in for commercial shortages can
refer to the World Health Organization guidancepdf iconexternal iconpdf
iconexternal
icon.
Organizations should revert to the use of commercially produced, FDA-approved
product once such supplies again become available.

To be effective against killing some types of germs, hand sanitizers need to have a strength of at least 60% alcohol and be used when hands are not visibly dirty or greasy.
Do not rely on “Do It Yourself” or “DIY” recipes based solely on essential oils or formulated without correct compounding practices.
Do not use hand sanitizer to disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects. See CDC’s information for cleaning and sanitizing your home.

See FAQs about hand hygiene for healthcare personnel responding to
COVID-2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
Community Mitigation
Who is involved in community mitigation actions?
Individuals, communities, schools, businesses and healthcare organizations all
have a role to play in community mitigation. Policies*, which include limits
on large gatherings, restrictions on businesses, and school closures are often
needed to fully put in place community mitigation strategies.
Each community is unique. Because some actions can be very disruptive to daily
life, mitigation activities will be different depending on how much disease
has spread within the community, what the community population is like, and
the ability to take these actions at the local level. To identify appropriate
activities, all parts of a community that might be impacted need to be
considered, including populations most vulnerable to severe
illness, and those who might be more impacted socially or economically.
When selecting mitigation activities, states and communities need to consider
the spread of disease locally, characteristics of the people who live in the
community (for example, age groups, languages spoken, overall health status),
and the kind of public health resources and healthcare systems (like
hospitals) that are available in the community. State and local officials may
need to adjust community mitigation activities and immediately take steps to
scale them up or down depending on the changing local situation.
Putting mitigation into practice is based on:

Emphasizing individual responsibility for taking recommended personal-level actions
Empowering businesses, schools, and community organizations to take recommended actions, particularly in ways that protect persons at increased risk of severe illness
Focusing on settings that provide critical infrastructure or services to individuals at increased risk of severe illness
Minimizing disruptions to daily life to the extent possible

*CDC cannot address the policies of any business or organization. CDC shares recommendations based on the best available science to help people make decisions that improve their health and safety. In all cases, follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and local health department. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms & Testing
What is antibody testing? And can I be tested using this method?
Antibody testing checks a sample of a person’s blood to look for antibodies to
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These antibodies are produced when
someone has been infected, so a positive result from this test indicates that
person was previously infected with the virus.
CDC is working with other federal agencies to evaluate the performance of
commercially manufactured antibody tests that are becoming increasingly
available from healthcare providers. This evaluation is expected to be
completed in early May.
We do not know yet if the antibodies that result from infection with SARS-
CoV-2 can protect someone from reinfection with this virus (immunity) or how
long antibodies to the virus will protect someone. Scientists are conducting
research to answer those questions.
Antibody tests may not be able to tell you if you are currently infected
because it typically takes 1 to 3 weeks to develop antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.
To tell if you are currently infected, you would need a test that identifies
the virus in samples from your upper respiratory system, such as a
nasopharyngeal swab.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Children
What is the risk of my child becoming sick with COVID-19?
Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for
COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with
COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date. You can learn more
about who is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 at People who
are at higher risk for severe
illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How COVID-19 Spreads
Why are we seeing a rise in cases?
The number of cases of
COVID-19 being reported in the United States is rising due to increased
laboratory testing and reporting across the country. The growing
number of cases in part reflects the rapid spread of COVID-19 as many U.S.
states and territories experience community spread. More detailed and accurate
data will allow us to better understand and track the size and scope of the
outbreak and strengthen prevention and response efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Protect Yourself
Does CDC recommend the use of facemask or face coverings to prevent COVID-19?
In light of data about how COVID-19 spreads, along with evidence of widespread
COVID-19 illness in communities across the country, CDC recommends that people
wear a cloth face
covering to cover their nose and mouth in the community
setting. This is an additional public health measure people should take to
reduce the spread of COVID-19 in addition to (not instead of) social
distancing, frequent hand cleaning and other everyday preventive actions. A
cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, but may prevent the
spread of virus from the wearer to others. This would be especially important
in the event that someone is infected but does not have symptoms. A cloth face
covering should be worn whenever people must go into public settings (grocery
stores, for example). Medical masks and N-95 respirators are reserved for
healthcare workers and other first responders, as recommended by current CDC
guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Higher Risk
Are people with disabilities at higher risk?
Most people with disabilities are not inherently at higher risk for becoming
infected with or having severe illness from COVID-19. Some people with
physical limitations or other disabilities might be at a higher risk of
infection because of their underlying medical condition.

People with certain disabilities might experience higher rates of chronic health conditions that put them at higher risk of serious illness and poorer outcomes from COVID-19. Adults with disabilities are three times more likely to have heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer than adults without disabilities.

You should talk with your healthcare provider if you have a question about
your health or how your health condition is being managed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning and Disinfection
How long do companies need to close for disinfection after an exposure? How long before other workers can come back to work?
Companies do not necessarily need to close after a person with confirmed or
suspected COVID-19 has been in a company facility. The area(s) used or visited
by the ill person should be closed for 24 hours or as long as possible. Open
outside doors and windows as much as possible ensuring that doing so does not
pose a safety risk to children using the facility (i.e. make sure that
children are not able to enter the closed off area through any windows or
doors). and use ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the area. Once
the area has been appropriately
disinfected, it can be opened for use. Workers without close contact with
the person with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 can return to work immediately
after disinfection is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Hypertension
Are people with high blood pressure (hypertension) at higher risk from COVID-19?
At this time, we do not think that people with high blood pressure and no
other underlying health conditions are more likely than others to get severely
ill from COVID-19. Although many people who have gotten severely ill from
COVID-19 have high blood pressure, they are often older or have other medical
conditions like obesity, diabetes, and serious heart conditions that place
them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
If you have high blood pressure, it’s critically important that you keep your
blood pressure under control to lower your risk for heart disease and strokes.
Take your blood pressure medications as directed, keep a log of your blood
pressure every day if you are able to take your blood pressure at home, and
work with your healthcare team to make sure your blood pressure is well
controlled. Any changes to your medications should be made in consultation
with your healthcare team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
How can my family cope with the added stress?
Supporting children with special healthcare needs can put additional demands
and stress on families, especially during emergency situations. You have
likely found ways to manage the stress and challenges unique to your family’s
situation. It is important to continue your family’s coping methods, including
reaching out to other family members, friends, support groups, and
organizations that have been helpful in the past.
See information on ways to cope with stress (such as visiting parks, trails,
or open spaces) and
making your family stronger.
If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like
sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or
others:

Call 911
Visit the Disaster Distress Helplineexternal icon, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotlineexternal icon or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224
Frequently Asked Questions
School Dismissals and Children
While school’s out, how can I help my child continue learning?

Stay in touch with your child’s school.
Many schools are offering lessons online (virtual learning). Review assignments from the school, and help your child establish a reasonable pace for completing the work. You may need to assist your child with turning on devices, reading instructions, and typing answers.
Communicate challenges to your school. If you face technology or connectivity issues, or if your child is having a hard time completing assignments, let the school know.


Create a schedule and routine for learning at home, but remain flexible.
Have consistent bedtimes, and get up at the same time, Monday through Friday.
Structure the day for learning, free time, healthy meals and snacks, and physical activity.
Allow flexibility in the schedule—it’s okay to adapt based on your day.


Consider the needs and adjustment required for your child’s age group.
The transition to being at home will be different for preschoolers, K-5, middle school students, and high school students. Talk to your child about expectations and how they are adjusting to being at home versus at school.
Consider ways your child can stay connected with their friends without spending time in person.


Look for ways to make learning fun.
Have hands-on activities, like puzzles, painting, drawing, and making things.
Independent play can also be used in place of structured learning. Encourage children to build a fort from sheets or practice counting by stacking blocks.
Practice handwriting and grammar by writing letters to family members. This is a great way to connect and limit face-to-face contact.
Start a journal with your child to document this time and discuss the shared experience.
Use audiobooks or see if your local library is hosting virtual or live-streamed reading events.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Case of an Outbreak in Your Community
Should I go to work if there is an outbreak in my community?
Follow the advice of your local health officials. Stay home if you can. Talk
to your employer to discuss working from home, taking leave if you or someone
in your household gets sick with COVID-19
symptoms, or
if your child’s school is dismissed temporarily. Employers should be aware
that more employees may need to stay at home to care for sick children or
other sick family members than is usual in case of a community outbreak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing Your Home and Family for COVID-19
Should I use soap and water or a hand sanitizer to protect against COVID-19?
Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from
getting sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20
seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to
the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not
readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60%
alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions
School Dismissals and Children
While school’s out, can my child hang out with their friends?

The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is to practice social distancing. While school is out, children should not have in-person playdates with children from other households. If children are playing outside their own homes, it is essential that they remain 6 feet from anyone who is not in their own household.
To help children maintain social connections while social distancing, help your children have supervised phone calls or video chats with their friends.
Make sure children practice everyday preventive behaviors, such as washing their hands often with soap and water. Remember, if children meet outside of school in groups, it can put everyone at risk. 
Revise spring break plans if they included non-essential travel.


Information about COVID-19 in children is somewhat limited, but current data suggest children with COVID-19 may have only mild symptoms. However, they can still pass this virus onto others who may be at higher risk, including older adults and people who have serious underlying medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms & Testing
Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
The process and locations for testing vary from place to place. Contact your
state, local, tribal, or territorial department for more information, or reach
out to a medical provider. State and local public health departments have
received tests from CDC while medical providers are getting tests developed by
commercial manufacturers. While supplies of these tests are increasing, it may
still be difficult to find someplace to get tested. See Testing for
COVID-19 for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Can I get COVID-19 from my pets or other animals?
At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in
spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Based on the limited information
available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is
considered to be low. A small number of pets have been reported to be infected
with the virus that causes COVID-19, mostly after contact with people with
COVID-19.
Pets have other types of coronaviruses that can make them sick, like canine
and feline coronaviruses. These other coronaviruses cannot infect people and
are not related to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good
idea to practice healthy
habits
around pets and other animals, such as washing your hands and maintaining good
hygiene. For more information on the many benefits of pet ownership, as well
as staying safe and healthy around animals including pets, livestock, and
wildlife, visit CDC’s Healthy Pets, Healthy People
website.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Animals
Can animals carry the virus that causes COVID-19 on their skin or fur?
Although we know certain bacteria and fungi can be carried on fur and hair,
there is no evidence that viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19,
can spread to people from the skin, fur, or hair of pets.
However, because animals can sometimes carry other germs that can make people
sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy
habits
around pets and other animals, including washing hands before and after
interacting with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Hypertension
Should I continue to take my blood pressure medication?
Yes. Continue to take your blood pressure medications exactly as prescribed
and make lifestyle modifications agreed upon in your treatment plan. Continue
all your regular medications, including angiotensin-converting enzyme
inhibitors (ACE-Is) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), as prescribed by
your healthcare team. This is recommended by current clinical
guidelines from the American Heart Association, the Heart Failure Society of
America, and the American College of Cardiology.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 and Water
Is the virus that causes COVID-19 found in feces (stool)?
The virus that causes COVID-19 has been found in the feces of some patients
diagnosed with COVID-19. However, it is unclear whether the virus found in
feces may be capable of causing COVID-19. There has not been any confirmed
report of the virus spreading from feces to a person. Scientists also do not
know how much risk there is that the virus could be spread from the feces of
an infected person to another person. However, they think this risk is low
based on data from previous outbreaks of diseases caused by related
coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle
East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Protect Yourself
Is contact lens disinfecting solution effective against COVID-19?

Hydrogen peroxide-based systems for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing contact lenses should be effective against the virus that causes COVID-19. 
For other disinfection methods, such as multipurpose solution and ultrasonic cleaners, there is currently not enough scientific evidence to determine efficacy against the virus.


Always use solution to disinfect your contact lenses and case to kill germs that may be present.
Handle your lenses over a surface that has been cleaned and disinfected.

Find more information about how coronavirus
spreads
and how to protect
yourself.
Visit CDC’s contact lens
website for more information on
healthy contact lens wear and care.