ATLANTA — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, common human coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate respiratory infections, not unlike the common cold.
They say that most people become infected with these types of viruses at some point in their lives. Common coronaviruses usually only last for a short period of time and have symptoms that include a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever and a general feeling of being "unwell."
However, according to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), have ranged from mild to severe illness
The Georgia Department of Public Health advises that anyone who has recently traveled to areas where there are ongoing outbreaks of coronavirus -- which, as of Tuesday, March 3, includes China, South Korea, Italy and Iran -- and develops fever with cough and shortness of breath within 14 days of travel; or has had contact with someone who is suspected of having coronavirus, should stay at home and contact their health care provider or local health department immediately.
Department of Public Health commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey said in a release that someone who suspects they may already have coronavirus should make certain to call before going to a doctor's office, emergency room or urgent care center and tell them of your recent travel and your symptoms before visiting.