Coronavirus (COVID-19)

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

• 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
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

CDC believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.

What should you do if you are experiencing symptoms and have traveled to areas of concern or have been in contact with someone who has traveled to these areas or has a confirmed case of Coronavirus?

• Call ahead to your health care provider before seeking treatment in person!
• Additional  steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community at the CDC.

What types of COVID-19 tests are available?

There are two different types of tests – diagnostic tests and antibody tests.

1. A diagnostic test can show if you have an active coronavirus infection and should take steps to quarantine or isolate yourself from others. Currently there are two types of diagnostic tests which detect the virus – molecular tests, such as RT-PCR tests, that detect the virus’s genetic material, and antigen tests that detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus.
2. An antibody test looks for antibodies that are made by your immune system in response to a threat, such as a specific virus. Antibodies can help fight infections. Antibodies can take several days or weeks to develop after you have an infection and may stay in your blood for several weeks or more after recovery. Because of this, antibody tests should not be used to diagnose an active coronavirus infection. At this time researchers do not know if the presence of antibodies means that you are immune to the coronavirus in the future.

To help you choose which test is right for you, read more about the different kinds of Coronavirus testing from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Where can I get tested for COVID-19?

Several sites have opened in Dutchess County offering diagnostic and/or antibody testing.

Testing for Coronavirus in Dutchess County

I've recovered from COVID-19, can I donate blood or plasma?

Vassar Brothers Medical Center has opened a convalescent plasma donation center to collect plasma for patients fighting COVID-19, according to Nuvance Health. 

Donors must have had either a positive COVID-19 swab or a positive antibody test. They must be symptom-free for 14 days with a repeat negative test, or 28 days symptom-free. Those who are symptom-free for 28 days will be given priority. Anyone interested can visit www.nuvancehealth.org/plasmadonorcenters.

Learn more about antibody testing in Dutchess County on our Testing webpage.

COVID-19 is believed to spread mainly from person to person who are in close contact with one another (less than 6 feet of distance) through respiratory droplets when a person with COVID-19 coughs or sneezes.  It may also be possible for COVID-19 to be spread through touching infected objects or surfaces.

How do I protect myself and my family from COVID-19?

Help stop the spread of Coronavirus and protect yourself and others:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue (not your hands), then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and take special care to help the elderly and people with underlying health conditions avoid exposure. Call instead of visiting those most at risk. Offer help delivering groceries and other necessities so they can stay at home.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick and even if you feel well, stay at home as much as possible.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a cleaning product that contains bleach.
  • EPA's list of antimicrobial products registered for use against COVID-19 (.pdf)
  • Clean Safely! Keep chemicals out of reach of children, follow directions, and wear protective gear. For more, click here. 
• Practice social distancing. Keep at least 6 feet of space between yourself and others whenever possible. Avoid social gatherings and unnecessary appointments.
  • Help keep our Parks open and safe for all - download a Social Distancing at Dutchess County Parks flyer (.pdf)
  • Guidance from the State on protecting yourself when enjoying the outdoors.
• Wear a cloth face mask. A simple cloth face covering should be worn by everyone outside of their home when ample social distancing proves difficult. Be sure to wash your mask frequently; the CDC advises a washing machine is sufficient to clean cloth face coverings.
  • Using a Cloth Face Covering as a Mask Flyer (pdf)
  • CDC guidance on creating and using cloth face coverings 
  • How to Make Your own Face Covering (CDC | YouTube)
  • Cloth Face Mask Checklist from the CDC

How to Make Your own Face Covering (CDC | YouTube)

Using a Cloth Face Covering as a Mask Flyer (pdf)