Since the 2019 novel coronavirus emerged in Wuhan, China, at the end of last year, this pneumonia-like illness has spread at an alarming rate, prompting both the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to declare the outbreak a pandemic. Use these resources to help understand coronavirus and be proactive about prevention.
See information for Patients and Health Professionals below.
For Patients:
A sample is collected from the back of your nose and throat (nasopharyngeal or NP swab). This is done by having you tip your head back, then a swab is gently inserted through a nostril until resistance is met (about 1 to 2 inches), then rotated several times and withdrawn. This may tickle a bit and cause the eyes to tear.
Visit the CDC webpage on Testing for COVID-19. You'll find a Coronavirus Self-checker, which is a guide to help you make decisions and seek appropriate medical care.
More information can also be found at the CDC's page on What To Do if You Are Sick.
