NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — As the number of COVID-19 cases grows in Nashville, new data from the Metro Public Health Department shows a spike in the downtown area, where typically a lot of young people reside.
Metro released the latest heat maps of active and total cases on Tuesday, showing the new hot spot in the city.
Health leaders want to make it clear though, this doesn't mean people are necessarily contracting the virus downtown. This is just where they live. It doesn't necessarily mean they got it from visiting a local business, bar or restaurant in the downtown area.
While young people typically do not experience some of the more serious symptoms, Dr. Alex Jahangir said they need to be considerate of others who may have a more compromised immune system.
"These young people more likely than not, are not going to get sick. Statistics will tell you that. Two weeks from now, those people could infect their parents, their grandparents. Those are the individuals that will get sick and will take up more hospital capacity,” Jahangir said.
If you feel ill, health leaders say it's best to get tested. You can visit any of the three Metro assessment centers on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
