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Center for Educational Outreach Baylor College of Medicine Updated August 6, 2021 Coronavirus: What You Need to Know bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine

What Is a Coronavirus? Viruses, in general, are microbes smaller than bacteria that invade living cells in order to reproduce. Viruses consist of genetic material inside a protein coat. Coronaviruses contain a single positive (sense) strand of RNA as their genetic material. There are many kinds of coronaviruses, which cause a range of symptoms, from the common cold to more severe infections. Novel Coronavirus SARS-Co. V-2 This transmission electron microscope image shows SARS-Co. V-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U. S. Virus particles are shown emerging from the surface of cells cultured in the lab. The spikes on the outer edge of the virus particles give coronaviruses their name, crown-like. In 2019, a respiratory illness caused by a previously unknown coronavirus appeared in Wuhan, China. • The virus was named SARS-Co. V-2, because it is similar to a different SARS virus, SARS-Co. V-1 that caused an outbreak in 2003. • SARS is an abbreviation for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. Photo Credit: NIAID-RML 8/6/21 bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 2

What Is a Pandemic? A pandemic is an outbreak of infectious disease where there is significant, ongoing person-to-person spread in multiple countries around the world at the same time. • The current COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people in more than 100 countries. • There have been other pandemics in modern history. Examples include, but are not limited to, Spanish (H 1 N 1) Flu in 1918 -1920, HIV/AIDS 1981–present or H 1 N 1 swine Flu in 2009– 2010. • Use this link to access the World Health Organization COVID-19 Dashboard, which shows confirmed cases around the globe. 8/6/21 bioedonline. org World Health Organization, COVID-19 Dashboard. STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 3 https: //covid 19. who. int/

Where Did SARS-Co. V-2 Come From? • SARS-Co. V-2 is a zoonotic disease, which means it originally was present only animals and passed from animals to humans. • SARS-Co. V-2 and related viruses are found in bats, pangolins and possibly other animals. Through reshuffling of genetic material and natural mutation, SARS-Co. V-2 virus acquired the ability to infect humans, and be passed from one person to another. • Contact with infected animals led to the initial cases of infection with the new viral strain in humans. Manis pentadactyla, a pangolin native to the Indian subcontinent, parts of Southeast Asia and China. Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals in the world. Eight different species are found on two continents. All eight species are in danger of extinction and are protected by international laws. Photo credit to Ms. Sarita Jnawali of NTNC – Central Zoo. bioedonline. org Creative Commons License 2. 0 8/6/21 STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 4

What Is COVID-19? SARS-Co. V-2, a kind of coronavirus, causes the contagious, respiratory illness in humans called COVID-19 or Coronavirus Disease 2019. COVID-19 has varying signs and symptoms that range from no symptoms to severe. • Some symptoms include: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain or new loss of appetite. • Symptoms often develop about five days after being infected, but can appear as early as two days later or as late as 14 days after infection. Vaccines are available to prevent COVID-19 illness and death. bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine

The Delta Variant Like all viruses, SARS-Co. V-2 is changing over time. These genetic changes are called mutations. One of the variants, called “Delta, ” is a virus strain that is causing most of the illness in the United States during summer 2021. • Delta spreads more easily than the original form of the SARS-Co. V-2 virus and is considered to be as contagious as chickenpox. • Current vaccines offer strong protection against the Delta variant. Anyone who is unvaccinated and not practicing preventive strategies is at high risk for infection with the coronavirus Delta variant. Source: https: //www. yalemedicine. org/news/5 -things-to-know-delta variant-covid 8/6/21 bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 6

How Does Coronavirus Spread? • The virus typically spreads through droplets and fine particles produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of other people nearby and possibly be inhaled into the lungs. • People who are close to one another can spread the virus. • Sometimes, people can be infected with COVID-19 and not feel sick. These individuals can unknowingly spread the virus to others. • Vaccinated individuals may be able to spread the Delta variant of COVID-19, even if they have no symptoms. • Transmission of coronavirus occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets and particles than through objects and surfaces. • The virus may survive for hours to days on some surfaces. 8/6/21 bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 7

How Can I Protect Myself and Others? • Get vaccinated. Vaccines are free, safe and highly effective. • Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth mask when around other people, particularly if you are not yet vaccinated. • Keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. • Stay home when you are sick. • Avoid crowded places or gatherings. • Cover your cough or sneezes with a tissue. Or, cough or sneeze into your elbow. • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is based on recommendations from the CDC as of August 6, 2021 but we recommend you consult these sources directly. This information is not intended to be and should not be construed to be or relied upon as legal, financial, medical or consulting advice. References and links to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship or warranty by Baylor College of Medicine, and Baylor College of Medicine hereby disclaims STEMall Teacher express and implied warranties of any kind. Baylor College of Medicine assumes no responsibility for loss, damage, illness or injury due to the provision of or reliance on this guidance. bioedonline. org Resources from Baylor College of Medicine

When Should I Wear a Face Covering? • If you are vaccinated, consider wearing a mask indoors in public if your community is seeing high rates of COVID-19 infection and illness. • Vaccinated individuals with weakened immune systems, also should consider wearing a mask indoors in public places. • If you are not yet vaccinated, wear a mask when around others in public areas. Face coverings help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. • Even if you are wearing a mask, try to stay at least six feet away from people who do not live in your household. 8/6/21 bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 9

Why Should I Wash My Hands? • Coronaviruses spread most often by droplets and particles that are exhaled when breathing or talking. • It is possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then touching your own nose, mouth or eyes. • Handwashing helps protect you and others. Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Or use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. • Cleaning with soap and water reduces the risk of spreading infection. Using a disinfectant kills germs on hard surfaces. 8/6/21 bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 10

How Should I Wash My Hands? • Wet your hands and apply soap. • Rub your hands together to create lather and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice. • Rinse your hands under clean, running water. • Dry your hands with a paper towel or air dry them. • Click to watch how to wash your hands thoroughly. 8/6/21 bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 11

What Is Physical Distancing? COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. How does COVID-19 spread? happens mainly when: • People are close to one another for a prolonged period (within six feet of each other for more than 15 minutes); • An infected person coughs, sneezes or talks and sprays invisible droplets into the air that are breathed in by other people. Reduce your risk by staying three to six feet away from people who are not part of your household. • Spacing yourself physically from others is called “social” or physical distancing. 8/6/21 bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 12

What Should You Do if You Get Sick? • If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Contact your doctor or health provider. • To stop the spread of COVID-19: • Stay home, get rest and stay hydrated. • Stay in a separate room away from other people and use a separate bathroom, if possible. • Wear a mask if you must be around others at home. • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. • Avoid sharing household items. • Clean and disinfect all frequently touched surfaces every day. • Follow your doctor’s instructions and seek emergency care if you become very ill. 8/6/21 Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is based on recommendations from the CDC and OSHA as of August 6, 2021, but we recommend you consult these sources directly. This information is not intended to be and should not be construed to be or relied upon as legal, financial, medical or consulting advice. References and links to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, sponsorship or warranty by Baylor College of Medicine, and Baylor College of Medicine hereby disclaims all express. STEM and implied Teacher warranties of any kind. Baylor College of Medicine assumes no responsibility for loss, damage, illness or injury due to the provision of or reliance on this guidance. bioedonline. org Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 13

What If Someone Had COVID-19? Or Tested Positive for COVID-19? If you tested positive for COVID-19 but had no symptoms, you can be around others, including returning to school, after: • 10 days have passed since the date you had your positive test. • 10 days since symptoms first appeared and you have had 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications AND • Other symptoms, such as loss of smell or taste, are improving. Even if you have had COVID-19 illness or tested positive for COVID-19, you should still be vaccinated. 8/6/21 bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 14

Get Vaccinated Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at keeping you from getting COVID 19. The vaccine will also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. Get vaccinated as soon as you can! Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https: //www. cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019 -ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow. html 8/6/21 bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 15

Who Is Eligible for Vaccination Against COVID-19? • Everyone 12 years of age and older is eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccination. • Three vaccines are authorized in the United States Vaccine Brand Name Who Can Get this Vaccine? How Many Shots Will You Need? When Are You Fully Vaccinated? Pfizer-Bio. NTEch People 12 years and older 2 shots Given 3 weeks (21 days) apart 2 weeks after your second shot Moderna People 18 years and older 2 shots Given 4 weeks (28 days) apar 2 weeks after your second shot 1 shot 2 weeks after your second shot Johnson & Johnson’s People 18 years and older Jannsen Source https: //www. cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019 -ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines. html 8/6/21 bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 16

Remember: After you are fully vaccinated, you may be able to start doing some of the things you used to do before the COVID-19 pandemic! You also will help protect children under 12 and others who are not yet able to be vaccinated. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https: //www. cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019 -ncov/vaccines/ pdfs/324153_choosing. Safer. Activities 11. pdf 8/6/21 bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine 17

bioedonline. org STEM Teacher Resources from Baylor College of Medicine