Williamson County updates public on COVID-19 response
AUSTIN, Texas - Williamson County held a press conference at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday to update the public on the county's response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
The virtual press conference was held by Williamson County Judge Bill Gravel.
LIST: Confirmed coronavirus cases by county
As of April 8, the county has 97 confirmed coronavirus cases, ten more than the day before. According to the county's health district, 40 of the cases have recovered so far. The county is also reporting four deaths.
Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.
Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.
Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus but may put you in a better position to fight it.
To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.
And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFO ON THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
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