Influenza and Communicable Diseases
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a new respiratory disease caused by the virus "SARS CoV-2". Reported illness ranges from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases. Symptoms may appear 2 - 14 days after exposure and include:
- Fever (100.0 or greater), chills or shaking chills
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- New loss of taste or smell
- Muscle aches or body aches
- Cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough)
- Sore throat*
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea*
- Headache*
- Fatigue*
- Nasal congestion or runny nose (not due to other known causes, such as allergies)*
*when in combination with other symptoms
How does COVID-19 Spread?
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected.
Prevention:
- Stay home when you are ill
- Get tested
- Quarantine if you were a close contact
- Get vaccinated if you are eligible
- Wear a mask indoors, especially if you are not fully vaccinated
- Wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Information and Updates
For additional COVID-19 information and updates, please go to the Town of Hanover COVID-19 Information Center, the CDC COVID-19 website and the Mass.gov COVID-19 website
Influenza (Flu)
Influenza (flu) is a disease of the body’s respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu is caused by a virus and it can be very serious. Every year in the U.S. seasonal flu causes thousands of hospital admissions and deaths. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best protection.
Information and Updates
For additional influenza information and updates, visit the Town of Hanover Health Department.
Fact Sheets on Infectious Diseases
Information about the symptoms and treatments of infectious diseases, and how you can protect yourself from the risk of illness.