NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Local health leaders are not backing down on their push to get more Nashvillians vaccinated. Currently, the Volunteer State ranks 47 out of 50 states in COVID-19 vaccinations.
Friday, Nashville General Hospital, Meharry Medical College and the Davidson County Delegation came together to urge folks to get their vaccine.
They say as elected officials and healthcare leaders, it is imperative they encourage the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County to get vaccinated so that we can freely go to church, music venues, restaurants and back to work, safely.
Roughly 41% of adults have been vaccinated from COVID-19 in Tennessee, versus the national average of 50.4%.
The more people that get vaccinated, the less concern there is about the potential of another surge of the virus.
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- Donate to the COVID-19 Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund
See all our coronavirus coverage here
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.
