Pets worldwide, including cats and dogs, have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19
, mostly after close contact with people with COVID-19. The risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is low. Do not put masks on pets; masks could harm your pet.
Should pets be kept away from people infected with COVID-19?
• People with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should avoid contact with animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife.
What animals can contract COVID-19?
• Recent experimental research shows that many mammals, including cats, dogs, bank voles, ferrets, fruit bats, hamsters, mink, pigs, rabbits, racoon dogs, tree shrews, and white-tailed deer can be infected with the virus.
Public health officials are still learning about SARS-CoV-2, but there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare.
If both of you are healthy and feeling well, are practicing social distancing and have had no known exposure to anyone with COVID-19, touching, hugging, kissing, and sex are more likely to be safe.
Can COVID-19 spread through sexual intercourse?
Although COVID-19 has been detected in semen and feces, currently we do not think that the virus is spread through the sexual act. But, given that the virus is spread through respiratory droplets—which are much more likely to be shared when in close contact with another person—many sexual acts will be considered high risk. So, as the New York City Department of Health details in its safer sex and COVID-19 fact sheet, minimizing risks by exploring other avenues of meaningful interaction is suggested and recommended.
How long does it take for COVID-19 symptoms to appear?
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 6 days after exposure to the virus. However, it sometimes takes longer — up to 14 days
How long does COVID-19 stay active at room temperature?
A study published in found that at room temperature, COVID-19 was detectable on fabric for up to two days, compared to seven days for plastic and metal.
Do minks transmit COVID-19?
Infected workers likely introduced SARS-CoV-2 to mink on the farms, and the virus then began to spread among the mink. Once the virus is introduced on a farm, spread can occur between mink as well as from mink to other animals on the farm (dogs, cats).
What temperature kills the virus that causes COVID-19?
Research on the impact of temperature has shown that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is sensitive to elevated temperatures, with over 99.99% inactivation in only a few minutes at 70°C (158°F). However, this temperature is far outside the limits of human comfort and could damage some building materials.
How long does COVID-19 survive on fabric?
A study published in found that at room temperature, COVID-19 was detectable on fabric for up to two days, compared to seven days for plastic and metal. However, when it was exposed to high heat, the virus became inactive within five minutes.
Are males more vulnerable to COVID-19?
Generally, females are more resistant to infections than men, and this is possibly mediated by several factors including sex hormones and high expression of coronavirus receptors (ACE 2) in men but also life style, such as higher levels of smoking and drinking among men as compared to women.
What are some of the first symptoms of COVID-19?
Early symptoms reported by some people include fatigue, headache, sore throat or fever. Others experience a loss of smell or taste. COVID-19 can cause symptoms that are mild at first, but then become more intense over five to seven days, with worsening cough and shortness of breath.
