This story is provided by the ONU HealthWise Pharmacy.

The number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at publication time, 828,441 coronavirus cases and 46,379 related deaths had been reported in the US.

However, the CDC noted that the agency does not know the exact number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. This is because there is a delay in reporting and testing, and they know many people are not getting tested or seeking medical care. Plus, the CDC noted that there may be differences in how states are confirming COVID-19 numbers.

New information continues to become available as we learn more about the virus. Recently, the CDC issued a recommendation to wear cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. For more information, read "CDC: Use Face Coverings in Public."

Also, researchers continue to learn more about how long the virus lasts on different surfaces.

Older adults and those with serious underlying medical conditions (any age) may be at a higher risk for severe illness associated with COVID-19, the CDC noted. The following factors may lead to a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19:

• Asthma
• Chronic lung disease
• Diabetes
• Serious heart conditions
• Chronic kidney disease
• Severe obesity
• Liver disease
• Being 65 years old or older
• Being in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• Being immunocompromised

If any of the above conditions describes you, it is especially important that you stay home in order to avoid exposure to the virus.

If you have any questions about your underlying health conditions and/or if you get sick and believe you have been exposed to the virus, call your health care provider.

The majority of people who get COVID-19 will be able to get better while at home. However, if you develop any of the following emergency warning signs, get medical attention immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Pain or pressure in the chest that does not go away
• Confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

This is not an all-inclusive list of possible severe symptoms.