Overview

What is coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus. It is an illness that was first found in December 2019. It has since spread worldwide.

The virus can cause fever, cough, and trouble breathing. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia and make it hard to breathe without help. It can cause death.

This virus spreads person-to-person through droplets from coughing and sneezing. It can also spread when you are close to someone who is infected. And it can spread when you touch something that has the virus on it, such as a doorknob or a tabletop.

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses. They cause the common cold. They also cause more serious illnesses like Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus. That means it's a new type that has not been seen in people before.

How is COVID-19 treated?

Mild illness can be treated at home, but more serious illness needs to be treated in the hospital. Treatment may include medicines to reduce symptoms, plus breathing support such as oxygen therapy or a ventilator. Some people may be placed on their belly to help their oxygen levels. Other treatments, such as antiviral medicines, may help people who have COVID-19.

What can you do to protect yourself from COVID-19?

The best way to protect yourself from getting sick is to:

• Avoid areas where there is an outbreak.
• Avoid contact with people who may be infected.
• Avoid crowds and try to stay at least 6 feet away from other people.
• Wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze. Use soap and water, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.

What can you do to avoid spreading the virus to others?

To help avoid spreading the virus to others:

• Wash your hands often with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Use a disinfectant to clean things that you touch often. These include doorknobs, remote controls, phones, and handles on your refrigerator and microwave. And don't forget countertops, tabletops, bathrooms, and computer keyboards.
• Wear a cloth face cover if you have to go to public areas.

If you know or suspect that you have COVID-19:

• Stay home. Don't go to school, work, or public areas. And don't use public transportation, ride-shares, or taxis unless you have no choice.
• Leave your home only if you need to get medical care or testing. But call the doctor's office first so they know you're coming. And wear a face cover.
• Limit contact with people in your home. If possible, stay in a separate bedroom and use a separate bathroom.
• Wear a face cover whenever you're around other people. It can help stop the spread of the virus when you cough or sneeze.
• Clean and disinfect your home every day. Use household cleaners and disinfectant wipes or sprays. Take special care to clean things that you grab with your hands.
• Self-isolate until it's safe to be around others again.
  • If you have symptoms, it's safe when you haven't had a fever for 24 hours while not taking medicines to lower the fever and your symptoms have improved and it's been at least 10 days since your symptoms started.
  • If you were exposed to the virus but don't have symptoms, it's safe to be around others 14 days after exposure.
  • Talk to your doctor about whether you also need testing, especially if you have a weakened immune system.

When to call for help

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have severe trouble breathing. (You can't talk at all.)
• You have constant chest pain or pressure.
• You are severely dizzy or lightheaded.
• You are confused or can't think clearly.
• Your face and lips have a blue color.
• You passed out (lost consciousness) or are very hard to wake up.

Call your doctor now if you develop symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath.
• Fever.
• Cough.

If you need to get care, call ahead to the doctor's office for instructions before you go. Make sure you wear a face cover to prevent exposing other people to the virus.

Where can you get the latest information?

The following health organizations are tracking and studying this virus. Their websites contain the most up-to-date information. You'll also learn what to do if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides updated news about the disease and travel advice. The website also tells you how to prevent the spread of infection. www.cdc.gov
• World Health Organization (WHO): WHO offers information about the virus outbreaks. WHO also has travel advice. www.who.int