Overview

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus. It is an illness that was first found in Wuhan, China, 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.

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.

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.

The virus is diagnosed with a test that uses a swab of fluid from the nose or throat or sometimes uses sputum from the lungs. Other tests may be done, such as blood tests and CT scans of the lungs. But even if you don't have a test, a doctor may ask you questions and determine that you may have the virus.

Most people who get sick from the virus can recover at home. Your doctor may have you take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) for a fever. Treatment in the hospital for more serious cases includes support, such as help with breathing.

You can find the latest information from these sources:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Go to the CDC website at www.cdc.gov for updates about the disease and travel advice. The website also tells you ways to prevent the spread of infection.
• World Health Organization (WHO). Go to the WHO website at www.who.int for information about the virus, including updates on the outbreak and for travel advice.

Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor.

Home Treatment

If you are sick with COVID-19, there is no medicine to fight the virus. But there are things you can do to reduce your symptoms and feel better while you recover at home.

• Rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Take acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, if you need to relieve a fever and body aches. Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Steps to take to avoid spreading the virus

• Stay home and separate yourself from others, including those you live with. 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.
  • Talk to your doctor about whether you also need testing, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
  • If you were exposed to the virus but don't have symptoms, it's safe to be around others 14 days after exposure.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then throw the tissue in the trash.
• 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.
• Avoid contact with people in your home. Try to stay at least 6 feet away from others. If possible, stay in a separate bedroom and use a separate bathroom. Anytime you're around other people, wear a cloth face cover.
• Don't share personal household items. You can assign your own set of items including bedding, towels, cups and glasses, and eating utensils.
• 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. These include doorknobs, remote controls, phones, and handles on your refrigerator and microwave. And don't forget countertops, tabletops, bathrooms, and computer keyboards.
• Avoid contact with pets and other animals. If possible, have a friend or family member care for them while you're sick.

Be sure to follow all instructions from your local health authorities. These may include stay-at-home orders, guidelines for social distancing and face covers, and information about access to health care, COVID-19 testing, and other essential services.

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

If you develop a fever, cough, or trouble breathing, or your symptoms become worse, answer the symptom checker questions again or call your doctor. You may need care.

Prevention

To protect yourself and others:

• 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.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily. These include doorknobs, light switches, toilets, and sinks.
• Avoid contact with people who may be infected.
• Avoid crowds and public areas, and try to stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) away from other people. If you go out, wash your hands as soon as you return home.
• If you go out in public, wear a cloth face cover over your mouth and nose. This is especially important in places like the grocery store or pharmacy, where it can be hard to keep your distance from others.
• Limit visitors. Having fewer people in your home means less chance of being exposed to the virus.
• Don't travel if you don't have to, and avoid public transportation if you can.
• Limit shopping to essentials, like food and medicines.
• Don't eat in restaurants. (You can still get takeout or food deliveries.)

Be sure to follow all instructions from your local health authorities. These may include stay-at-home orders, guidelines for social distancing and face covers, and information about access to health care, COVID-19 testing, and other essential services.

Preparing For Your Appointment

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 during the outbreak, follow this advice:

• Stay home. Avoid contact with others.
• Call your doctor's office, urgent care, or telehealth line. They will tell you if you need to come in for medical care or a test.
• If you need to leave home to get care, wear a cloth face cover over your mouth and nose to prevent exposing other people to the virus.

Why do you need to call first?

If you leave home for care you don't need, you're putting other people at risk, including health care workers and other patients.

And if you DO need care, you need to let the doctor's office, clinic, or hospital know that you're coming. They may want you to use a special entrance or go to a special area. They'll probably remind you to wear a cloth face cover.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What are your main symptoms?
  • Do you have a fever?
  • Do you have a cough?
  • Do you have any trouble breathing?
  • Do you have other symptoms you are concerned about?
• Have you been in contact with anyone who has symptoms of or has been diagnosed with COVID-19?
• What home treatment methods have you tried?
• What nonprescription medicines have you used?
• Do you have any high-risk health problems ?