Coronavirus: How Does The New Coronavirus Spread?
Coronavirus: How Does The New Coronavirus Spread?
Coronavirus: How Does The New Coronavirus Spread?
Coronaviruses are a type of virus. There are many different kinds, and some cause disease. A
newly identified coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has caused a worldwide pandemic of respiratory
illness, called COVID-19.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the new coronavirus that emerged in China in
December 2019.
COVID-19 symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore
throat, unexplained loss of taste or smell, diarrhea and headache. COVID-19 can be
severe, and some cases have caused death
The new coronavirus can be spread from person to person. It is diagnosed with a
laboratory test.
There is no coronavirus vaccine yet. Prevention involves frequent hand-washing,
coughing into the bend of your elbow, staying home when you are sick and wearing a
cloth face covering if you can't practice social distancing.
Cough
Fever
Shortness of breath
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Unexplained loss of taste or smell
Diarrhea
Headache
In rare cases, COVID-19 can lead to severe respiratory problems, kidney failure or death.
If you have a fever or any kind of respiratory difficulty such as coughing or shortness of breath,
call your doctor or a health care provider and explain your symptoms over the phone before
going to the doctor’s office, urgent care facility or emergency room. Here are suggestions if you
feel sick and are concerned you might have COVID-19.
If you have a medical emergency such as severe shortness of breath, call 911 and let them know
about your symptoms.
What Is Coronavirus?
If you are concerned that you may have COVID-19, follow these steps to help protect your
health and the health of others.
About Coronaviruses
Coronaviruses are common in different animals. Rarely, an animal coronavirus can infect
humans.
There are many different kinds of coronaviruses. Some of them can cause colds or other
mild respiratory (nose, throat, lung) illnesses.
Other coronaviruses can cause more serious diseases, including severe acute respiratory
syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
Coronaviruses are named for their appearance: Under the microscope, the viruses look
like they are covered with pointed structures that surround them like a corona, or crown.
Credits to hopkinsmedicine.com