What is Coronavirus

What Is Coronavirus?

THE BASICS

COVID-19  

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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. COVID19 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.

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Are coronavirus and COVID-19 the same thing?

Coronaviruses are a type of virus. There are many different kinds, and some cause disease. A newly identified type of coronavirus has caused a recent outbreak of respiratory illness now called COVID-19.

How does the new coronavirus spread?

As of now, researchers know that the new coronavirus is spread through droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets generally do not travel more than a few feet, and they fall to the ground (or onto surfaces) in a few seconds — this is why social and physical distancing is effective in preventing the spread.

What is the incubation period for COVID-19?

It appears that symptoms are showing up in people within 14 days of exposure to the virus.

What are symptoms of COVID-19?

COVID-19 symptoms include:    

Cough Fever Shortness of breath Muscle aches

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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.

Is it possible to have other coronavirus symptoms without the fever?

It is possible to be infected with the new coronavirus and have a cough or other symptoms with no fever, or a very low-grade one, especially in the first few days. Keep in mind that it is also possible to have COVID-19 with minimal or even no symptoms at all. Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms.

How is COVID-19 diagnosed?

Diagnosis may be difficult with only a physical exam because mild cases of COVID-19 may appear similar to the flu or a bad cold. A laboratory test can confirm the diagnosis. Learn more about COVID-19 testing.

How is COVID-19 treated?

As of now, there is not a specific treatment for the virus. People who become sick from COVID-19 should be treated with supportive measures: those that relieve symptoms.

For severe cases, there may be additional options for treatment, including research drugs and therapeutics.

Does COVID-19 cause death?

As of Apr. 20, 2020, 165,939 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19. However, 632,983 people have recovered from the illness. This information comes from

the Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases map developed by the Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering.

Is this coronavirus different from SARS? SARS stands for severe acute respiratory syndrome. In 2003, an outbreak of SARS started in China and spread to other countries before ending in 2004. The virus that causes COVID-19 is similar to the one that caused the 2003 SARS outbreak: both are types of coronaviruses. Much is still unknown, but COVID-19 seems to spread faster than the 2003 SARS and also may cause less severe illness.

How do you protect yourself from this coronavirus?

It’s crucial to practice good hygiene, respiratory etiquette and social and physical distancing. Continue reading to find out more about ways to protect yourself.

Avoid close contact with others.

If an infected person coughs or sneezes, their droplets can infect people nearby.

That’s why it’s important to avoid close contact with others. Understand that people (including children) may be infected with the new coronavirus and have only mild symptoms.

Some measures you can take to avoid close contact with others include:       

Stay home as much as possible and do not welcome visitors.

Practice social and physical distancing.

Stay at least six feet away from others in public places.

Call friends and family or visit by video.

Avoid people who are known to be sick.

Go grocery shopping and run errands during off-peak times.

The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

Practice good hygiene wherever you are.

The new coronavirus can survive for hours or even days on some surfaces. Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face is one of the ways to become infected.

The virus is no longer detectable on plastic after 72 hours, and on stainless steel or cardboard after about 48 hours. With that in mind:

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Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, especially:  After being in public places and touching door handles, shopping carts, elevator buttons, etc.  After using the bathroom  Before preparing food  If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands.  If you cough or sneeze, do so in the bend of your elbow. If you use a tissue, throw it away immediately.

Take precautions if you are living with or caring for someone who is sick.  

Wear a mask if you are caring for someone who has respiratory symptoms.

Clean counters, door knobs, phones and tables frequently, using disinfectant cleaners or wipes.

If you feel sick, follow these guidelines:   

Stay home if you feel sick unless you are experiencing a medical emergency such as severe shortness of breath or a very high fever.

Call your doctor or urgent care facility and explain your symptoms over the phone.

If you leave your home to get medical care, wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms.

Lauren Sauer, M.S., the director of operations with the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response and director of research with the Johns Hopkins Biocontainment Unit, shares information about COVID-19 and what you need to know.

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