Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses mostly found in animals. Diseases caused by coronaviruses in humans can range from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). The illness caused by this new coronavirus has been named COVID-19.

Symptoms

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses including the flu and the common cold. Symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of appetite
  • Chills
  • Loss of sense of smell or taste
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Cough or exacerbation of chronic cough
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Runny nose
  • Diarrhea

How it spreads

Coronavirus is spread through droplet transmission from person to person when infected people cough or sneeze and produce droplets. Wearing a mask in public may help protect others, especially in situations where physical distancing is difficult to maintain.

The following methods can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

  • Proper hand washing
  • Avoiding touching your face
  • Covering your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze
  • Staying home
  • Wearing a mask while out of the house
  • Practicing physical distancing