Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Get the Facts on Symptoms and Prevention From Cynthia Snider, MD
Last Updated April 7, 2020.
Q: What is COVID-19?
A: A new respiratory virus that caused severe pneumonia was first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The virus is now spreading person-to-person in growing numbers in greater than 50 countries.
Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's COVID-19 situation summary page to find the most current information on the COVID-19.
Q: What is a novel coronavirus?
A: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in humans, and others, such as animals. Occasionally, we see new (novel) coronaviruses that have not previously been described in humans. There are many types of human coronaviruses, including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses.
This virus was originally thought to have emerged from an animal source that infected humans. We are now seeing the virus spread from person to person.
It can cause mild cold-like symptoms as well as severe pneumonia requiring ventilator support. It can be virulent and cause severe pulmonary disease, which we have seen in previous outbreaks with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Q: How does COVID-19 spread?
A: the current understanding of how this virus causes COVID-19 is based on what we know about coronaviruses in general. This virus is spread mostly person to person. Like the common cold, it is spread by droplets, which are often generated when a person coughs or sneezes. One can be exposed when in close contact (within 6 feet) to someone who is sick. People are thought to be most contagious when they have symptoms. There have been reports of people becoming sick after contact with someone with little to no symptoms (asymptomatic) but this is not thought to be the main method of the virus spreading in the community.
Q: How easily does it spread in a community?
A: This virus is thought to be more contagious than the seasonal flu but much less than other highly contagious viruses, such as measles or chicken pox.
Protecting Yourself
Q: How can I help protect myself?
A: Everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses will work with this novel coronavirus. Those actions include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Visit the CDC's "How To Protect Yourself and Others" page to learn more about how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
Q: What are the symptoms and complications of virus that causes COVID-19?
A: Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
The CDC believes that symptoms may appear anywhere from 2 to 14 days after exposure
Read about more by clicking here: COVID-19 symptoms.
Q: Who should be concerned about getting COVID-19?
A: If you develop a fever1or symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, you should call your physician or seek virtual care with an e-visit or video visit here.
Public Health Response and Current Situation
Q: What is CDC doing about COVID-19?
A: This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and CDC will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available. CDC works 24/7 to protect people's health. It is CDC's job to be concerned and move quickly whenever there is a potential public health problem. More information about CDC's response to COVID-19 is available online.
Q: Am I at risk for COVID-19 in the United States?
A: This is a rapidly evolving situation and the risk assessment changes daily. The latest updates are available on CDC's 2019 Novel Coronavirus website.
Q: Has anyone in the United States gotten infected?
A: Yes. The first infection with the virus causing COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. See the current U.S. case count of infection with COVID-19.
Q: Am I at risk for novel coronavirus from a package or products shipping from China?
In general, because of poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces, there is likely very low risk of spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient temperatures.
There is still a lot that is unknown about the newly emerged 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it spreads. While we don't know for sure that this virus will behave the same way as SARS and MERS, we can use the information from both of these earlier coronaviruses to guide us.
Coronaviruses are thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Currently there is no evidence to support transmission of the virus causing COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases in the United States due to imported goods.
Additional information will be provided on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus website as it becomes available.
Travel
Q: Is it safe to travel to China or other countries where COVID-19 cases have occurred?
A: The risk-assessment is constantly changing. Stay up to date with CDC's travel health notices related to this outbreak. These notices will be updated as more information becomes available.
Q: What if I recently traveled to China and got sick?
A: If you were in China (or other countries with COVID-19 cases - check the CDC's risk assessment) and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, within 14 days after you left, you should
- Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor's office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others.
- Not travel while sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.
CDC does have additional specific guidance for travelers available online.
About the Author
Cynthia Snider, MD, is an infectious disease and internal medicine specialist with the Regional Center for Infectious Disease.
