Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
There's no way to tell how long the pandemic will continue.
There are many factors, including the public’s efforts to
slow the spread, researchers’ work to learn more about the
virus, their search for a treatment, and the success of the
vaccines.
Symptoms of COVID-19 are variable, but often include :
This list is not all possible symptoms. Please call your healthcare provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be
well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it
causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from
infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based
rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19
virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or
discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or
sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice
respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a
flexed elbow).
To prevent the spread of COVID-19: