COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that emerged in December 2019.

COVID-19 can be severe, and has caused millions of deaths around the world as well as lasting health
problems in some who have survived the illness.

The coronavirus can be spread from person to person. It is diagnosed with a laboratory test.

How did the coronavirus start?

The first case of COVID-19 was reported Dec. 1, 2019, and the cause was a then-new coronavirus later
named SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 may have originated in an animal and changed (mutated) so it could
cause illness in humans. In the past, several infectious disease outbreaks have been traced to viruses
originating in birds, pigs, bats and other animals that mutated to become dangerous to humans.
Research continues, and more study may reveal how and why the coronavirus evolved to cause
pandemic disease.

How does the coronavirus spread?

As of now, researchers know that the coronavirus is spread through droplets and virus particles released
into the air when an infected person breathes, talks, laughs, sings, coughs or sneezes. Larger droplets
may fall to the ground in a few seconds, but tiny infectious particles can linger in the air and accumulate
in indoor places, especially where many people are gathered and there is poor ventilation. This is why
mask-wearing, hand hygiene and physical distancing are essential to preventing COVID-19.

What are symptoms of coronavirus?

COVID-19 symptoms include:

Cough

Fever or chills

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Muscle or body aches

Sore throat

New loss of taste or smell

Diarrhea

Headache

New fatigue

Nausea or vomiting

Congestion or runny nose

Some people infected with the coronavirus have mild COVID-19 illness, and others have no symptoms at
all. In some cases, however, COVID-19 can lead to respiratory failure, lasting lung and heart muscle
damage, nervous system problems, kidney failure or death.

If you have a fever or any of the symptoms listed above, 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.

How is COVID-19 diagnosed?

COVID-19 is diagnosed through a laboratory test. Diagnosis by examination alone is difficult since many
COVID-19 signs and symptoms can be caused by other illnesses. Some people with the coronavirus do
not have symptoms at all. Learn more about COVID-19 testing.

How is COVID-19 treated?

Treatment for COVID-19 addresses the signs and symptoms of the infection and supports people with
more severe disease. For mild cases of coronavirus disease, your doctor may recommend measures such
as fever reducers or over-the-counter medications. More severe cases may require hospital care, where
a patient may receive a combination of treatments that could include steroids, oxygen, mechanical
breathing support and other COVID-19 treatments in development. Infusions of monoclonal antibodies
given to certain patients early in the infection may reduce the symptoms, severity and duration of the
illness.

How do you protect yourself from this coronavirus?

Vaccines are now authorized to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-
19. But until more is understood about how the vaccines affect a person’s ability to transmit the virus,
precautions such as mask-wearing, physical distancing and hand hygiene should continue regardless of a
person’s vaccination status to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about the COVID-19
vaccine and ways to protect yourself.

Protect yourself and others around you by knowing the facts and taking appropriate precautions. Follow
advice provided by your local health authority.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Clean your hands often. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.

Maintain a safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.

Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

Cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Stay home if you feel unwell.

If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.

Calling in advance allows your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This
protects you, and prevents the spread of viruses and other infections.

Masks

Masks can help prevent the spread of the virus from the person wearing the mask to others. Masks
alone do not protect against COVID-19, and should be combined with physical distancing and hand
hygiene. Follow the advice provided by your local health authority.