What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large, very common, family of viruses. Most often, human coronaviruses commonly cause mild to moderate illness in people worldwide.

How is it Transmitted?

Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

• the air by coughing and sneezing
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands

Signs & Symptoms

Known human coronaviruses normally cause mild respiratory infections, such as the common cold. Symptoms associated with the novel infection (COVID-19) include fever and cough with possible difficulty breathing.

Treatment

No vaccine or specific treatment is currently available. Outside of seeking medical care, individuals who feel sick with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should stay home and away from others. Before seeking medical care, call the medical provider about symptoms and travel history.

Prevention

The same prevention techniques work for all coronaviruses. You should:

• Use good hand hygiene: Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Limit the spread of germs and illness: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow. Avoid sharing food, drinks, utensils, cups, etc.
• Stay home if you are feeling unwell. If you are not feeling better after 24 hours, seek medical guidance.