Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
.What is Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a novel strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). First observed in December 2019 in Wuhan City, China, the disease has since spread widely to other parts of the world. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Preparation and Prevention
It is important to take precautions to protect yourself and others from coronavirus disease. To prepare and prevent COVID-19:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends social distancing and wearing cloth face coverings in public settings.
- Clean and disinfect regularly used surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, handrails, and countertops.
- Stay up to date on the latest information and advice regarding prevention methods.
Types
COVID-19 is caused by a novel strain of SARS-CoV-2, a type of coronavirus. Other types of coronaviruses can cause mild to moderate illness, including the common cold, while more severe coronaviruses can cause severe respiratory illnesses such as SARS and MERS.
Risks
Anyone is at risk of catching COVID-19. However, older adults and those with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, cancer, or diabetes, are at a greater risk of experiencing more serious complications from the virus.
Why is it Important to Take Precautions?
The risk of infection increases as the number of people infected with the virus grows, so it is important to take precautions to limit the spread of the virus. These precautions include social distancing, wearing face coverings in public settings, and regularly cleaning shared surfaces.
When to Contact a Doctor?
Contact your doctor if you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or if you think you may have the virus. It is important to call ahead before visiting a doctor or hospital, as they may have specific protocols in place to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.