Everyday, there are new developments in the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. As it continues to spread across the globe, here are some things you should know about the deadly virus.
What is coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a family of viruses named after their appearance, a crown.
How dangerous is coronavirus?
Most coronaviruses cause mild symptoms that patients easily recover from.
When did the outbreak start?
The World Health Organization’s China office says it began receiving reports in late December of a mysterious virus behind a number of pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China.
How is coronavirus transmitted?
According to the CDC, coronaviruses transmitted from person-to-person are thought to occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread.
What are the symptoms and how do they differ from the common cold or influenza?
- CORONAVIRUS: Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath
- COLD: Sore throat, Runny nose, Coughing, Sneezing, Headaches, Body aches
- FLU: Fever* or feeling feverish/chills, Cough, Sore throat, Runny or stuffy nose, Muscle or body aches, Headaches, Fatigue (tiredness)
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
For more information on COVID-19, here are a few free reputable sources:
- World Health Organization
- Pan-American Health Organization (with information specific to the Americas)
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- BMJ: Coronavirus (Covid-19) Latest News and Resources
- JAMA Network: Coronavirus 2019
- The Lancet: COVID-19 Resource Centre
- New England Journal of Medicine: Coronavirus