About the Virus

About the Virus

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause symptoms of colds. However, this is a “novel” virus, originating in China in late 2019 (hence the name, 2019 Novel Coronavirus). Until recently, this particular strain of coronavirus circulated among animals only. Now it appears to have spread to humans, and can be spread between humans. The abbreviated term for this virus is: COVID-19

Current Understanding of Virus

• Symptoms most commonly include: fever with cough or shortness of breath; Some people have fewer or no symptoms at all. Headache, sore throat, and runny nose also occur with this virus.

• Children may also present with no fever, mild diarrhea and vomiting. They have fewer symptoms and problems

• Spread is most likely from droplets (cough and sneezing)

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers this a serious public health threat, but with health risk from this virus to be low at this time in most locations.

• It is not yet known whether people carrying the virus, but have no symptoms, can spread the virus to others.

• Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days, or as long as 14 days, after exposure.

• Most people with this infection will recover on their own. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19 yet.

• For patients who are more severely ill, hospitals can provide supportive care.

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