Basic Coronavirus Information from the Center for Disease Control
Basic Coronavirus Information from the Center for Disease Control
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- What is a "novel coronavirus"?
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
2. Why is the disease called COVID-19?
2. Why is the disease called COVID-19?
On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”.
There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
3. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
3. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
What you need to know
Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.
Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
4. Who is particularly at risk for severe illness from COVID-19?
4. Who is particularly at risk for severe illness from COVID-19?
People at Increased Risk for Severe Illness (click the links for more detail regarding each category).
5. Can I Self-Check for COVID-19?
5. Can I Self-Check for COVID-19?
Yes. The CDC has a Coronavirus Self-Checker that is designed to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate medical care. This system is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of disease or other conditions, including COVID-19. This system is intended only for adults who are 18 years and older and currently located in the United States.
Click here to access the self-checker: covid19healthbot.cdc.gov/
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