When person-to-person spread has occurred with other coronavirus types such as MERS and SARS, it is thought to have happened mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Spread of SARS and MERS between people has generally occurred between close contacts.
What are the symptoms?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms including:
What is the incubation period?
The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
Is there treatment available for COVID-19?
There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19 infection. People infected with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their health-care provider immediately.
How can infection be prevented?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus and always practice everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
Where can I find more information about novel coronavirus?
Please visit the CDC’s resource page for more details.