Frequently Asked Questions About Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that cause diseases in animals and humans. They often circulate among animals and can sometimes evolve and infect people. In humans, the viruses can cause mild respiratory infections, like the common cold, but can lead to serious illnesses, like pneumonia.

A novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes the disease Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in a seafood and poultry market in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Cases have been detected in most countries worldwide, and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the outbreak as a pandemic. Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact.

Note: Information about the novel coronavirus is changing rapidly. View the latest information on the current outbreak from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Symptoms

What are the symptoms? How can you tell the difference between the novel coronavirus and a cold or influenza (flu)?

The symptoms are similar, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. To diagnose a potential case, healthcare professionals may use a COVID-19 diagnostic test and/or run tests to rule out flu and other infections.

Individuals with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe illness. Some individuals who are infected may not have symptoms, others require ventilator support, and many have died. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus and may include:

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• chills
• muscle pain
• headache
• sore throat
• new loss of taste or smell

If you develop any symptoms and think you have been exposed, call a healthcare professional immediately.

What are the symptoms in children?

Children with COVID-19 may have mild, cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough, and some children experience vomiting and diarrhea. There have been some rare reports of children who have multi-system inflammatory syndrome, which has been compared to Kawasaki disease or toxic shock syndrome. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to call a pediatrician if their child has any of the following symptoms:

• a fever that will not go away
• abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting
• rash or changes in skin color
• pink or red eyes
• trouble breathing
• the child seems confused or overly sleepy​

Are individuals contagious before they develop symptoms?

There is evidence that the novel coronavirus can be spread before an individual develops symptoms. This poses a problem because people who do not know they are infected may continue to go to work, school, and other public places. People who are sick and have symptoms are more likely to stay home, which means fewer opportunities for the virus to spread from one person to another. When asymptomatic transmission occurs, infection control experts and public health officials may need to take additional measures, such as social distancing, isolating patients, or using quarantines.

What should individuals do if they think they may have been infected?

Those who think they may have been exposed to coronavirus, either through travel to an affected area or close contact with someone who has a confirmed case, should call a healthcare professional if they have any of the symptoms.

It is important to call first, so that the clinic or hospital can prepare and prevent the spread of infection. To diagnose a potential case, healthcare professionals may run tests to rule out flu and other common infections, as well as test for COVID-19.

Who is at greatest risk of serious illness?

Although COVID-19 can affect anyone, individuals at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19 include the following:

• Older adults (age 65 years and older)
• People with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and lung disease, including moderate to severe asthma
• Those living in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40)

Others who may be at high risk of more severe illness include those who are immunocompromised due to cancer treatment and other conditions. People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with renal failure or liver disease may also be at risk.

Although COVID-19 does not appear to affect pregnant people differently than others, pregnant women are at greater risk of getting sick from other respiratory viruses than people who are not pregnant. If you are pregnant, be mindful about reducing your risk of getting sick and teach your family everyday steps (such as proper handwashing) to stay healthy.

CDC maintains up-to-date information on those at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

Prevention

How is the novel coronavirus transmitted?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person (within about 6 feet). It can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms, which is why face masks are recommended.

What can individuals do to protect themselves?

Everyone should practice the following healthy habits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus and other respiratory viruses:

• Stay home as advised by state and local public health officials
• Wear a cloth face covering if you do go out
• Practice social distancing—stay at least 6 feet apart
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Clean and disinfect common objects and surfaces daily
• If you need medical care, call first

Check CDC website for specific guidance for travelers

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent COVID-19.

How can individuals who have chronic health conditions protect themselves from COVID-19?

Follow the recommended preventive steps: Stay home as advised, wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash your hands frequently. If you have a chronic medical condition like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or lung disease, you should also:

• Continue taking your medications
• Have at least a two-week supply of all prescription (and non-prescription) drugs
• Talk to a healthcare professional to make sure you are up-to-date on all recommended vaccines, including vaccines to protect against influenza and pneumococcal disease
• Do not delay emergency care because of COVID-19. If you need emergency help, call 911.

What can people with diabetes do to protect themselves?

Individuals who have diabetes may be at greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you have diabetes, it is important to continue taking your medication and insulin as usual, test your blood sugar as instructed, and keep track of the results. Stay home as advised, wear a mask, and stay at least six feet away from other people when you do go out in public. Make sure that you have easy-to-fix foods at home and at least a two-week supply of medications and diabetes management supplies.

What can people with heart disease do to protect themselves?

COVID-19 can damage the respiratory system and make it harder for the heart to function properly. If you have heart disease, it is important to take your medication exactly as prescribed, including medication to treat high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Make sure that you have at least a two-week supply of heart disease medications and continue to manage and control your blood pressure.

What can people with lung disease (like asthma) do to protect themselves?

COVID-19 can cause asthma attacks, may lead to pneumonia and other serious illnesses, and might also cause flare-ups of other chronic lung diseases. If you have lung disease, it is important to keep taking your current medications, including corticosteroids (or “steroids”), and avoid triggers that make your symptoms worse. If you have asthma, it is important to follow your asthma action plan, know how to use your inhaler, and keep your asthma under control.

Do face masks protect against COVID-19?

Face masks can help prevent an infected individual from spreading the virus.

You can make your own face mask at home. CDC recommends using breathable cloth such as 100 percent cotton, with two layers of fabric for optimal filtering. When held up to a bright light, the fabric should not let a lot of light shine through. Face coverings should:

• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties or ear loops
• Allow for breathing without restriction
• Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Face masks are not recommended for children less than age two years or by individuals who have trouble breathing or who cannot easily remove them.

N-95 respirators are in short supply and should be reserved for healthcare professionals and other first responders.

Remember: Face masks are not a substitute for other preventive measures—continue to wash your hands properly, avoid touching your face, and maintain social distancing (stay at least 6 feet apart from others) in conjunction with wearing face masks in public spaces.

How long does the COVID-19 virus live on surfaces?

Initial reports indicate that the virus can persist for several hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces. It is important to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces each day.

What are the best cleaners to remove germs?

It is important to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a regular basis. Detergent or soap and water can be used to clean surfaces. To disinfect, use diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, or common household disinfectants, which are effective in killing this virus and can be used safely.

Hand hygiene is most important because hands are an important means of transmission for this virus. There are many things that we cannot control but we can wash hands and keep them away from our faces.

Testing

What tests are available to detect COVID-19?

There are currently three types of COVID-19 tests authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

• Molecular tests are used to detect the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Molecular tests are fairly accurate and can be used to diagnose the disease.
• Antigen tests are a new category of tests that can quickly detect fragments of the virus from nasal swabs. Antigen tests can provide results in minutes, but they are not as sensitive as molecular tests. Positive results from antigen tests are highly accurate, but negative results may need to be confirmed with a molecular test.
• Antibody (or serology) tests detect the body’s immune response to COVID-19 by looking for antibodies in the blood to help determine prior exposure. When the body is fighting an infection or has fought an infection, antibodies can be found in the blood. These tests do not detect the actual virus but are used to identify people who have been infected with the virus in the past.

FDA has authorized more than 100 tests for emergency use including 91 molecular tests, 12 serology tests, and 1 antigen test. Accuracy varies among all of the tests. The resulting uncertainty can complicate public health decisions.

Some antibody tests have a high potential for false-negative and false-positive results. They may not be able to detect antibodies in the blood of someone who is newly infected, and they may not be able to distinguish SARS-CoV-2 from other coronaviruses. The presence of antibodies may indicate immunity from COVID-19, but that has not yet been conclusively proven; nor do scientists know the duration of protection. Although serologic tests should not be used at this time to determine if an individual is immune, these tests can help determine the proportion of a population previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and provide information about populations that may be immune and potentially protected.

Serologic test results should not be used to make decisions about returning to school or the workplace. Additional data are needed before modifying public health recommendations based on serologic test results, including decisions on discontinuing physical distancing and using personal protective equipment.

View addditional information from FDA about tests approved for use in the US

Treatment

Is there treatment available for COVID-19?

Currently, there is no proven drug for treating patients with COVID-19. The disease is still new and scientists are still learning about the virus that causes it. Drugs to treat COVID-19 may be given to patients as part of a clinical trial, so that scientists can determine the effectiveness of the treatments.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has developed new treatment guidelines for COVID-19 (covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov). The guidelines, which will be updated as experts learn more about the disease, include recommendations on antiviral drugs such as remdesivir, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine, as well as other treatments such as convalescent plasma and immune globulins. Talk to your healthcare professional about treatments that may be available for you.

Stop the Spread

What is social distancing?

Deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. Staying at least 6 feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching or spreading COVID-19.

Is it safe to go to the dentist—or any other routine healthcare provider?

In many states, the current recommendation is still to postpone elective dental procedures and elective surgeries, to avoid putting an extra strain on the US healthcare system.

Many routine medical visits can be provided virtually via telemedicine. Other services, such as routine vaccinations, may be available in pharmacies or in clinics that have special immunization office hours or separate waiting rooms. It is important to make sure that you and your family members are up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations.

If you have a specific issue that needs attention, talk with a healthcare professional who can provide advice. In an emergency, call 911.

Is it dangerous to be outdoors?

Going out for a walk is good exercise and may be psychologically beneficial. But, wear a face covering and maintain at least a 6-foot distance between others. Individuals who have a chronic health condition such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, as well as adults age 65 years and older are at greater risk for complications from COVID-19 and should be extra careful around others—either indoors or outdoors.

What needs to happen for social distancing to eventually end?

State and local authorities are carefully tracking the occurrence of COVID-19 in each community. Once the number of cases starts to decline, federal, state, and local authorities will consider how to reduce social distancing and will likely do so gradually. The White House has released a three-phased approach to help state and local officials determine how and when to scale back social distancing guidance and continue to protect public health. Follow the advice of local public health authorities and continue healthy habits like washing your hands and avoiding touching your face.

Will warmer weather mean fewer cases of novel coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a new disease in humans, so it is too early to predict whether it will become seasonal. If it behaves like other respiratory diseases, including flu, it could abate as the weather gets warmer but then have a resurgence and become part of the annual cold and flu season. But scientists do not yet have enough information to know for certain and is why ongoing research to develop vaccines and antiviral drugs that are effective against coronaviruses is so important.

How do outbreaks normally end?

There are several ways that an outbreak can come to an end. The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak was controlled through close coordination between public health officials and clinicians who were able to diagnose cases, isolate infected patients, trace their contacts, and implement strong infection control policies. An outbreak can dwindle once the virus has infected most of the people who are susceptible to it, because it has fewer targets, as was the case with the Zika virus outbreaks in recent years. If COVID-19 behaves like other respiratory viruses, including flu, it could abate as the weather gets warmer and may become part of the annual cold and flu respiratory season.

View current guidance for healthcare professionals on the 2019 novel coronavirus

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