19 CORONAVIRUS

DISEASE

C V DI

CS 314937-A 02/21/2020

For more information: www.cdc.gov/COVID19

What you need to know about

coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) 

What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)? 

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness 

that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes 

COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified 

during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Can people in the U.S. get COVID-19? 

COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in China, 

and limited spread among close contacts has been detected 

in some countries outside China, including the United 

States. At this time, however, this virus is NOT currently 

spreading in communities in the United States. Right now, 

the greatest risk of infection is for people in China or people 

who have traveled to China. Risk of infection is dependent 

on exposure. Close contacts of people who are infected are 

at greater risk of exposure, for example health care workers

and close contacts of people who are infected with the virus 

that causes COVID-19. CDC continues to closely monitor

the situation.

Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.? 

Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was 

reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases 

of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s 

webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

cases-in-us.html.

How does COVID-19 spread? 

The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an 

animal source, but now it seems to be spreading from person 

to person. It’s important to note that person-to-person 

spread can happen on a continuum. Some diseases are highly 

contagious (like measles), while other diseases are less so. At 

this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably the virus that 

causes COVID-19 is spreading between people. Learn what 

is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses 

at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/

transmission.html. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory 

illness with symptoms of

• fever

• cough

• shortness of breath

What are severe complications from this virus? 

Many patients have pneumonia in both lungs.

How can I help protect myself? 

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed 

to the virus that causes COVID-19. 

There are simple everyday preventive actions to

help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

These include

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with

unwashed hands. 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 

seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 

at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory 

illness to others, you should

• Stay home when you are sick. 

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the 

tissue in the trash. 

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects

and surfaces.

What should I do if I recently traveled to China

and got sick? 

If you were in China within the past 14 days and feel sick 

with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should seek 

medical care. Call the office of your health care provider 

before you go, and tell them about your travel and your 

symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care 

without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, 

avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel 

to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.

Is there a vaccine? 

There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. 

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed 

to the virus that causes COVID-19. 

Is there a treatment? 

There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19.

People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help

relieve symptoms.