Coronavirus is a virus found in animals and, rarely, can be transmitted from animals to humans and then spread to individuals. In addition to COVID-19, other human coronaviruses include The MERS virus, or Middle East respiratory syndrome and The SARS virus, or severe acute respiratory syndrome. This virus first occurred in the Guangdong province in southern China.
Coronavirus Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe. It takes 2-14 days after exposure for symptoms to develop. Symptoms may include:
- Fever: The Centers for Disease Control considers a person to have a fever when he or she has a measured temperature of at least 100.4 °F [38 °C])
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
People with a weakened immune system may develop more severe symptoms, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. You can never develop symptoms after exposure to COVID-19. So far, most confirmed cases are in adults, but some children have been infected. There is no evidence that children are at greater risk of getting the virus.
Coronavirus Causes
Man first obtains a coronavirus by contact with animals. Then, it can spread from human to human. Health officials do not know which animal caused COVID-19. The COVID-19 virus can spread through exposure to certain bodily fluids, such as cough drops. It can also be caused by touching an infected person and then touching your hand with your mouth, nose or eyes.
Coronavirus Treatment
There is currently no vaccine or treatment of COVID-19. Symptoms of a coronavirus usually go away on their own. If symptoms feel worse than a common cold, contact your doctor. She or he may prescribe pain or fever medicine, such as having a cold or flu, drink fluids and get plenty of rest. If you have trouble breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Avoid contact with others when possible. If you have COVID-19, wear a facemask to prevent the virus from spreading to others. CDC does not recommend wearing a mask if you do not have COVID-19.