Symptoms typically include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Less common symptoms include headache, sore throat, and stuffy or runny nose. Some people have also reported a diminished sense of taste and smell. In some patients, symptoms can worsen into pneumonia.
COVID-19 is the name of the disease caused by the new coronavirus that is called SARS-CoV-2, or sometimes just "novel coronavirus".
Experts at the National Institutes of Health and other organizations have begun work to develop a vaccine for this new strain of coronavirus. Scientists are just getting started on this work, but their vaccine development strategy will benefit both from work that has been done on closely related viruses.
We do not currently know if pregnant women have a greater chance of getting sick from COVID-19 than the general public nor whether they are more likely to have serious illness as a result. Pregnant women experience changes in their bodies that may increase their risk of some infections. With viruses from the same family as COVID-19, and other viral respiratory infections, such as influenza, women have had a higher risk of developing severe illness. It is always important for pregnant women to protect themselves from illnesses.
Stay home until 14 days after arrival and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters) from others. Self-monitor for symptoms. Check temperature twice a day. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath. Avoid contact with people at higher risk for severe illness (unless they live in the same home and had same exposure) Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.