What is the difference between coronavirus and COVID-19?

COVID-19 is the name of the disease caused by the new coronavirus that is called SARS-CoV-2, or sometimes just "novel coronavirus".

What is the recovery time for the coronavirus disease?

Using available preliminary data, the median time from onset to clinical recovery for mild cases is approximately 2 weeks and is 3-6 weeks for patients with severe or critical disease.

What is the name of the disease caused by the coronavirus?

The virus has been named "SARS-CoV-2" and the disease it causes has been named "coronavirus disease 2019" (abbreviated "COVID-19").

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are members of the coronavirus family of viruses — one of the many families that include viruses able to infect people and animals. Seven members of the coronavirus family can make people ill, one of which is the new coronavirus strain SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

Is there a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19?

Not yet. Currently there is no vaccine or specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-19. However, there are vaccines and drugs currently under investigation. The National Institutes of Health has estimated that a large clinical trial for a vaccine may be available in 12-15 months.

Who is at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus?

Older adults and people who have serious underlying medical conditions are at highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If others in your home are at particularly high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, consider extra precautions to separate your child from those people. If you are unable to stay home with your child while school is out, carefully consider who might be best positioned to provide child care.

What should I do in the case of a coronavirus outbreak?

See full answer Get the facts from reliable sources to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. Seek guidance from WHO, your healthcare provider, your national public health authority or your employer for accurate information on COVID-19 and whether COVID-19 is circulating where you live. It is important to be informed of the situation and take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family. You need to take the risk of infection seriously. Follow the advice of WHO and guidance issued by national and local health authorities. For most people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness however, it can make some people very ill and, in some people, it can be fatal. Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease or diabetes) are at risk for severe disease.