Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

1. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) — Symptoms and causes
Overview
Coronaviruses are a familyof viruses that can cause illnesses such as the common cold,
severe acute respiratorysyndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratorysyndrome (MERS).
In 2019, a new coronavirus was identifiedas the cause of a disease outbreak that originatedin
China.
The virus is now known as the severe acute respiratorysyndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-
2). The disease it causes is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In March 2020, the
World Health Organization (WHO) declaredthe COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.
Public health groups, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and WHO, are monitoringthe pandemic and posting updates on their websites. These groups
have also issued recommendations for preventing and treatingthe illness.
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Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may appear two to 14 days after exposure and can
include:
• Fever

2. • Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficultybreathing
Other symptoms can include:
Some people have experiencedthe loss of smell or taste.
The severityof COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mildto severe. Some people may
have no symptoms at all. People who are older or who have existing chronic medical
conditions,such as heart disease,lung disease or diabetes, or who have compromised
immune systems may be at higher risk of serious illness.This is similar to what is seen with
other respiratoryillnesses,such as influenza.
Assess your symptoms and find out if you’re a candidate for a coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19) test.
When to see a doctor
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or you’ve been in contact with someone diagnosed with
COVID-19, contact your doctor or clinic right away for medical advice. Tell your health care
team about your symptoms and possible exposure before you go to your appointment.
If you have emergency COVID-19 signs and symptoms, such as trouble breathing,chest pain
or pressure,confusion, or blue lips or face, seek care immediately.
If you have respiratorysymptoms but you are not and have not been in an area with ongoing
communityspread, contact your doctor or clinic for guidance. Let your doctor know if you
have other chronic medical conditions,such as heart disease or lung disease. As the pandemic
progresses,it’s important to make sure health care is available for those in greatest need.
Causes
Infection with the new coronavirus (severe acute respiratorysyndrome coronavirus 2, or
SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19).
It’s unclear exactly how contagious the new coronavirus is. Data has shown that it spreads
from person to person among those in close contact (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters).The
virus spreads by respiratorydroplets releasedwhen someone with the virus coughs, sneezes
or talks.
It can also spread if a person touches a surface with the virus on it and then touches his or her
mouth, nose or eyes.
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Riskfactors
Risk factors for COVID-19 appear to include:

3. • Recent travel from or residence in an area with ongoing communityspread of
COVID-19 as determinedby CDC or WHO
• Close contact with someone who has COVID-19 — such as when a familymember or
health care worker takes care of an infectedperson
Complications
Although most people with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms, the disease can
cause severe medical complications and lead to death in some people. Older adults or people
with existingchronic medical conditions are at greater risk of becoming seriouslyill with
COVID-19.
Complications can include:
• Pneumonia in both lungs
• Organ failure in several organs
Prevention
Although there is no vaccine available to prevent infection with the new coronavirus,you can
take steps to reduce your risk of infection.WHO and CDC recommend followingthese
precautions for avoiding COVID-19:
• Avoid large events and mass gatherings.
• Avoid close contact (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) with anyone who is sick or has
symptoms.
• Keep distance between yourself and others if COVID-19 is spreading in your
community,especiallyif you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-
based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw away the used tissue.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items if you’re sick.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily.
• Stay home from work, school and public areas if you’re sick, unless you’re going to
get medical care. Avoid taking public transportationif you’re sick.
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The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public places, such as the grocery
store, where it’s difficult to avoid close contact with others. It’s especiallysuggested in areas
with ongoing communityspread. This updated advice is based on data showing that people
with COVID-19 can transmit the virus before they realize they have it. Using masks in public
may help reduce the spread from people who don’t have symptoms.Non-medical cloth masks
are recommended for the public. Surgical masks and N-95 respirators are in short supply and
should be reserved for health care providers.

4. If you have a chronic medical condition and may have a higher risk of serious illness,check
with your doctor about other ways to protect yourself.
Travel
If you’re planning to travel, first check the CDC and WHO websites for updates and advice.
Also look for any health advisories that may be in place where you plan to travel. You may
also want to talk with your doctor if you have health conditions that make you more
susceptible to respiratoryinfections and complications.
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More Information
Show references
1. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019). U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. AccessedMarch
26, 2020.
2. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. World Health Organization.
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019. AccessedMarch
12, 2020.
3. AskMayoExpert. COVID-19. Mayo Clinic; 2020.
4. AskMayoExpert. Upper respiratorytract infection.Mayo Clinic; 2020.
5. Tosh PK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic.March 16, 2020.
6. Coronavirus disease 2019: Resources. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head
and Neck Surgery. https://www.entnet.org/content/coronavirus-disease-2019-
resources. Accessed March 31, 2020.

5. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Originally published at https://www.mayoclinic.org on April 7, 2020.