Coronaviruses are a type of virus. There are many different kinds, and some cause disease. A coronavirus identified in 2019, SARS-CoV-2, has caused a pandemic of respiratory illness, called COVID-19.

 

What You Need to Know

COVID-19

• COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that emerged in December 2019.
• COVID-19 can be severe, and has caused millions of deaths around the world as well as lasting health problems in some who have survived the illness.
• The coronavirus can be spread from person to person. It is diagnosed with a laboratory test.
• COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and vaccination programs are in progress across the U.S. and in many parts of the world.
• Prevention involves physical distancing, mask-wearing, hand hygiene and staying away from others if you feel sick.

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