TheCOVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the latest coronavirus that has been discovered. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak in Wuhan (China) in December 2019.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, fatigue and a dry cough. Some patients experience pain, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and appear gradually. Some people, although infected, have no symptoms and feel fine. Most people (about 80%) recover without needing any special treatment. About one in six people who contract the disease have more severe symptoms, including shortness of breath. Older people and those with other health problems (high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes) are more likely to have severe symptoms. Anyone who has a fever, cough and difficulty breathing should see a doctor.

COVID-19 is transmitted by people carrying the virus. The disease can be transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets expelled through the nose or mouth when a person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can be found on objects or surfaces around the person. You can contract VIDOC-19 if you touch these objects or surfaces and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth. COVID-19 can also be contracted by inhaling droplets from a sick person who has just coughed or sneezed. This is why it is important to stand more than one metre away from a sick person and to regularly wear a protective mask covering the mouth and nose.