The virus, a member of the family of coronaviruses, is called SARS-CoV-2.
The symptoms of COVID-19appear two to 14 days after exposure.
It may also cause complications likepneumoniaorbronchitis.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
The interactive map below shows the current extent to which COVID-19 has spread globally.
This test requires a swab from the patient’s nose or throat.
Because of a shortage of tests, a swab test won’t be administered on its own.
Verywell / Tim Liedtke
Diagnosis involves obtaining a medical history, including travel history, and a physical examination.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Treatment
There is not yet a vaccine or specific medicine to treat coronavirus.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
However, this authorization was revoked on June 15, 2020.
On July 1, 2020, the FDA warned of the safety issues leading to this revocation.
These may be necessary to support the patient while the immune system responds to and clears the infection.
What Are Coronaviruses?
At this time, there are no medicines a person can take to prevent or treat the virus itself.
Types of Coronavirus
Coronaviruses belong to the familyCoronaviridae.
There are seven types that can infect humans.
Four common types of human coronaviruses cause symptoms of the common cold.
There are still cases of MERS, mostly in the Arabian peninsula.
There have been no cases of SARS in the world since 2004.
The good news is that in most cases, it causes a mild, run-of-the-mill “cold.”
Feelings of fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty are normal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Being proactive about your mental health can help to keep both your mind and body stronger.
Learn about the best online therapy options available to you.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.People at risk for serious illness from COVID-19.
2020; doi:10.1002/jmv.25682
World Health Organization.WHO Director-General’s opening remarks at the media briefing on COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How COVID-19 spreads.
Food and Drug Administration.Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: FDA issues emergency use authorization for potential COVID-19 treatment.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About coronaviruses: Prevention and treatment.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: FDA revokes emergency use authorization for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine.
Li F.Structure, function, and evolution of coronavirus spike proteins.Annu Rev Virol.
2016;3(1):237-61. doi:10.1146/annurev-virology-110615-042301
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Human coronavirus types.
