Experts are still learning about the coronavirus (COVID-19). With new information coming out every day, it can feel overwhelming at times. Here are answers to some questions you may have.
People can catch coronavirus from others who have the virus. This happens when an infected person sneezes or coughs, sending tiny droplets into the air. These can land in the nose, mouth, or eyes of someone nearby, or be breathed in.
People also can get infected if they touch an infected droplet on a surface and then touch their own nose, mouth, or eyes.
Experts are looking at whether the virus can spread through stool (poop).
The virus spreads most easily when an infected person has symptoms. But the virus can also spread before symptoms start. It can take 2–14 days after someone is exposed to the virus for symptoms to show up.
Experts are still learning about coronavirus, but it seems to usually cause a milder illness in children than in adults or older people. But there have been cases of kids developing more serious symptoms, sometimes several weeks after being infected with the virus.
Most people who have died from coronavirus were older adults or people with health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.
The risk of getting infected from mail or a package is very low. But it’s a good idea to:
- Wash your hands after handling mail.
- Open and discard/recycle packages outside, then wash your hands right away when you go back into the house.
Some animals have tested positive for coronavirus. People who are sick shouldn’t have contact with their pets. If someone must care for a pet while sick, they should wash their hands before and after contact and wear a face mask. If your pet is sick, call your vet for advice on what to do.