COVID-19 is a new disease and the Center for Disease Control and Public Health Officials are still learning how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the United States.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

• It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

CDC Symptom Information

Who Is At Greatest Risk From Coronavirus (COVID 19)

• Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions — like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for example — seem to be at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.
• CDC has information for other special population, who at this time are not considered high risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness, but are at increased risk of severe illness from other infectious diseases. These include pregnant women and children.

CDC Information on Vulnerable Populations

Information on Protecting You and Your Family

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Check the current CDC recommendations on protections you and your family can take to prevent being exposed or spread COVID-19.

How Individuals and Families Can Prepare for Coronavirus (COVID-19)