What's the Coronavirus?

What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large class of viruses that can cause disease in animals or humans. It is well known that in humans, coronaviruses can cause respiratory infections, ranging from colds to more severe illnesses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The last coronavirus discovered was the cause of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are: fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Other less common symptoms may also appear in some people, such as body aches, stuffy nose, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, decreased taste or odor in the hands or feet, rash, or discoloration of the fingers.

80% of patients can recover without hospitalization. About a fifth of those infected suffer from severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing.

What to do if you experience COVID-19 symptoms and when should I see a doctor?

If you have mild symptoms, such as a mild cough or fever, you don't usually need to see a doctor. Stay at home and watch the symptoms.

If breathing becomes difficult or you experience chest pain, see a doctor immediately. If possible, please call your doctor first to refer you to the most appropriate medical institution.