Coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus .
Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate illness and recover without requiring special treatment . Older people , and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease , diabetes , chronic respiratory disease , and cancer are more prone to develop serious illness .
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to get vaccinated and boosted and be well informed about the COVID-19 virus , the disease it causes and how it spreads . Those not yet vaccinated should protect themselves and others by wearing a mask in public , washing your hands frequently , maintaining social distance , avoiding crowds and staying in if you are sick . These best practices can help even vaccinated travelers avoid infection .
The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person , mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs , sneezes , or talks . These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs . It is important that you practice respiratory etiquette , such as not yelling nearby others and coughing and sneezing into a flexed elbow .
Heard “ chatter ” about a COVID-19 related issue but want to know if it ’ s true or not ? Check out these
Myth Busters from the World Health Organization ( WHO )