HEALTH AND WELLNESS
about your symptoms and recent travels and possible exposure before you go to your appointment. (Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic)
Causes
It's unclear exactly how contagious the new coronavirus is or how it spreads. It appears to be spreading from person to person among those in close contact. It may be spread by respiratory droplets released when someone with the virus coughs or sneezes.
It's not known if a person can catch the virus by touching a surface that an infected person has touched, and then putting his or her hand to the mouth.
Risk factors
Risk factors for infection with the new coronavirus appear to include:
• Recent travel from or residence in China
• Close contact with someone who has the new coronavirus — such as when a family member or health care worker takes care of an infected person
People who are older or who have other existing medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, may be at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with the new coronavirus. But there is still much unknown about the virus, and the CDC and WHO continue to investigate.
Prevention
Although there is no vaccine available to prevent infection with the new coronavirus, you can take steps to reduce
your risk of infection. WHO and CDC recommend following the standard precautions for avoiding respiratory viruses:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren't clean.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, bedding and other household items if you're sick.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch.
• Stay home from work, school and public areas if you're sick.
WHO also recommends that you:
• Contact your doctor if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and tell him or her about any recent travels.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat or animal organs.
• Avoid contact with live animals and surfaces they may have touched if you're visiting live markets in areas that have recently had new coronavirus cases.
Travel
If you're planning to travel internationally, first check travel advisories. You may also want to talk with your doctor if you have health conditions that make you more susceptible to respiratory infections and complications.