Summary
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a recently discovered coronavirus.
Many people infected with the COVID-19 virus will develop mild to moderate respiratory disease and recover without any special treatment being needed. Older people and those with underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer are more prone to experience serious illness.
The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face.
If an infected person coughs or sneezes, the COVID-19 virus spreads mainly by droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose, so it is important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).
There are no exact COVID-19 vaccines or therapies available at this time. There are however many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential therapies. As long as clinical results are available WHO will continue to provide updated information.
