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What is a novel coronavirus? | A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not t... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Why is the disease being called coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19? | On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ ... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Why might someone blame or avoid individuals and groups (create stigma) because of COVID-19? | People in the U.S. may be worried or anxious about friends and relatives who are living in or visiting areas where COVID-19 is spreading. Some people are worried about getting the disease from these people. Fear and anxiety can lead to social stigma, for example, toward people who live in certain parts of the world, pe... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
How can people help stop stigma related to COVID-19? | People can fight stigma by providing social support in situations where you notice this is occurring. Stigma affects the emotional or mental health of stigmatized groups and the communities they live in. Stopping stigma is important to making communities and community members resilient. See resources on mental health a... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Why do some state’s COVID-19 case numbers sometimes differ from what is posted on CDC’s website? | CDC’s overall case numbers are validated through a confirmation process with jurisdictions. The process used for finding and confirming cases displayed by different places may differ. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
How do CDC’s COVID-19 case numbers compare with those provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) or Johns Hopkins? | CDC’s COVID-19 case numbers include many publicly reported numbers, including information from state, local, territorial, international and external partners. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Why do the number of cases for previous days increase? | Delays in reporting can cause the number of COVID-19 cases reported on previous days to increase. (Sometimes this effect is described as “backfill.”) State, local, and territorial health departments report the number of cases that have been confirmed and share these data with CDC. Since it takes time to conduct laborat... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What is the source of the virus? | COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and may different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people. This occurred with MERS-CoV and SAR... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
How does the virus spread? | 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 or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are i... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Why are we seeing a rise in cases? | The number of cases of COVID-19 being reported in the United States is rising due to increased laboratory testing and reporting across the country. The growing number of cases in part reflects the rapid spread of COVID-19 as many U.S. states and territories experience community spread. More detailed and accurate data w... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Can someone who has had COVID-19 spread the illness to others? | The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. People are thought to be most contagious when they are symptomatic (the sickest). That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a ri... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Can someone who has been quarantined for COVID-19 spread the illness to others? | Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease. Quarantine is usually established for the incubation period of the communicable ... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be spread through food, including restaurant take out, refrigerated or frozen packaged food? | Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds for general... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Can I get sick with COVID-19 if it is on food? | Based on information about this novel coronavirus thus far, it seems unlikely that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food – additional investigation is needed. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Will warm weather stop the outbreak of COVID-19? | It is not yet known whether weather and temperature affect the spread of COVID-19. Some other viruses, like those that cause the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months. There is much more to learn about t... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What is community spread? | Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What temperature kills the virus that causes COVID-19? | Generally coronaviruses survive for shorter periods at higher temperatures and higher humidity than in cooler or dryer environments. However, we don’t have direct data for this virus, nor do we have direct data for a temperature-based cutoff for inactivation at this point. The necessary temperature would also be based ... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Can mosquitoes or ticks spread the virus that causes COVID-19? | At this time, CDC has no data to suggest that this new coronavirus or other similar coronaviruses are spread by mosquitoes or ticks. The main way that COVID-19 spreads is from person to person. See How Coronavirus Spreads for more information. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Am I at risk for COVID-19 in the United States? | This is a rapidly evolving situation and the risk assessment may change daily. The latest updates are available on CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) website. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
How many cases have been reported in the United States? | COVID-19 case counts for the United States are updated regularly online. See the current U.S. case count of COVID-19. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
How can I help protect myself? | Visit the COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment page to learn about how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What should I do if I have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19? | There is information for people who have had close contact with a person confirmed to have, or being evaluated for, COVID-19 available online. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Does CDC recommend the use of facemask or face coverings to prevent COVID-19? | In light of new data about how COVID-19 spreads, along with evidence of widespread COVID-19 illness in communities across the country, CDC recommends that people wear a cloth face covering to cover their nose and mouth in the community setting. This is an additional public health measure people should take to reduce th... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Am I at risk for COVID-19 from a package or products shipping from China? | There is still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19 and how it spreads. This coronaviruses is thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Although the virus can survive for a short period on some surfaces, it is unlikely to be spread from products or packaging that are shipped over a period of days or week... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Is it okay for me to donate blood? | In healthcare settings across the United States, donated blood is a lifesaving, essential part of caring for patients. The need for donated blood is constant, and blood centers are open and in urgent need of donations. CDC encourages people who are well to continue to donate blood if they are able, even if they are pra... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Should contact lens wearers take special precautions to prevent COVID-19? |
Currently there is no evidence to suggest contact lens wearers are more at risk for acquiring COVID-19 than eyeglass wearers.
Contact lens wearers should continue to practice safe contact lens wear and care hygiene habits to help prevent against transmission of any contact lens-related infections, such as always wash... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Is contact lens disinfecting solution effective against COVID-19? |
Hydrogen peroxide-based systems for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing contact lenses should be effective against the virus that causes COVID-19.
For other disinfection methods, such as multipurpose solution and ultrasonic cleaners, there is currently not enough scientific evidence to determine efficacy against the... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What is the risk of my child becoming sick with COVID-19? | Based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with COVID-19, adults make up most of the known cases to date. You can learn more about who is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 at People who are at higher ris... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
How can I protect my child from COVID-19 infection? | You can encourage your child to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by teaching them to do the same things everyone should do to stay healthy.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw the tissue in the tras... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Are the symptoms of COVID-19 different in children than in adults? | No. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in children and adults. However, children with confirmed COVID-19 have generally presented with mild symptoms. Reported symptoms in children include cold-like symptoms, such as fever, runny nose, and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported. It’s not known yet whethe... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Should children wear masks? | CDC recommends that everyone 2 years and older wear a cloth face covering that covers their nose and mouth when they are out in the community. Cloth face coverings should NOT be put on babies or children younger than 2 because of the danger of suffocation. Children younger than 2 years of age are listed as an exception... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
How do I prepare my children in case of COVID-19 outbreak in our community? | Outbreaks can be stressful for adults and children. Talk with your children about the outbreak, try to stay calm, and reassure them that they are safe. If appropriate, explain to them that most illness from COVID-19 seems to be mild. Children respond differently to stressful situations than adults. CDC offers resources... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What steps should parents take to protect children during a community outbreak? | This is a new virus and we are still learning about it, but so far, there does not seem to be a lot of illness in children. Most illness, including serious illness, is happening in adults of working age and older adults. However, children do get the virus and become ill. Many schools across the country have announced d... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
While school’s out, can my child hang out with their friends? |
The key to slowing the spread of COVID-19 is to practice social distancing. While school is out, children should not have in-person playdates with children from other households. If children are playing outside their own homes, it is essential that they remain 6 feet from anyone who is not in their own household.
To ... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
While school’s out, how can I help my child continue learning? |
Stay in touch with your child’s school.
Many schools are offering lessons online (virtual learning). Review assignments from the school, and help your child establish a reasonable pace for completing the work. You may need to assist your child with turning on devices, reading instructions, and typing answers.
Commun... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
While school’s out, will kids have access to meals? | Check with your school on plans to continue meal services during the school dismissal. Many schools are keeping school facilities open to allow families to pick up meals or are providing grab-and-go meals at a central location. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
While school’s out, how can I keep my family healthy? |
Watch your child for any signs of illness.
If you see any sign of illness consistent with symptoms of COVID-19, particularly fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your healthcare provider and keep your child at home and away from others as much as possible. Follow CDC’s guidance on “What to do if you are sick.”... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
While school’s out, limit time with older adults, including relatives, and people with chronic medical conditions. | Older adults and people who have serious underlying medical conditions are at highest risk of getting sick from COVID-19.
If others in your home are at particularly high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, consider extra precautions to separate your child from those people.
If you are unable to stay home with your ... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
How can my family and I prepare for COVID-19? | Create a household plan of action to help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community:
Talk with the people who need to be included in your plan, and discuss what to do if a COVID-19 outbreak occurs in your community.
Plan ways to care for those ... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What steps can my family take to reduce our risk of getting COVID-19? | Practice everyday preventive actions to help reduce your risk of getting sick and remind everyone in your home to do the same. These actions are especially important for older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are sick, except... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What should I do if someone in my house gets sick with COVID-19? | Most people who get COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. CDC has directions for people who are recovering at home and their caregivers, including:
Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
When to Seek Medical AttentionIf you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immed... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
How can I prepare in case my child’s school, child care facility, or university is dismissed? | Talk to the school or facility about their emergency operations plan. Understand the plan for continuing education and social services (such as student meal programs) during school dismissals. If your child attends a college or university, encourage them to learn about the school’s plan for a COVID-19 outbreak. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
How can I prepare for COVID-19 at work? | Plan for potential changes at your workplace. Talk to your employer about their emergency operations plan, including sick-leave policies and telework options. Learn how businesses and employers can plan for and respond to COVID-19. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Should I use soap and water or a hand sanitizer to protect against COVID-19? | Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What cleaning products should I use to protect against COVID-19? | Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. To disinfect, most common EPA-registered household disinfect... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Should I make my own hand sanitizer if I can’t find it in the stores? |
CDC recommends handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available. These actions are part of everyday preventive actions individuals can take to slow the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19.
When was... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What should I do if there is an outbreak in my community? | During an outbreak, stay calm and put your preparedness plan to work. Follow the steps below:
Protect yourself and others.
Stay home if you are sick. Keep away from people who are sick. Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet).
Put your household plan into action.
Stay informed about the lo... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Will schools be dismissed if there is an outbreak in my community? | Depending on the situation, public health officials may recommend community actions to reduce exposures to COVID-19, such as school dismissals. Read or watch local media sources that report school dismissals or and watch for communication from your child’s school. If schools are dismissed temporarily, discourage studen... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Should I go to work if there is an outbreak in my community? | Follow the advice of your local health officials. Stay home if you can. Talk to your employer to discuss working from home, taking leave if you or someone in your household gets sick with COVID-19 symptoms, or if your child’s school is dismissed temporarily. Employers should be aware that more employees may need to sta... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Will businesses and schools close or stay closed in my community and for how long? Will there be a “stay at home” or “shelter in place” order in my community? | CDC makes recommendations, shares information, and provides guidance to help slow down the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. including guidance for schools and businesses. CDC regularly shares information and provides assistance to state, local, territorial, and tribal health authorities. These local authorities are respo... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What are the symptoms and complications that COVID-19 can cause? | Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever1, cough, and difficulty breathing. Read about COVID-19 Symptoms. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Should I be tested for COVID-19? | Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. For information about testing, see Testing for COVID-19. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Where can I get tested for COVID-19? | The process and locations for testing vary from place to place. Contact your state, local, tribal, or territorial department for more information, or reach out to a medical provider. State and local public health departments have received tests from CDC while medical providers are getting tests developed by commercial ... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Can a person test negative and later test positive for COVID-19? | Using the CDC-developed diagnostic test, a negative result means that the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in the person’s sample. In the early stages of infection, it is possible the virus will not be detected.
For COVID-19, a negative test result for a sample collected while a person has symptoms likely means... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Who is at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19? | COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Based on what... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What should people at higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19 do? | If you are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, you should:
Stock up on supplies
Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others
When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick
Limit close contact and wash your hands often
Avoid crowds, cruise travel, and non-essential t... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
How were the underlying conditions for people considered higher risk of serious illness with COVID-19 selected? | This list is based on:
What we are learning from the outbreak in other countries and in the United States.
What we know about risk from other respiratory infections, like flu.
As CDC gets more information about COVID-19 cases here in the United States, we will update this list as needed. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Are there any medications I should avoid taking if I have COVID-19? |
Currently, there is no evidence to show that taking ibuprofen or naproxen can lead to a more severe infection of COVID-19.
People with high blood pressure should take their blood pressure medications, as directed, and work with their healthcare provider to make sure that their blood pressure is as well controlled as p... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What about underlying medical conditions that are not included on this list? | Based on available information, adults aged 65 years and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions included on this list are at higher risk for severe illness and poorer outcomes from COVID-19. CDC is collecting and analyzing data regularly and will update the list when we learn more. People with u... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What does a well-controlled health condition mean? | Generally, well-controlled means that your condition is stable, not life-threatening, and laboratory assessments and other findings are as similar as possible to those without the health condition. You should talk with your healthcare provider if you have a question about your health or how your health condition is bei... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What does more severe illness mean? | Severity typically means how much impact the illness or condition has on your body’s function. You should talk with your healthcare provider if you have a question about your health or how your health condition is being managed. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Are people with disabilities at higher risk? | Most people with disabilities are not inherently at higher risk for becoming infected with or having severe illness from COVID-19. Some people with physical limitations or other disabilities might be at a higher risk of infection because of their underlying medical condition.
People with certain disabilities might ex... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What should healthcare professionals and health departments do? | For recommendations and guidance on persons under investigation; infection control, including personal protective equipment guidance; home care and isolation; and case investigation, see Information for Healthcare Professionals. For information on specimen collection and shipment, see Information for Laboratories. For ... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Am I at risk if I go to a funeral or visitation service for someone who died of COVID-19? | There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Am I at risk if I touch someone who died of COVID-19 after they have passed away? | COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads. The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to mainly spread from close contact (i.e., within about 6 feet) with a person who is currently sick with COVID-19. The virus likely spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected perso... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What do funeral home workers need to know about handling decedents who had COVID-19? | A funeral or visitation service can be held for a person who has died of COVID-19. Funeral home workers should follow their routine infection prevention and control precautions when handling a decedent who died of COVID-19. If it is necessary to transfer a body to a bag, follow Standard Precautions, including additiona... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What should I do if my family member died from COVID-19 while overseas? | When a US citizen dies outside the United States, the deceased person’s next of kin or legal representative should notify US consular officials at the Department of State. Consular personnel are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide assistance to US citizens for overseas emergencies. If a family member, d... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
My family member died from COVID-19 while overseas. What are the requirements for returning the body to the United States? | CDC does not require an autopsy before the remains of a person who died overseas are returned to the United States. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the death, some countries may require an autopsy. Sources of support to the family include the local consulate or embassy, travel insurance provider, tour operat... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What is CDC doing about COVID-19? | CDC is working with other federal partners in a whole-of-government response. This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and CDC will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available. CDC works 24/7 to protect people’s health. More information about CDC’s response to COVID-19 is available online. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Can I get COVID-19 from my pets or other animals? | At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19 to people or that they might be a source of infection in the United States. To date, CDC has not received any reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States.
Pets have other types of coronaviruses that can m... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Do I need to get my pet tested for COVID-19? | No. At this time, testing of animals for COVID-19 is not recommended. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Can animals carry the virus that causes COVID-19 on their skin or fur? | At this time, there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread to people from the skin or fur of pets.
Talk to your veterinarian about the best ways to care for your pet. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick with COVID-19? | You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets becoming sick with COVID-19 in the United States, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more i... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Are pets from a shelter safe to adopt? | There is no reason to think that any animals, including shelter pets, in the United States might be a source of COVID-19. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What about imported animals or animal products? | CDC does not have any evidence to suggest that imported animals or animal products pose a risk for spreading COVID-19 in the United States. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U. S. Department of Agr... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
Can I travel to the United States with dogs or import dogs into the United States during the COVID-19 outbreak? | Please refer to CDC’s requirements for bringing a dog to the United States. The current requirements for rabies vaccination apply to dogs imported from China, a high-risk country for rabies. | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What precautions should be taken for animals that have recently been imported from outside the United States (for example, by shelters, rescues, or as personal pets)? | Imported animals will need to meet CDC and USDAexternal iconexternal icon requirements for entering the United States. At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets and service animals, can spread COVID-19. As with any animal introduced to a new environment, animals recently imported should ... | https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html | CDC | Frequently Asked Questions |
What is a coronavirus? | Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The mos... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
What is COVID-19? | COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
What are the symptoms of COVID-19? | The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (abo... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
How does COVID-19 spread? | People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease? | Protection measures for everyoneStay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countr... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
How likely am I to catch COVID-19? | The risk depends on where you are - and more specifically, whether there is a COVID-19 outbreak unfolding there. For most people in most locations the risk of catching COVID-19 is still low. However, there are now places around the world (cities or areas) where the disease is spreading. For people living in, or visiti... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
Should I worry about COVID-19? | Illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild, especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital care. It is therefore quite normal for people to worry about how the COVID-19 outbreak will affect them and their loved ones. We can ... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
Who is at risk of developing severe illness? | While we are still learning about how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious illness more often than others. | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating the COVID-19? | No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19. They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection. | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
Are there any medicines or therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19? | While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and alleviate symptoms of COVID-19, there is no evidence that current medicine can prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for COVID-19. However, there are ... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19? | Not yet. To date, there is no vaccine and no specific antiviral medicine to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected should receive care to relieve symptoms. People with serious illness should be hospitalized. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care. Possible vaccines and some specific drug treatmen... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
Is COVID-19 the same as SARS? | No. The virus that causes COVID-19 and the one that caused the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 are related to each other genetically, but the diseases they cause are quite different. SARS was more deadly but much less infectious than COVID-19. There have been no outbreaks of SARS anywhere i... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
Should I wear a mask to protect myself? | Only wear a mask if you are ill with COVID-19 symptoms (especially coughing) or looking after someone who may have COVID-19. Disposable face mask can only be used once. If you are not ill or looking after someone who is ill then you are wasting a mask. There is a world-wide shortage of masks, so WHO urges people to use... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask? | Remember, a mask should only be used by health workers, care takers, and individuals with respiratory symptoms, such as fever and cough.Before touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and waterTake the mask and inspect it for tears or holes.Orient which side is the top side (where the metal... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
How long is the incubation period for COVID-19? | The “incubation period” means the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days. These estimates will be updated as more data become available. | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
Can humans become infected with the COVID-19 from an animal source? | Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals. Occasionally, people get infected with these viruses which may then spread to other people. For example, SARS-CoV was associated with civet cats and MERS-CoV is transmitted by dromedary camels. Possible animal sources of COVID-19 have not yet been ... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet? | We are aware of instances of animals and pets ofCOVID-19 patients being infected with the disease;As the intergovernmental body responsible for improving animal healthworldwide, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has been developing technicalguidance on specialised topics related to animal health, dedicated... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
How long does the virus survive on surfaces? | It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different condi... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported? | Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low. | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
Is there anything I should not do? | The following measures ARE NOT effective against COVID-2019 and can be harmful:SmokingWearing multiple masksTaking antibiotics (See question 10 "Are there any medicines of therapies that can prevent or cure COVID-19?")In any case, if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early to reduce the r... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
Is the source of the coronavirus causing COVID-19 known? | Currently, the source of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus (CoV) causing COVID-19 is unknown. All available evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 has a natural animal origin and is not a constructed virus. SARS-CoV-2 virus most probably has its ecological reservoir in bats. SARS-CoV-2, belongs to a group of genetically related v... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
How did the first human SARS-CoV-2 infections occur? | The first human cases of COVID-19 were identified in Wuhan City, China in December 2019. At this stage, it is not possible to determine precisely how humans in China were initially infected with SARS-CoV-2.However, SARS-CoV, the virus which caused the SARS outbreak in 2003, jumped from an animal reservoir (civet cats, ... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
Is COVID-19 airborne? | The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air. They quickly fall on floors or surfaces. You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within 1 metre of a person who has COVID-... | https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses | WHO | Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) |
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Usage
import datasets
langs = ['arabic', 'chinese', 'english', 'french', 'korean', 'russian', 'spanish', 'vietnamese']
data = datasets.load_dataset('xhluca/publichealth-qa', split='test', name=langs[0])
About
This dataset contains question and answer pairs sourced from Q&A pages and FAQs from CDC and WHO pertaining to COVID-19. They were produced and collected between 2019-12 and 2020-04. They were originally published as an aggregated Kaggle dataset.
License
CDC data is licensed under CC-BY 3.0 and WHO is licensed under cc-by-nc-sa-3.0.
Source
This data was originally included in the COVID-QA dataset, where it was known as the multilingual split. The files in this updated repository were generated using the publichealth-qa repository.
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