A coronavirus infection can trigger respiratory symptoms similar to a flu or cold. The virus responsible for the current outbreak is called SARS-CoV-2. It’s similar to the one that caused an outbreak in 2003, which was known as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The new virus is spreading faster and quicker than the one that led to SARS. It’s also spreading further than the SARS-CoV-1 virus during its outbreak.
The disease spreads through very fine droplets or particles aerosols that are released when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes or speaks. The virus can float for several hours in the air. You can breathe it in or rub it on surfaces. People who are infected can get sick after touching an infected individual or surface and then breathing the virus in or putting their hands in their mouths or nose, or even their eyes. Some people don’t exhibit any symptoms, and may not even realize they have the disease. Others may become ill.
Most people get a coronavirus at the very least once in their lives, typically as children. The self-development majority of cases are mild and then they disappear at the end of the tunnel. However, some cases may be severe. Scientists are trying to find a cure.