COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through aerosols, particularly when people share the same unventilated indoor space. People who are infected but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus to others.
Since aerosols are the primary route of transmission, you can protect yourself by staying outdoors and wearing masks. Indeed there have been very few cases of outdoor transmission.
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms include Fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, Fatigue, and others.
