Coronaviruses are named for the crownlike spikes seen on their surface. They come in two main varieties: those that cause mild illnesses such as common colds and flus, and others that can lead to severe diseases like Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and now COVID-19. These viruses are enveloped RNA viruses, meaning they contain genetic material wrapped up inside another molecule. This outer layer contains proteins that allow it to infect cells.

The most recent outbreak began in December 2019 in Wuhan City, China. Scientists believe the source of the virus came from bats. Bats carry several types of coronaviruses, including one that causes MERS. In 2013, researchers found a related strain of coronavirus in pangolins, which are scaly mammals similar to anteaters. Pangolin scales are used in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for fever, cough, and sore throat.

Where do coronaviruses come from?

Coronaviruses are named after the crown-like appearance of their outer shells. They belong to a family of viruses known as RNA viruses. These viruses are very common in nature and some cause illness in people. However, most of us aren’t aware of how we catch these infections because we usually contract them through close contact with another person. For example, you might cough into someone else’s face without knowing it. Or you might touch something contaminated with the virus and then touch your eyes or mouth.

The coronavirus that caused the current pandemic originated in China. Scientists believe that it began circulating among humans in late December 2019, probably via a seafood and wild game market in Wuhan. The outbreak grew quickly as many people visited the market over New Year’s weekend. By January 2, 2020, Chinese health officials had reported cases of pneumonia in patients who had recently returned from the market. On January 10, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.

By February 3, the number of confirmed cases had reached 8,098. At least 563 people died during the course of the epidemic. As of April 4, there were at least 765,922 confirmed cases worldwide. Most of those affected by the disease are in mainland China. But the numbers continue to grow outside of Asia. There are now confirmed cases in every continent except Antarctica.

Most people recover within about one month. Some people develop severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, fever, fatigue and chest pain. Others die. The fatality rate is around 2% to 3%. People with underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to complications. Older adults, especially those aged 65 and older, and people with chronic heart, lung or kidney diseases are at particular risk.

What You Need to Know COVID-19

COVID-19 is the name of the virus that causes the respiratory illness known as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). There are many different types of viruses that cause illnesses such as colds, flu, and stomach bugs. This one is different because it spreads very easily among people.

The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and breathing difficulties. Most people recover without needing special treatment. But there are certain groups of people who are at greater risk of getting sicker from COVID-19. These include older adults, people with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung diseases, and kidney disease, and those who live in long-term care facilities.

There is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. Instead, we can reduce our chances of catching the virus by taking steps to avoid being exposed to others, including washing our hands often with soap and water, covering our mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, staying home when feeling ill, avoiding touching our face, and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces. If someone in your household tests positive for COVID-19, please keep everyone else safe by isolating yourself and following social distancing measures.

If you think you have been infected, call your doctor immediately. They will ask about your recent travel history, how you feel, what medications you take, and whether anyone in your family has had similar symptoms. Your doctor might recommend calling ahead before coming into the office.

What are the types of coronavirus?

The coronavirus family includes four genera – alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-. All members contain a single stranded RNA genome; however, the size of the genomes varies greatly among the different genera. While some species infect mammals, others infect birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, crustaceans, and even plants. SARS-CoV-1 belongs to the genus Betacoronavirus and causes the deadly SARS infection. MERS-CoV belongs to the genus Alphacoronavirus, and it causes the highly contagious MERS infection. SARS-CoVs-2 belongs to the genus Sarbecovirus and causes COVID-19.

What is different about the new coronavirus?

The new coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV‑2, is most closely associated with a group of viruses called beta corona viruses. These viruses have been found in humans, bats and pangolins, among others. They are thought to originate from animals, although it is still unknown whether they jumped species directly or indirectly via intermediate hosts like birds or insects.

Even though there are many similarities, there are some important differences between the new coronavirus and the virus that caused Sars. The biggest difference is in how the virus is transmitted. While SARS-CoV was spread mainly through close contact between people — such as coughing or sneezing — the new coronavirus appears to be spreading primarily through droplets produced when someone infected coughs or sneezes.

Another big difference is what happens when you catch the virus. In the case of SARS-CoV, it usually causes mild respiratory illness, while the new coronavirus seems to be more infectious and can lead to pneumonia.

There are also subtle differences in the way the virus replicates itself inside cells. For example, SARS-CoV tends to infect lung epithelial cells, whereas the new coronavirus prefers to infect type II pneumocytes, which are located in the alveoli.

How many coronaviruses are found in humans?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that infect birds, mammals and reptiles. They have a lipid envelope studded with spikes called crowns that help them attach to cells lining our airways. Coronaviruses can cause diseases ranging from the common cold to more serious conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis. This particular strain of coronavirus, named SARS-CoV2, causes COVID-19.

There are about 200 different types of coronavirus, and each one appears to affect animals differently. For example, there is a type of coronavirus that affects bats, another that affects camels, and others that affect cows, pigs, horses, cats, dogs, mice and rats. There are also some viruses that affect both animals and humans. These include the common cold coronavirus (HCoV-HKU1), which causes flu-like symptoms, and the coronavirus that causes SARS (SARS-CoV).

The most recent coronavirus to emerge in humans is SARS-CoV 2, which emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. As of April 2020, over 3 million cases have been reported in 190 countries around the world, including over 250,000 deaths. Although the majority of patients recover within weeks without requiring hospitalization, infection rates among those aged 80 and older are much greater, and mortality rates are higher for those

How does the coronavirus spread?

As of now, researchers know the coronavirus spreads through droplets and virus particle released into the air when someone with the disease breathes, talks, sings, coughs, laughs, or sneezes. Large droplets may fall to floor in a few seconds, while small ones can remain suspended in the air for hours.

Larger droplets may land on surfaces such as table tops, countertops, doorknobs, tables, chairs, etc., and are easily transferred to hands and arms. Smaller droplets may settle onto objects like clothing, furniture, or even walls. They can remain airborne for minutes to hours and infect those nearby.

Infectious viruses are usually transmitted via respiratory droplets produced during coughing and sneezing. These large droplets travel short distances, typically less than 10 meters (33 feet), and can contaminate objects and surfaces within close proximity. However, smaller droplets, about 5 microns in diameter, can remain suspended in the atmosphere longer and can travel greater distances, up to several hundred meters.

The CDC says that the risk of transmission increases if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. If you do come into contact with droplets containing the virus, wash your hands immediately with soap and water for 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective against some types of germs but don’t kill viruses.

How did the coronavirus start?

The first case of COVID 19 was reported Dec. 1st, 2019. The virus was discovered in Wuhan, China, where there had been a large outbreak of pneumonia. On Jan. 7th 2020, the WHO declared a global health emergency. The cause was a newly identified coronavirus, later named SARS-COV-2.

In the past, several infectious diseases outbreaks have been traced to pathogens originating in birds, pigs and bats, among others, that mutated to become dangerous for humans.

More research into the origins of the novel coronavirus may help us understand how and why it evolved to cause pandemic infection.

What is the incubation period for COVID-19?

Symptoms show up in people within 2 to 14 days of exposure. A person infected with the virus is contagious to others for 2 to 14 days before symptoms appear, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And while most patients experience mild symptoms, some develop severe cases requiring hospitalization.

A person infected with the virus remains contagious to others for about 10 to 20 days, according to the CDC.

The World Health Organization says it’s possible that someone could spread the disease without showing any symptoms.

What are symptoms of coronavirus?

COVID-19 symptoms include cough, fever, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, muscle pain, sore throat, headache, loss of taste or smell and diarrhoea. These symptoms usually appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus. People most likely to develop severe illness are older adults and people with underlying health issues such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes.

The World Health Organization says there are no specific treatments for the virus, although some drugs used to treat flu and pneumonia may help ease symptoms. There is no vaccine against COVID-19.

How long is a person with COVID-19 considered contagious?

If you have COVID- 19, you could spread the virus even though you don’t feel sick. But you’re still contagious while you have the disease because you might pass it along without knowing it.

Symptoms usually start about 2 to 14 days after exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People with mild illness may show few signs, while those with severe illness may experience difficulty breathing.

The incubation period is thought to range from one to four weeks. So people who become ill within one week of being exposed are most likely contagious.

Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some patients may experience diarrhea, muscle aches and fatigue.

People who recover from COVID-19 do not always clear the infection completely, and some people never fully recover.

The CDC says there’s no evidence that people who’ve recovered from COVID-19 are immune to future infections.

Who’s most at risk for getting COVID-19?

Persons at greatest risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) include those who live in or have recently traveled anywhere where there are ongoing active cases of COVID-19. They also include people who have had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and anyone who lives or works in an environment where many people are exposed to the virus. People who are older and/or have underlying health problems like heart disease, diabetes, lung diseases, kidney disease, cancer, obesity, or asthma are especially vulnerable to developing severe illness if they become infected.

Close contact includes having prolonged face-to-face contact such as shaking hands or hugging, sharing food or drinks, or touching objects or surfaces that could potentially carry the virus.

How soon after becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 will I develop COVID-19 symptoms?

The incubation period refers to the time it takes for someone to become ill after being exposed to the virus. This period ranges from 2 to 14 days, depending on how sick the person becomes. If you are already feeling unwell, however, the incubation period could be shorter. The average time before experiencing COVID-19 symptoms is 5 days.

In most cases, the disease progresses slowly and steadily over several days. However, some people experience more serious illness within one week. Some people may never show symptoms at all.

Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain, headache, fatigue and loss of taste and smell. These symptoms usually start gradually and worsen over a few days. People with underlying health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, lung diseases and cancer may be more likely to experience complications.

Coronavirus Transmission

The coronavirus spreads primarily via respiratory droplets produced when someone exhales, coughs, speaks, sings or talks. These droplets contain virus and can land on nearby surfaces, such as door handles or table tops, and infect people if they touch those surfaces.

Droplet size matters because it determines how far the droplet travels and whether it lands on another surface or dissipates into the air. A larger droplet settles out of the air quickly, while smaller droplets remain airborne longer, increasing the risk of spreading disease over greater distances.

COVID-19 self-checker

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a tool called Coronavirus Self Checker to help people determine whether they are at risk for having COVID-19. This online tool helps people answer questions about their travel history, how long they have had fever, cough, shortness of breath, and other possible symptoms.

To use it, simply enter your information into the form and hit “Submit.” You’ll receive a link within 24 hours that allows you to download a PDF document that contains your responses.

If you’re concerned that you might have COVID-19, you can check out the CDC’s coronavirus symptom tracker here.

Risk factors

for coronavirus infection are being investigated

A number of risk factors for contracting COVID-19 have been identified, including close contact with people who have the virus, being coughed or sneezed upon by someone who does, and having recently travelled to China or Iran.

The World Health Organization says there are no vaccines for the disease, although scientists say it could take months to develop one.

But experts warn that many cases will go unreported because people do not think they are sick enough to seek medical help.

So far, more than 80 countries have reported cases, and over 3,500 people have died. More than half of those deaths occurred in mainland China.

Coronavirus Diagnosis

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread globally. In addition to China, where it originated late last year, cases have now been reported in many countries around the world.

As of April 3, 2020, there have been over 5 million confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide, including more than 300,000 deaths.  Although the majority of patients experience mild illness, approximately 14% develop severe pneumonia requiring hospitalization and support with mechanical ventilation. A small percentage of hospitalized patients progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, multiple organ dysfunction, and death. 

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared COVID-19 a public health emergency on January 30, 2020, and since then, the number of cases has increased rapidly. On February 11, 2020, President Trump signed Executive Order \. On March 13, 2020, the CDC announced that SARS-CoV-19 had become a pandemic.

Although COVID-19 is primarily transmitted via droplets produced during close contact with infected persons, aerosol transmission has been documented.,, Aerosols containing virus particles have been detected in air samples collected inside hospitals and other healthcare settings. Because of this, health care providers must consider aerosol precautions when caring for patients with suspected or known COVID-19 infection.

On March 18, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-2019 a global pandemic.

Stay up to date with your vaccines.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated information about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), including what it is, where it came from, how people are getting infected, and what we know about prevention and treatment. This includes information about symptoms, testing, and vaccine development. CDC also provides tips for staying healthy during this outbreak, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth.

Get a vaccine

The World Health Organization says it expects a vaccine against the novel coronavirus to be available within 12 months. But there are still many questions about how long the virus will remain active in people once vaccinated. What does the vaccine do? How much protection is offered? And how soon can I start getting one? Here’s everything you need to know about the current state of development of the COVID-19 vaccines being tested around the world.

COVID-19 Vaccine Facts & FAQs

What Is A Coronavirus Vaccine?

A vaccine works by mimicking natural infection, meaning it stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies to fight off future infections. There are three types of coronavirus vaccines under investigation:

1. Inactivated – This type of vaccine contains dead viruses that cannot cause disease. They work best for preventing reinfection because they stimulate memory B cells, which help prevent further replication of the virus.

2. Live attenuated – These contain weakened live versions of the virus. They stimulate both T cell and antibody responses, making them effective at fighting off multiple strains of the virus.

3. Subunit – These contain fragments of viral proteins, such as spike protein, which helps attach the virus to host cells. They are designed to mimic natural infection, but don’t spread the virus. Instead, they activate the body’s innate immunity.

Testing

COVID-19 is spreading across the globe, and there are many questions about whether you should get tested. Here’s everything you need to know about getting tested for coronavirus.

When Should You Get Tested?

The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is to avoid being exposed to it in the first place. If you think you might have been exposed, you should contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor can tell you whether you should get tested and where you should go.

How Do I Get A Test?

If you feel sick, call ahead to make sure you can get tested. Some places require proof of exposure, like travel history or close contact with someone who has traveled internationally. Others do not.

What Will Happen After I Get Tested?

After you get tested, you will receive a report showing whether you had positive results. This information helps doctors understand how far along you are in developing symptoms. Doctors use this information to decide whether treatment is needed and which treatments work best.

FDA COVID-19 Vaccine News and Updates

The FDA today authorized emergency use of the Novavax COVD-19 vaccine, adjuvanted, for the prevention of COVD-19 in individuals 18 years of ages and older. The approval allows for the initiation of manufacturing and distribution of the vaccine.

In addition, the FDA has completed the guidance document titled “Guidance for Industry (GIF) #245: Hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls for food for animals.” This document provides recommendations for the design and implementation of HACCP programs for animal feed ingredients intended for human consumption.

Additionally, the FDA has published the final rule titled “Revisions to the Current Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations (CGMPs), 21 CFR Part 211,” which establishes requirements for the establishment and maintenance of facilities used to manufacture drugs, biologics, medical devices, and cosmetics regulated under Title I of the Federal Food Drug & Cosmetic Act. These changes are effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11th 2020. In response, the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and others are developing COVID-19 vaccines. These efforts include development of vaccines for infants, toddlers, adolescents, adults, and seniors. While there are many different types of vaccine candidates being developed, most involve either DNA or RNA based vaccines.

Vaccine developers are working to develop vaccines that target specific populations, including those with underlying health conditions such as asthma and diabetes. They are also looking into ways to improve existing vaccines. For example, one approach involves combining several vaccines together to make it easier to administer multiple shots at once. Another strategy is to use adjuvants, substances that help boost immune responses. Adjuvants could reduce the number of injections needed to get a strong immune response.

In addition to vaccines, researchers are investigating treatments that might prevent or treat COVID-19. Some potential therapies under investigation include antivirals like remdesivir, anti-inflammatory drugs like steroids, and treatments targeting the virus itself. Researchers are also testing whether existing drugs used to treat diseases like HIV and cancer could work against COVID-19. One drug being tested is hydroxychloroquine, which is already approved by the FDA for treatment of malaria and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine works by blocking the entry of viruses into cells.

American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2020, signed into law on January 30, 2020, provides $2 trillion in additional economic stimulus funding over 10 years. This includes $400 billion for small businesses, $200 billion for individuals and families, $100 billion for state governments, and $50 billion for hospitals and health care providers. In addition, it provides $150 billion in unemployment insurance benefits for workers affected by COVID-19.

On March 11, President Donald Trump signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law, providing another round of federal aid to Americans impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. This included $1,200 checks for every adult and child, plus a one-time payment of up to $500 per dependent child under age 17. For more information, please see our FAQs.

In addition, the bill makes several changes to the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). These include:

• ITIN holders are no longer required to file Form W-7 with the IRS.

• ITIN holders must now use the same Social Security number used to apply for the ITIN.

• An ITIN holder is prohibited from filing joint returns with anyone else unless both people hold valid ITIN numbers.

• A taxpayer cannot claim more than $10,000 of earned income credit on his/her return.

Call the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

The CDC recommends that everyone over six months old receive a flu shot each season. However, there are some people who cannot get vaccinated because of medical conditions or allergies. For those people, the CDC offers a list of alternative vaccines that may help prevent influenza. These include nasal spray and live virus vaccines.

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Emergency Operations Center – County of Santa Clara

The emergency operations center (EOC), established by the county of Santa Clara, California, aims to provide information about COVID-19 to the public. This includes information on how people can protect themselves against the virus; where people can find testing sites; what businesses are closed during the pandemic; and how people can access social services.

Economic Impact Payments

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today it has sent out all first, second and 3rd Economic Impact Payments. This includes individuals who filed taxes electronically and those who did not file electronically. For most taxpayers, this means you now have access to your money. If you still haven’t received your payment, here’s what you do next:

– Review the information on the IRS Online Account Lookup tool to see if you qualify for the Economic Impact Payment.

– If you don’t qualify for the Economic Impact Payments, you’ll receive a refund in the form of a check.

– To find out how much you owe, go to www.irs.gov/Individuals/Payments.

– If you didn’t file electronically, you’ll receive your payment via Direct Deposit within 10 days.

– If you’re eligible for both the 2nd and 3rd payments, you’ll get one payment per filing period.

– If you missed the deadline to apply for the 2nd payment, you’ll have until April 15, 2021 to submit your application.

Child Tax Credit

The 2021 Child Tax Credit is now up to $3,619 per qualifying child under age 17. This includes children born after December 31, 2020. There are several ways you can qualify for the credit, including being a single parent, having dependent children living abroad, or receiving certain types of public benefits.

In addition, eligible families who don’t owe taxes owed to the IRS can claim it through April 15, 2025. They must file a federal tax return even though they don’t normally file, and have little or no taxable income.

Hiring someone to help with the tax preparation process? Make sure the preparer is licensed and registered with the IRS. Also, make sure the preparer isn’t charging a fee based on a percentage of the amount claimed on the return. And be aware that some preparers offer refunds that are much larger than what is actually due. In fact, one study showed that nearly half of those people surveyed paid more than they needed to pay.

If you’re hiring someone to do your taxes, consider seeking out reputable tax assistance. You might find a better deal online, such as TurboTax, Free File, or H&R Block. If you’re doing your taxes yourself, there are many free resources available online.

Frequently Asked Questions

This document provides information about resources available from the Division of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS). These documents are intended to provide guidance to public health professionals and others seeking additional information during the COVID-19 pandemic. This resource list includes frequently asked questions and answers, program updates, and other important information related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state departments of health offer many helpful resources. For general information about the virus, please see CDC’s website. To find up-to-date recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), visit WHO’s Coronavirus Resource Center. Additional information about the outbreak is available from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

New Cases Since Last Update

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United States continues to rise. As of July 25th, there are now over 1,500 cases across the nation. This includes the latest case reported in California.