There are currently more than ten million reported positive cases worldwide spanning more than 175 countries and territories, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, South Korea, Japan, and Europe.

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All ages and demographics are at risk of becoming infected. According to the CDC, older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions seem to be at a higher risk.

Face masks and face coverings are recommended in public to help prevent the spread of germs. The CDC cautions the general public from wearing N95 masks since the global supply of N95 masks is limited.

Learn how to make, wear, and remove your face mask

The virus spreads from person to person by droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or be inhaled into the lungs. The virus more likely spreads when people are within about 6 feet of each other. Since COVID-19 is a new disease, we are still learning how it spreads.

The new coronavirus (COVID-19) originated in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first case was recorded in December 2019.

The CDC advises U.S. residents avoid all nonessential travel to China, Iran, South Korea, Japan, and Europe. Domestic travel within the United States is also not advised. Entry into the United States from China, Iran, Canada, and most of Europe have been suspended.

More than 500,000 deaths have been reported worldwide.

According to the CDC, a new study suggests that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to be hospitalized and are at increased risk for  intensive care unit (ICU) admission and receipt of mechanical ventilation than nonpregnant women. Risk of death is similar for both groups.

Learn More in our Q&A with Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist Dr. Daniel Grace

There is currently no vaccination for COVID-19. However, Rochester General Hospital is one of four sites in the U.S. to test an experimental vaccine.

Learn More About the Vaccine Trial  

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new coronavirus not previously found in humans. The first case was reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. There are seven types of coronavirus’ that cause upper respiratory symptoms. COVID-19 is the most recent coronavirus disease to be discovered. Other recent examples of coronavirus disease are SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is protective clothing, gloves, gowns, masks, or other garments or equipment that protects healthcare workers from infection.

Learn About More Coronavirus Terms

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a serious, but rare, health condition in children that has been connected to COVID-19 by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MIS-C has been compared to Kawasaki Disease because it shares similar symptoms, but MIS-C is a different illness.

Symptoms for MIS-C vary from case to case, but some include: prolonged fever, rash, conjunctivitis, stomachache, vomiting and/or diarrhea, swollen lymph node in the neck, red cracked lips, swollen hands and/or feet, irritability, and/or unusual sleepiness or weakness. It is currently unknown if Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome is specific to children or if it also occurs in adults. 

Learn More Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention

There is currently no specific recommended antiviral treatment by the CDC for COVID-19. However, Rochester General Hospital is taking part in a national clinical plasma trial with the Mayo Clinic testing a new therapy for COVID-19. We’re looking for people who have previously tested positive for COVID-19, and recovered, to donate blood. The goal of the trial is to see if blood from people who have previously had COVID-19 will help patients recover from the life-threatening disease.

Learn More About the COVID-19 Plasma Trial

The new coronavirus and influenza (flu) are both contagious viruses that cause respiratory illnesses, and both diseases are spread worldwide. Both can cause a fever, cough, body aches, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, and both can result in pneumonia. But there are many differences, like transmission, medication, and treatment options.

Learn the Differences Between COVID-19 and the Flu