COVID-19: Coronavirus Facts
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is respiratory illness caused by a new virus in the coronavirus family. Other coronaviruses have caused outbreaks of diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Cases of COVID-19 have been reported worldwide.
- Q&A on Coronaviruses - WHOQuestions and answers from the World Health Organization.
- Coronavirus Infections - MedlinePlusCoronavirus information written for consumers.
- Oregon Health Authority's COVID-19 FAQsFrequently asked questions from the Oregon Health Authority.
- Multnomah County Health Department - COVID-19Information from the Multnomah County Health Department.
- John Hopkins Center for Health Security - COVID-19Updates on the emerging novel coronavirus from the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.
- Answering 20 Questions about COVID-19YouTube video. During this special webinar from CDC EPIC, Dr. Jay Butler shared the current state of the outbreak, what CDC is doing to respond to the outbreak, and how partners, organizations, and the public can help.
Important Facts
From the WHO advice for the Public: Myth busters:
- COVID-19 can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including with hot and humid weather.
- Cold weather and snow cannot kill the virus.
- Taking a hot bath does not prevent the disease.
- The new coronavirus cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites.
- Hand dryers are not effective at killing the coronavirus. You should wash your hands.
- Flu vaccines and pneumonia vaccines do not protect you from the coronavirus.
- People of all ages can be infected with the coronavirus.
- To date there is no specific medicine to prevent or treat the virus. Treatment can relieve symptoms, but not the virus itself.
Books
Communicable Disease Control and Health Protection Handbook by Call Number: ebookISBN: 9781119328056Publication Date: 2018-12-03
Managing the Global Health Response to Epidemics by Call Number: ebookISBN: 9781138578999Publication Date: 2019-03-07
Contagious: Cultures, Carriers, and the Outbreak Narrative by Call Number: free onlineISBN: 9780822390572Publication Date: 2008-01-09
