Coronavirus has been a hot topic around the globe recently after an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Many people in the United States are worried about their risk of catching the virus and wondering what they can do to prevent it. to help put minds at ease, the CDC has released answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. 

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a virus that originated from China and is believed to have started in animals. The virus is closely related to both MERS and SARS. 

What Started Coronavirus?

The exact origin of the virus is unknown, other than that it started in animals. The virus began by spreading from animal to person, but it’s now spreading from person to person. 

What Are the Symptoms of Coronavirus?

Symptoms of coronavirus include cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and other upper respiratory symptoms. These are symptoms of many illnesses, so just because you have the symptoms does not mean you have coronavirus. People who display these symptoms are being quickly triaged and tested at medical facilities to ensure they don’t have coronavirus before they receive further treatment. 

How Can I Protect Myself?

The CDC recommends avoiding all non-essential travel to china and has placed travel guidelines in place for people attempting to return to the states from China. There are no special precautions you need to take other than avoiding travel to China. If it makes you feel more secure, you can choose to wear a face mask, although it isn’t necessary. 

Have There Been Any Cases in the US?

Yes, there have been cases in the US, but there has not been an outbreak. Most of the US cases have been from people recently traveling from China, while one case was reported of a person to person spread. 

Can I Get Coronavirus from Packages from China?

No, this is a common misconception and fear among Americans right now. With many packages and products coming from China, it’s understandable, but the CDC has confirmed that coronavirus can’t survive on surfaces long enough for this to be a concern.

To view the full FAQ on coronavirus released by the CDC, visit their website. If you believe you’ve been in contact with the coronavirus, contact local and state health officials right away and avoid contact with people until you’ve been tested.