Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia. Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly. There is evidence that it spreads from person to person. Good hygiene can prevent infection.

What is coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can make humans and animals sick. They cause illnesses that can range from the common cold to more severe diseases. Coronavirus (COVID-19) was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China. Other coronaviruses include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Symptoms

Symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. People with coronavirus may experience:

Fever
Flu like symptoms such as coughing, Sore throat and fatigue
Shortness of breath

Who is at risk

Most cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) are in Wuhan City in Hubei Province, China. In Australia, the people most at risk of getting the virus are those who have:

Recently been in mainland China and Iran
Been in close contact with someone who is a confirmed case of coronavirus

Health authorities have confirmed cases of coronavirus in Australia. For the latest number, read Australian Government Department of Health's coronavirus health alert.

How it spreads

There is evidence that the virus spreads from person-to-person. The virus is most likely spread through:

Close contact with an infectious person
Contact with droplets from an infected person�s cough or sneeze
Touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) that have cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face

Prevention

Surgical masks in the community are only helpful in preventing people who have coronavirus disease from spreading it to others. If you are well, you do not need to wear a surgical mask as there is little evidence supporting the widespread use of surgical masks in healthy people to prevent transmission in public.

Find out more in our fact sheet about the use of surgical masks.

Everyone should practise good hygiene to protect against infections. Good hygiene includes:

Washing your hands often with soap and water
Using a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
Avoiding close contact with others, such as touching

Read more about protective measures against coronavirus on the World Health Organization website. If you have a confirmed case, you need to isolate yourself to prevent it spreading to other people.

Diagnosis

If you become unwell and think you may have symptoms of coronavirus, seek medical attention. Call ahead of time to book an appointment. Tell your doctor about your symptoms, travel history and any recent close contact with someone who has coronavirus. If you must leave home to see your doctor, wear a surgical mask (if you have one) to protect others.

If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help.
Find out what happens if you have a suspected case of coronavirus.

Treatment

There is no treatment for coronavirus, but medical care can treat most of the symptoms. Antibiotics do not work on viruses. If you have been diagnosed with coronavirus, isolate yourself in your home.

How to isolate yourself

Do not go to public places, such as work, school, shopping centres, childcare or university. If possible, ask other people to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door.
Only people who usually live with you should be in your home. Do not let in visitors. You do not need to wear a mask in your home.
If you need to leave home to seek medical attention, wear a surgical mask (if you have one) to protect others. To find out more, read Australian Government Department of Health's home isolation information sheet.