Coronaviruses are a big family of different viruses. Some of them cause the common cold in people. Others affect animals, including bats, camels, and cattle. But how did SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19, come into being?
Here’s what we know about the virus that was first detected in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and has set off a global pandemic.
Where Did the Coronavirus Come From?
Experts say SARS-CoV-2 originated in bats. That’s also how the coronaviruses behind the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) got started.
SARS-CoV-2 made the jump to humans at one of Wuhan’s open-air “wet markets.” They’re where customers buy fresh meat and fish, including animals that are killed on the spot.
Some wet markets sell wild or banned species like cobras, wild boars, and raccoon dogs. Crowded condition can let viruses from different animals swap genes. Sometimes the virus changes so much it can start to affect and spread among people.
Still, the Wuhan market didn’t sell bats at the time of the outbreak. That’s why early suspicion also fell on pangolins, also called scaly anteaters, which are sold illegally in some markets in China. Some coronaviruses that infect to affect pangolins are similar to SARS-CoV-2.
As SARS-CoV-2 spread both inside and outside China, it infected people who have had no direct contact with animals. That meant the virus is transmitted from one human to another human. It’s now spreading in the United States and around the globe, meaning that people are unwittingly catching and passing on the corona.
How does the coronavirus spread?
Data has shown that the COVID-19 virus mainly spreads from person to person among those in close contact (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters). The virus spreads by respiratory droplets released when someone infected with the virus coughs, sneezes, breathes, sings or talk. These droplets can be inhaled or land in the mouth, nose or eye of a person nearby.
Sometimes, the COVID-19 virus can spread when a person is exposed to small droplets or aerosols that stay in the air for several minutes or hours — called airborne transmission.
The virus can also spread if you touch a surface with the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes.
The COVID-19 virus can spread from someone who is infected but has no symptoms. This kind of cases is called asymptomatic transmission. The COVID-19 virus can also spread quickly from someone who is infected but hasn't developed symptoms yet.
It's possible to get COVID-19 twice or more, but this is uncommon.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 symptoms can be very mild to severe. Some affected people have no symptoms. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, tiredness, and loss of taste or smell.
Other signs and symptoms may include shortness of breath, muscle aches, chills, sore throat, headache, chest pain, vomiting and nausea. Other common symptoms have also been reported. Symptoms may appear 2 days to 14 days after exposure.
What can I do to avoid becoming ill?
If you haven't gotten a COVID-19 vaccine, you can reduce your risk of infection from the COVID-19 virus and reduce the risk of spreading it to others.
The CDC and WHO recommend following these precautions:
- Keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) of the distance between yourself and people outside your household.
- Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor airflow (ventilation).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you’re not able to wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Wear a mask in public places, especially when social distancing is difficult.
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the already used tissue. Wash your hands properly.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect often-touched surfaces daily.
If you have a chronic medical condition, you may have a higher risk of serious illness.
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