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COVID-19 Guide: 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.

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.

COVID 19 Pandemic Statistics

About This Guide

SMSU Research Guide by SMSU Library is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://guides.library.pdx.edu/covid-19.