The latest update on November 10, 2020-WHO continues to monitor and respond to this pandemic. This question and answer will be updated with COVID-19. more knowledge about how it spreads and how it affects people around the world. Check the WHO Coronavirus page regularly for more information.
What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a new type of coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. WHO first learned of the new virus on December 31, 2019. Previously, a series of “viral pneumonia” cases were reported in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Fatigue
Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include:
- Loss of taste or smell,
- Nasal congestion,
- Conjunctivitis (also known as red eyes)
- Sore throat,
- Headache,
- Muscle or joint pain,
- Different types of skin rash,
- Nausea or vomiting,
- Diarrhea,
- Chills or dizziness.
Symptoms of severe COVID‐19 disease include:
- Shortness of breath,
- Loss of appetite,
- Confusion,
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest,
- High temperature (above 38 °C).
Other less common symptoms are:
- Irritability,
- Confusion,
- Reduced consciousness (sometimes associated with seizures),
- Anxiety,
- Depression,
- Sleep disorders,
- More severe and rare neurological complications such as strokes, brain inflammation, delirium and nerve damage.
People of all ages should see a doctor immediately if they develop fever and/or cough, dyspnea or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, speech or movement disorders. If possible, call your healthcare provider, hotline, or healthcare provider first to get to the correct clinic.
What happens to people infected with COVID-19?

Most people who develop symptoms (about 80%) can recover from their illness without hospital treatment. About 15% are seriously ill and require oxygen, and 5% are seriously ill and require intensive care.
Deadly complications may include respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis and septic shock, thromboembolism, and/or multiple organ failure, including damage to the heart, liver, or kidneys.
There is. Rarely, children develop severe inflammatory syndrome within a few weeks of infection.
Does COVID-19 have long-term effects?

Some people with COVID-19 continue to experience symptoms such as malaise, respiratory symptoms, and neurological symptoms, regardless of whether they need to be hospitalized. WHO collaborates with a global technology network for clinical management of COVID-19, researchers, and patient groups around the world to design and conduct patient studies beyond the initial acute course and have long-term consequences. Understand the proportion of patients who give. Does it last long and why does it happen? These studies will be used to develop further patient care guidelines.
If you don’t know who is infected, how can you protect others or yourself?
Keep a distance, wear a mask (especially if you cannot evacuate), ventilate the room well, avoid crowds and close contact, clean your hands regularly, cough on bent elbow departments and tissues, etc., Take simple precautions to ensure your safety. View local recommendations for where you live and work.
When should I be tested for COVID-19?
People with symptoms should check as much as possible. People who are asymptomatic but who are in close contact with an infected or potentially infected person can also consider testing. Contact your local health guide and follow the guidelines.
When people are waiting for test results, they must remain isolated from others. If testing capacity is limited, people at high risk of infection (such as healthcare professionals) and those at high risk of serious illness (such as the elderly) should be tested first. This is especially true for those who live in senior citizens’ homes. A person in a long-term care facility.
What tests do I need to take if I have COVID-19?
In most cases, molecular tests can be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 and confirm infection. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most commonly used molecular test. Collect samples from the nose and throat with a cotton swab. A molecular test detects the virus in a sample by amplifying the genetic material of the virus to a detectable level. Therefore, molecular tests are usually used to determine if an active infection is present within a few days of exposure and when symptoms may begin.