Immune To COVID? New Study Suggests Why

Health officials are advising people to seek factual information on the novel coronavirus, and to avoid panic. Here's a list of things you should know about the new disease that is spreading worldwide.

What is 'the novel coronavirus?'

The novel coronavirus is a new version of coronavirus, which is a large family of viruses that can make animals and humans sick, according to the World Health Organization. Several different coronaviruses cause respiratory infections in humans, ranging from the common cold to well-known outbreaks of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, known as MERS, and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, known as SARS. The respiratory disease caused by this new strain of coronavirus is called COVID-19.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms of the disease include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The symptoms usually start with a fever and dry cough as opposed to a runny nose, according to WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. They typically show up anywhere between two and 14 days after exposure. Severe infections lead to pneumonia in both lungs, and the worst cases can be deadly.

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What's more deadly – COVID-19 or the flu?

So far, the death rate is higher for COVID-19 than the average for annual influenza outbreaks.

An article published March 12 in the medical journal The Lancet calculates the mortality rate from COVID-19 in China at 3.6%, and 1.5% in other countries. The World Health Organization has put the global death toll at 3.4%

The annual seasonal death rate for the flu is about 0.1%, according Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

But officials have stressed that the COVID-19 data is likely to change as more cases are confirmed.

How could this outbreak impact the economy?

Economists predict the outbreak could lead to a global recession as the travel industry is crippled, global supply chains are disrupted, entire cities shut down and businesses and government institutions grind to a halt. Stock markets and oil prices have plummeted.

The Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates and Congress and the White House are taking additional measures to keep credit flowing and boost consumer and business confidence.

Who's most at risk for getting COVID-19?

In the early weeks of the outbreak, only those who had recently traveled to an area with known infections or been exposed to someone with COVID-19 were considered "at risk." But as community transmission has spread in the U.S. and other countries, more people are being diagnosed. Health officials, including the CDC and WHO, have said most people who get the disease will only be mildly ill. Those most at risk for severe infections are the elderly and people with underlying health conditions, according to the CDC.

Children are among the least at risk so far, the CDC also said.

Are any existing drugs effective against the virus?

Unlike the flu, which can be treated with prescription medications like Tamiflu, there are no medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat COVID-19. Laboratories worldwide are scrambling to come up with a cure or a vaccine, but the timeline for development is at least several months, if not longer. Clinical trials of a drug called Remdesivir are underway at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Why aren't all sick people being tested?

Early testing was limited only to those deemed at risk. There were also flaws in some of the CDC's testing kits, and nationwide rollout has been slow.

New guidance from the CDC has expanded who can be tested, and White House officials have promised that anyone who wants a test will be able to get one.

How can I keep from getting COVID-19?

The CDC says "the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed." The disease is most often spread by droplets when someone sneezes or coughs, and can potentially infect people within about a 6-foot radius. It can also be contracted by touching a contaminated surface, like a counter or door knob, and then touching your face.

Health officials advise staying away from people who are sick, washing your hands often, and avoiding touching your face, mouth, nose or eyes.

The CDC has also advised those in higher-risk groups to avoid travel and exposing themselves to large gatherings.

What's the deal with face masks?

WHO recommends people only wear face masks if they are already infected or caring for someone who is. Face masks commonly sold in stores and online aren't the best way to protect against germs like COVID-19, health officials say. They have to be placed on the face just right and must be changed frequently to be kept clean, among other limitations.

A specialized kind of mask, called an N95 face mask, has a respirator and is used by health workers exposed to sick people. N95 masks require special fitting and training in their use to be effective.

Health officials are asking the general public not to buy face masks so that supplies can be reserved for health care workers.

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

The WHO stresses that you should call your doctor or local health agency before going anywhere to be seen. They will be able to best advise you on how to proceed and where to go for treatment.

Flu Insights with Watson helps people better assess and prepare for their flu risk, up to 15 days in advance, down to their ZIP code. Check your local risk in The Weather Channel app.

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