A coronavirus is a virus that can cause respiratory symptoms that feel similar to a cold or flu. The virus that’s responsible for the current outbreak is called SARS-CoV-2. It’s the same virus that caused a massive outbreak in 2003, known as severe acute respiration syndrome (SARS). The new virus is spreading faster and faster than one that caused SARS. It is also spreading further than the SARS CoV-1 virus during its outbreak.
Aerosols are tiny droplets or particles released by people who have the virus when they cough, sneeze, or talk. The virus can remain in the air for several hours and then you can breathe into them or touch them on surfaces. People can get infected by touching an infected object or person, then breathing into the virus or placing their hands in their mouths, eyes, or nose. Some people will not show any signs, and might not even realize they have the disease. Some people can become extremely ill.
Most people get a coronavirus at the very least once in their lives, typically as children. Most cases are mild, and they go away after a few days. However, some cases may be very severe. Scientists are trying to find a cure.