What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 differs from the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold. COVID-19 is a new strain not previously been seen in humans.

How COVID-19 spreads:

COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person to person, usually between people who are within about 6 feet of each other. People who are infected but don’t show symptoms also can spread the virus to others. Some infections can be spread by exposure to the virus in small droplets and particles that can linger in the air from minutes to hours.

Health experts are still learning more about the spread and severity of illness COVID-19 causes.

Similarities and Differences between Flu and COVID-19

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses.

In addition, COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It also can take longer before people show symptoms, and people can be contagious for a longer time.

Another important difference is that while is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, there is a vaccine to protect against flu—and this year, getting your flu shot is more important than ever. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

About the Vaccine

"In the United States, there is not yet an authorized or approved vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The federal government, through Operation Warp Speed, has been working since the pandemic started to make one or more COVID-19 vaccines available as soon as possible.

Although CDC does not have a role in developing COVID-19 vaccines, CDC has been working closely with health departments and partners to develop vaccination plans for when a vaccine is available.

With the possibility of one or more COVID-19 vaccines becoming available before the end of the year, here are 8 things you need to know about where those plans currently stand."

Check out this video to learn more about how they work, how they are approved, & the latest on the COVID-19 vaccine:

Resources:What are the symptoms for COVID-19?