User:Doc James/Pandemic

The virus is mainly spread during close contact, and by small droplets produced during coughing, sneezing, or talking. Close contact is defined as 1 metres (3 feet) by WHO and 2 metres (6 feet) by the CDC. These small droplets may also be produced during breathing, but rapidly fall to the ground or surfaces and are not generally spread through the air over large distances. People may also catch COVID-19 by touching a contaminated surface and then their face. The virus can survive on surfaces up to 72 hours. It is most contagious during the first 3 days after symptom onset, although spread may be possible before symptoms appear and in later stages of the disease.

The time between exposure and symptom onset is typically around five days, but may range from two to fourteen days. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Complications may include pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment. Primary treatment is symptomatic and supportive therapy. Recommended preventive measures include hand washing, covering the mouth when coughing, maintaining distance from other people, and monitoring and self-isolation for people who suspect they are infected.

Transmission
Details about how the disease is spread are still being determined. As of 27 March the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control state it is primarily spread during close contact and via respiratory droplets produced when people cough or sneeze; with close contact being within 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet). Respiratory droplets may also be produced during breathing out, including when talking, though the virus is not thought to be airborne. It may also spread when one touches a contaminated surface and then their eyes, nose, or mouth. Well there are concerns it may spread via feces this risk is believed to be low.

It is most contagious when people are symptomatic, although spread may be possible before symptoms appear this risk is very low. The virus seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community in some areas. The EDCD, as of March 27rd, states that well it is not entirely clear how easily the disease spreads one person generally infects two to three others.

The virus can remain infectious for hours to days on surfaces. Specifically the virus was infectious for up to three days on plastic and stainless steel, for one day on cardboard, and for up to four hours on copper. This however varies based on the humidity and temperature.