Coronaviruses are viruses that circulate among animals but some of them are also known to affect humans. After a human is infected, the virus can be transmitted through human-to-human contact.

A great variety of animals is known to be the source of coronaviruses. For example, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) originated from camels and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) originated from civet cats.  

COVID-19 detected in China is genetically closely related to SARS virus.
SARS emerged at the end of 2002 in China and it resulted in more than 8000 SARS-cases reported by 33 countries in a period of 8 months. At that time, one in ten people who contracted SARS died.

Although transmission and symptoms of influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are similar, yet the two viruses causing these infections are substantially different. Preliminary information indicates that its mechanism of spread is more similar to SARS or pandemic influenza than spread of seasonal influenza. This may be explained by the fact that there were no prior cases of this particular infection. According to the data of European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, it is estimated that each year up to 40 000 people die due to causes of influenza (flu) in Europe. 

Certain coronaviruses are transmitted human-to-human, usually in a close contact with a coronavirus patient, for example at home, at work or in medical treatment institution. COVID-19 can also be transmitted human-to-human contact. The virus is transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets that people sneeze, cough or exhale.

They are similar to influenza (flu) symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath, other respiratory disorders, myalgia (muscle pain) and fatigue. In more severe cases it may cause pneumonia, sepsis, septic shock, kidney failure or even result in death. 

• healthcare staff providing medical aid and treatment to the people infected with COVID-19;
• family members and other persons, who closely communicate with the infected people;
• elderly people and those who have chronic diseases.

Hand washing is essential in order to prevent from infection:

• You should wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• If soap and water are not available, you can also use alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.

The virus enters your body via your eyes, nose and mouth, so avoid touching them with unwashed hands.

Face masks are recommended to sick patients, who cough and sneeze. In this case, wearing a face mask may prevent from spreading the virus in the environment. Yet, bear in mind that face masks do not stop the virus and do not prevent from infection in case of a close contact. 

Influenza vaccine does not protect from coronavirus. 

In order to reduce the spread of the infection, it is recommended to follow standard measures:

• frequently wash hands with warm water and soap;
• avoid touching face and eyes;
• pay attention to cough and sneeze etiquette (coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into your elbow);
• follow rules for safe food preparation (particularly when using uncooked meat and eggs);
• avoid close contact with people who experience respiratory disease symptoms (for example, coughing and sneezing).