COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning about how it spreads
and the severity of illness it causes.
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby
or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people
who are not showing symptoms.
- Maintaining good social distance (about 6 feet) is very important in preventing
the spread of COVID-19.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface
or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth,
nose, or possibly their eyes. This is not thought to be the main way the
virus spreads, but we are still learning more about this virus. CDC recommends
people practice frequent “hand hygiene,” which is either
washing hands with soap or water or using an alcohol-based hand rub. CDC also
recommends routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses
are highly contagious, like measles, while other viruses do not spread
as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, which means
it goes from person-to-person without stopping.
- The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading very easily and sustainably
between people.
- Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggest that this virus
is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as
measles, which is highly contagious.
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person
in respiratory droplets from someone who is infected. People who are infected
often have symptoms of illness. Some people without symptoms may be able
to spread virus.