Per CDC
Key points
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
It can be very contagious and can spread quickly.
As of June 1, 2024, nearly 1.2 million people have died of COVID-19 in the U.S.
How COVID-19 spreads
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. Other people can breathe in these droplets and particles, or these droplets and particles can land on others' eyes, nose, or mouth. In some circumstances, these droplets may contaminate the surfaces they touch.
Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms. COVID-19 can even spread from people to animals in some situations.
Prevention
There are many actions you can take to help protect you, your household, and your community from COVID-19. CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance provides actions you can take to lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission (catching and spreading COVID-19) and lower the risk of severe illness if you get sick.
To learn more visit: About COVID-19 | COVID-19 | CDC
