How COVID-19 Spreads

Overview

The COVID-19 virus emerged in China in 2019. Since then, it spread around the world. But how is this possible? Let's learn about how this virus spreads.

The first case

We think the virus that causes COVID-19 may have started as a virus inside an animal. Somehow, it moved from the animal to a human. That was the very first human infection. From that single infection, the virus spread to another person, and then another and another. We call this "person-to-person" transmission.

Person-to-person

How does it move from one person to another? The virus is released into the air when an infected person breathes out. It can live in droplets released when a sick person coughs or sneezes. You can breathe in these germs. Or, they land on surfaces. If you touch an infected surface and then touch your face, you move the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. That’s how it infects you.

Community spread

COVID-19 seems to be highly contagious. It spreads very easily among people. That causes pockets of outbreaks in communities. We call this "community spread."

Conclusion

To help stop the spread of this virus, get vaccinated. Wear a mask. Wash your hands often, and avoid other people. If you must be among other people, keep your distance. For more tips, talk to your doctor.