U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
COVID-19 Basics
Get trustworthy and factual information about COVID-19. Learn what you can do to prevent the spread, and protect yourself and your community.
What is COVID-19?
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There are many types of human coronaviruses, including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a new coronavirus that has not been seen before in humans. Get more information about COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
How to protect yourself and others from COVID-19
How to protect yourself and others from COVID-19
COVID-19 can spread easily from person to person. Current federal guidelines recommend:
- Wash your hands often
- Avoid close contact
- Cover your nose and mouth with a mask when around others
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine when it's available to you.
Join the Fight against COVID-19
For information to help you make decisions about your health and what you can do to join the fight against COVID-19, visit combatcovid.hhs.gov.
Resources
Esta infografía explica los ingredientes de la vacuna contra COVID-19 de Pfizer.
- EditorNIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL)
- IdiomaEspañol
- Tipo de archivoJPG
- Tamaño del archivo4.08MB
This infographic explains the three ingredients in Pfizer's mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
- PublisherNIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL)
- LanguageEnglish
- File TypeJPG
- File Size3.78MB
Esta infografía explica los ingredientes de la vacuna contra COVID-19 de Moderna.
- EditorNIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL)
- IdiomaEspañol
- Tipo de archivoJPG
- Tamaño del archivo3.97MB
This infographic explains the three ingredients in Moderna's mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
- PublisherNIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL)
- LanguageEnglish
- File TypeJPG
- File Size3.62MB
Información para entender las vacunas contra el COVID-19.
- EditorNIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL)
- IdiomaEspañol
- Tipo de archivoPDF
- Tamaño del archivo138KB
This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
- PublisherNIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL)
- LanguageEnglish
- File TypePDF
- File Size204KB
Información para entender las vacunas contra el COVID-19 ARNm.
- EditorNIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL)
- IdiomaEspañol
- Tipo de archivoPDF
- Tamaño del archivo146KB
Esta hoja informativa contiene consejos para los profesionales de la salud que buscan combatir la información errónea sobre COVID-19.
- EditorNIH CEAL Communication Work Group
- IdiomaEspañol
- Tamaño del archivo906KB
This tip sheet contains an overview of what COVID-19 research is and why community participation is beneficial.
- PublisherNIH CEAL Inclusive Participation Working Group
- LanguageEnglish
- File TypePDF
- File Size160KB
This tip sheet contains tips for health professionals seeking to combat COVID-19 misinformation in their communities.
- PublisherNIH CEAL Communication Work Group
- LanguageEnglish
- File TypePDF
- File Size268KB
This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
- PublisherNIH Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL)
- LanguageEnglish
- File TypePDF
- File Size184KB
Blog post by NIH leaders about the importance of participation in COVID-19 testing.
- PublisherNational Institutes of Health (NIH)
- LanguageEnglish
All CAIH materials about how to stop the spread of COVID-19 are available for tribes in this online resource library.
- PublisherCenter for American Indian Health at Johns Hopkins University (CAIH)
- LanguageEnglish
A fact sheet about contact tracing and how it can stop the spread of COVID-19
- PublisherCenter for American Indian Health at Johns Hopkins University (CAIH)
- LanguageEnglish
- File TypePDF
- File Size100KB
A fact sheet about using face masks, including instructions on how to make your own non-sewn cloth mask
- PublisherCenter for American Indian Health at Johns Hopkins University (CAIH)
- LanguageEnglish
- File TypePDF
- File Size460KB
Join the fight against COVID-19 by participating in a late phase clinical trial or donating plasma.
- PublisherU.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- LanguageEnglish
Learn more about COVID-19 from NHLBI, including videos and additional resources.
- PublisherNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- LanguageEnglish
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus most commonly affects the lungs but it can also lead to serious heart problems. COVID-19 can damage the lungs, preventing enough oxygen from reaching the heart muscle.
- PublisherNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- LanguageEnglish
- Length2:11
- PublisherNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- LanguageEnglish
- Length2:19
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Some people with COVID-19 develop abnormal blood clots, including lots of tiny clots in the smallest blood vessels.
- PublisherNational Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
- LanguageEnglish
- Length2:00
Social Media Messages
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Social Media Images
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