Health What is a coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). What is a novel coronavirus? A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. Can humans become infected with a novel coronavirus of animal source? Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans in China in 2002 and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. As surveillance improves around the world, more coronaviruses are likely to be identified. What are the symptoms of someone infected with a coronavirus? It depends on the virus, but common signs include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing dif

COVID-19 is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, and we at NIH are doing everything we can toward the development of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. You can find the latest public health information from CDC at  www.coronavirus.gov  and the latest research information from NIH at  https://www.covid19.nih.gov  . Meanwhile, science continues to progress on many other fronts, and we will continue to try to bring you stories across a wide range of topics.   Most COVID-19 hospitalizations due to four conditions A study estimated that nearly two-thirds of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. could be attributed to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure.   Most COVID-19 hospitalizations due to four conditions A study estimated that nearly two-thirds of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the U.S. could be attributed to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure.   Fruit and vegetable consumption reduce risk of death Eating more fruits and vegetables, at least five s

Covaxin vs Covishield: Your full guide With the third phase of Covid vaccination beginning from Monday in India, we breakdown the similarities and differences between the two vaccine candidates -- Covishield and Covaxin available for inoculation in the country currently. Read full article