Who is at risk of developing a severe form of the disease?

Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?

Is there a VACCINE, DRUG or treatment for COVID-19?

Is COVID-19 the same disease as SARS?

Do I have to wear a mask to protect myself?

If you are in an area with a COVID-19 outbreak, you must take the risk of infection seriously. Follow the advice of national and local health authorities. While COVID-19 causes only mild symptoms in most people, some people can be severely affected. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Seniors and those who already have other health problems (such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or diabetes) appear to be more vulnerable. (See Protective Measures for people who are or have recently visited (within the past 14 days) in areas where COVID-19 is spread).Even if we still need to deepen our knowledge on how COVID-19 affects individuals, until now, the elderly and people already suffering from other diseases (such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease) seem to be seriously affected more often than others.No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, but only against bacterial infections. Since COVID-19 is caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffective. They should not be used as a means of preventing or treating COVID-19. They should be used only on medical prescription to treat a bacterial infection.Not yet. To date, there is no specific vaccine or antiviral medication to prevent or treat COVID-19. However, affected people should receive care to relieve symptoms. People who are seriously ill should be hospitalized. Most patients recover with supportive care.Possible vaccines and certain specific treatments are being studied and are being tested in clinical trials. WHO coordinates efforts to develop vaccines and drugs to prevent and treat COVID-19.The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth with the crease of your elbow or with a handkerchief, and stand 1 meter away. anyone who coughs or sneezes (see How can I protect myself and prevent the disease from spreading?).No, the virus responsible for COVID-19 and the virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) are genetically linked, but they are different. SARS is more deadly but much less infectious than COVID-19. There has been no SARS outbreak worldwide since 2003.People who do not have respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, do not need to wear a medical mask. WHO recommends wearing a mask for people with symptoms of COVID-19 and those who care for patients with symptoms (cough and fever). Wearing a mask is essential for health workers and people caring for the sick (at home or in a healthcare facility).WHO recommends making rational use of medical masks to avoid wasting precious resources and the risk of misuse of masks (see Tips on wearing a mask). You should only use a mask if you have respiratory symptoms (coughing or sneezing), if COVID-19 is suspected with mild symptoms, or if you are caring for someone in whom COVID-19 is suspected. COVID-19 is suspected in people who have traveled to an area where cases have been reported, or who have had close contact with someone who has traveled to these areas and who has become ill.The best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth with the crease of your elbow or with a handkerchief, and stand 1 meter away. anyone who touches or sneezes (see How can I protect myself and prevent the disease from spreading?).