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Coronavirus Directory
A coronavirus such as SARS or MERS is a virus that often causes symptoms similar to a cold. While some are serious, most are not. To prevent catching a coronavirus, take precautions such as washing your hands and staying away from others who are infected. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how coronaviruses spread, treatments that can help, and much more.
Medical Reference
Is a Virus the Cause of COVID-19? Identifying a Virus
Find out how scientists figure out that a virus -- and which virus -- is the source of a disease like SARS.
Causes of the Common Cold
Just what is causing your misery? Learn more about the hundreds of viruses that can cause the common cold.
Pandemics
WebMD explains pandemics, epidemics, and outbreaks, how they are classified, and how to prevent against contracting diseases such as the flu and SARS.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Overview
The coronavirus causing COVID-19 is a new (novel) strain called SARS-CoV-2. Most coronaviruses cause mild respiratory infections and flu-like symptoms, but severe cases can be fatal. Learn how to spot symptoms, prevent spreading the disease, and find out what to do if you think you have it.
Features
Natural Cold Remedies: What to Know
Some natural remedies may help you recover from the cold.
SARS Cases By State
Coronavirus: Do You Need a Mask?
As the coronavirus continues to spread around the world, protection is on everyone’s mind. Many celebrities have posted photos of themselves on social media wearing masks over their noses and mouths to try to ward off the virus.
Pepper and Soap Trick Teaches Kids to Wash Hands
A pre-K teacher in Miami found a unique way to help her students learn about the best way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Video
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
MERS is Middle East respiratory syndrome, which is brought on by a virus that has wreaked havoc in the Eastern Hemisphere.
Take Child Temperature
Easy steps for taking your child’s temperature.
How to Wash Your Hands
Scrub away! There’s a correct way to wash your hands and get rid of germs.
Ways to Boost Your Immune System
To fend off germs, should you take a bunch of vitamins? What can you do to keep from getting sick?
Slideshows & Images
Blogs
Coronavirus: A View From China
Journalists from the South China Morning Post's China Desk share what conditions are like in their country in the wake of a coronavirus outbreak.
Face Masks: Do They Protect You From Coronavirus?
Will wearing a face mask keep us safe from the spread of coronavirus and other infectious diseases?
Coronavirus: What About My Kids?
Only a handful of kids have been infected worldwide. And by first reports, the kids are not getting that sick and seem to do better with it than most adults.
Coronavirus: Travel Tips to Prevent It
We can’t control where the virus is, but we do have control over whether it makes its way into our bodies.