welcome to disease section for coronavirus disease (covid-19) 

Some guidelines about using a mask during coronavirus outbreak by WHO are:

1. If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
2. Put a mask if you show signs of any infection such as coughing or sneezing.
3. Masks are effective and helpful only when you use them in combination with frequent hand-cleaning a good sanitizer or soap and water.
4. It is also important to know about how to use a mask and dispose it properly after the use.

Researchers produced a picture of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Transmission electron microscope image shows the virus isolated from a patient in the U.S. The spikes on the outer edge of the virus particles give coronaviruses their name, crown-like.

(Image credit: National Institutes of Health)

There are no data to suggest an impact on blood safety. Therefore, neither CDC nor FDA has provided any guidance or recommendations to blood establishments as on February 2020. However, blood collection establishments may choose voluntary interventions as a precaution. Blood collection establishments may for example practice a more restrictive donor eligibility process. A donor deferral strategy may be implemented based on recent travel history of the donor. If any evidence is determined later indicating risk for transfusion transmission of 2019-nCoV, we will see new recommendations issued from FDA and CDC.

Atomic-level structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The receptor binding domain, the part of the spike that binds to the host cell, is colored green. (UT Austin, McLellan Lab)

(Image credit: National Institutes of Health)

COVID-19 symptoms are similar to that of a common flu and mainly include fever, sore throat, cough, weakness, and shortness of breath, etc.