How COVID-19 Spreads (and How to Lower Your Risk)
In this video, learn the science behind person-to-person transmission of COVID-19, which is caused by a novel coronavirus.
COVID-19 is a respiratory infection. That means when you contract it, it affects the respiratory organs like the lungs, sinuses, airways, and nasal cavity. Like the flu (another respiratory infection), it’s spread from person to person through tiny liquid droplets that spew from the nose or mouth when people speak, breathe, cough, or sneeze.
Knowing how COVID-19 spreads, as well as how to slow the spread, can help save lives. Learn more about different COVID-19 variants here, and keep tabs on updated treatments here. Visit COVID-19: Your GoodRx Guide for more information.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Science Brief: SARS-CoV-2 and Surface (Fomite) Transmission for Indoor Community Environments.
World Health Organization. (2021). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Q&A.