COVID-19 is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 .
SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
COVID disease is an infection caused by a coronavirus.
There are many types of coronavirus. Some affect the throat and the lungs. Illnesses from viruses range from the common cold and flu-like illnesses, to more severe diseases such as severe flu and pneumonia.
Pneumonia is also commonly caused by bacteria. Antibiotics only treat pneumonia caused by bacteria. Usual antibiotics do not treat coronavirus. You may have been given antibiotics if you were very unwell in case there was also a bacterial infection.
The virus causing COVID is new and was first recognised in China in December 2019.
It spreads easily between humans by droplets in the air caused by coughing and sneezing.
Some people have had very severe disease. However, others may not be aware they have had it. Scientists and doctors are trying to work out why it affects people so differently.