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What is COVID-19?

COVID-19, short for coronavirus disease 2019, is an infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 is a newly identified pathogen that has not previously been seen in humans and is highly contagious. Though it belongs to the same category of viruses as SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2 is a different strain with its own characteristics. 

COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, and the outbreak has spread quickly across the world, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare COVID-19 a pandemic.

How does COVID-19 spread?

Because SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus, nobody has prior immunity to it, meaning the entire human population is prone to infection.

COVID-19 is primarily spread via respiratory droplets when people cough or sneeze. Scientists have yet to understand how easily and sustainably the disease can spread among people. Based on available evidence, researchers do not think that airborne spread is a major transmission route

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms of COVID-19 begin two to 14 days after exposure. They include fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Other symptoms include sputum production, shortness of breath, sore throat, headache, myalgia (muscle pain) or arthralgia (joint pain), chills, vomiting, and nasal congestion. Less frequent symptoms include diarrhea, hemoptysis (coughing up blood from the respiratory tract), and conjunctival congestion.

Most of these symptoms are usually mild, and about 80% of people who get the virus usually recover without needing any special treatment. However, about 1 in 6 patients become seriously ill and develop breathing difficulties. 

What general preventive measures should people take?


  • Wash your hands often with soap, lathering both the front and the back of the hands and fingers for at least 15 to 20 seconds. If soap is not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control produced a poster detailing effective handwashing.
  • Avoid close contact with someone who is ill. (Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet or 1.8 meters).
  • Stay at home if you are sick.
  • Disinfect surfaces and objects you touch frequently. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) now recommends that people wear face masks in public settings, with some exceptions for preexisting conditions. 

Are people with cancer at a higher risk?

Because the COVID-19 outbreak is new, there is not much information available on how this virus affects cancer patients. However, people with cancer are considered among the groups at high risk of contracting the infection.

Patients with hematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), lymphoma, and myeloma may be particularly vulnerable as these cancers, as well as their treatment, weaken the immune system. For example, those undergoing active treatments such as bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are at high risk. Those who are not receiving active therapy still need to be cautious, because the effects of previous therapy are usually long-lasting.

What extra precautions should AML patients take?

To minimize the risk of getting COVID-19, AML patients should take extra precautions. In addition to the general preventive measures listed above, patients should: 

  • Avoid crowds and non-essential travel.
  • Stay at home as much as possible.

Boosting the immune system by keeping stress levels low, getting adequate sleep, moderate physical exercise, and good nutrition can also be helpful.

Other considerations

Individuals over age 60 are also at the highest risk of developing a severe case of COVID-19, while children do not seem to be at a higher risk than adults.

There are currently no reports about how susceptible pregnant women may be to COVID-19 or about the transmission of the virus through breast milk.

Advice for family members and caregivers of AML patients

Family members and caregivers of people with AML should take appropriate precautions and take extra care to avoid bringing COVID-19 home. They should constantly monitor patients and stock medicines and other necessary supplies that can last for several weeks. Storing extra non-perishable food can help minimize trips to the grocery store.  

Persons who show symptoms of COVID-19 should avoid visiting their family members in hospitals or other places until the self-isolation period is complete.

What should sick individuals do?

If symptoms are present and the diagnosis of COVID-19 is confirmed, patients should follow these steps to prevent the spread of the infection:

  • Avoid public areas and public transport.
  • Limit contact with pets and animals.
  • Avoid sharing personal items.
  • Sanitize hands regularly. 

People should call ahead before visiting the hospital for an appointment. This way, the hospital can take necessary steps to prevent the spread of the infection.

What tests are available?  

Many tests for the detection of COVID-19 have been made available under the FDA’s emergency use authorization, including rapid tests that are being developed to detect the presence of the virus within minutes.


Is there a treatment?

There are currently no vaccines available for human coronaviruses including COVID-19. This makes the prevention and containment of the virus very important.

Oxygen therapy is the major treatment intervention for patients with severe disease. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary in cases of respiratory failure.

Are there new treatments in the pipeline?

Several clinical trials have been launched or are being planned to test a variety of potential treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. A complete list of all ongoing clinical trials pertaining to the virus is available here.



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