Children are likely to become infected with coronavirus (COVID-19) at roughly the same rate as adults, but the infection is usually mild.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with some causing less-severe disease, such as the common cold, and others causing more severe disease such as Middle East respiratory syndrome ( MERS ) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( SARS ) coronaviruses.

At the moment, it’s expected that most pregnant women will experience mild or moderate cold or flu-like symptoms. Pregnant women have been placed in the ‘vulnerable group’ by the Chief Medical Officer. There is no evidence to suggest being pregnant means you’re more likely to get coronavirus.However, for a small number of women, it does mean being pregnant may change the way their body handles severe viral infection. If you’re pregnant and have an underlying health condition, such as asthma or diabetes you may be more unwell if you develop the virus.

Viruses are named based on their genetic structure to facilitate the development of diagnostic tests, vaccines and medicines. Virologists and the wider scientific community do this work, so viruses are named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).

Fabric masks should be made of three layers of fabric:

• Inner layer of absorbent material, such as cotton.
• Middle layer of non-woven non-absorbent material, such as polypropylene.
• Outer layer of non-absorbent material, such as polyester or polyester blend.

The virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person (generated through coughing and sneezing). Individuals can also be infected from and touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and touching their face (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth).

Self-isolation is when you do not leave your home because you have or might have coronavirus (COVID-19). This helps stop the virus spreading to other people.