Deutsche Version/English VersionActing together to fight the coronavirus. Here is the most important information and instructions for protecting yourself and others.
Especially elderly people and people with a weak immune system have a high risk of getting infected. You can help protect them.
On this page, you will learn what you can do and what measures you should take. In addition, we provide important and updated information.
Let’s save lives together!
How you can help
What you should know: The current security measures in daily life.Actual news and information: The current status quo
As of today, there is no definitive information about how dangerous the virus is. For the time being, the novel coronavirus seems to be considerably less dangerous than MERS (with a mortality rate of up to 30 percent) and SARS (approx. 10 percent mortality rate). For the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the assumed mortality rate is up to three percent. Just like for the seasonal flu caused by influenza viruses (mortality rate under 1 percent), especially elderly people and people with a weak immune system are affected.
Video "Wo dangerous is the novel coronavirus?>" (AGES)
Common coronavirus infections affecting humans are mostly mild and symptom-free. Frequent indicators of an infection with the novel coronavirus are, among others, fever, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, or even death. Mild illness courses (symptoms of a cold) as well as infections without any symptoms can occur. Some cases can progress mildly (symptoms of a cold) and some cases do not show any symptoms.
Currently, experts assume that the course of the illness for the novel coronavirus is less severe than for SARS and MERS.
Video "How does the illness manifest itself?" (AGES)
There is no vaccine. A symptom-based approach is used to treat the illness, meaning that illness-related pain will be alleviated, which can be done by administering fever-reducing drugs, for example.
Hygiene measures are to be followed, just like during the flu season. The most important and most effective measure to protect yourself and others from getting a respiratory infection are good hand hygiene, correct cough etiquette, and keeping a minimum distance (approx. 1 to 2 meters) to people who might be infected.