Easy-to-read language: Information on the disease of the coronavirus

This document will tell you everything you need to know
about the coronavirus and COVID-19.

What is the coronavirus?

The coronavirus spreads a disease.
The disease is called Covid-19.

This disease makes some people very sick.
Some people are dying from the disease.

The coronavirus is highly contagious.
It's important to stop the coronavirus from spreading.

How can you get infected with the coronavirus?

How you can get infected:

  • Via close contact with a sick person
  • Via small droplets in the air:
    When a person breathes, speaks, sneezes or coughs,
    they release small droplets in the air.
    The small droplets come from the person's mouth or nose.
    You usually cannot see the small droplets.
    But the small droplets can spread the coronavirus.
    If you breathe in these droplets,
    you could become sick.
  • Via surfaces:
    The coronavirus can be found on surfaces.
    For example, on a door handle or a handrail on a train.
  • Via hands:
    If you shake hands with a sick person,
    you could become infected.

When does a person with coronavirus become infectious?

A person becomes infectious:

  • 2 days before the first symptoms
  • Up to 10 days after the first symptoms

What are the symptoms of the disease?

Symptoms are signs of a disease.
Some symptoms are common.
Others are rare.
The symptoms can be very strong.
Sometimes they are only mild.

These are common symptoms:

  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pains
  • High temperature
  • Loss of sense of smell or taste.
    This means: You cannot smell or taste anything.
  • Headache
  • General weakness, feeling unwell
  • Aching muscles
  • Blocked nose
  • Diarrhoea, vomiting or stomach ache
  • Skin rash

How does the disease progress?

The disease does not progress the same way in everybody.
And it is not always bad.
Some people are only slightly ill.
But some become seriously ill and have to go into hospital.

Which people are especially at risk?

The coronavirus can be dangerous for some people.
These people are especially at risk?

  • Older people
  • Adults with Trisomy 21
  • Adults with some diseases.
    Ask your doctor,
    if you are especially at risk.

Do you still have questions about the coronavirus?

Or are you sick and are unsure about what to do next?

Then call this number: 058 463 00 00
You can call this number from Monday till Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m..


Last modification 15.09.2023

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Contact

Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Infoline Coronavirus
Tel. +41 58 463 00 00

Print contact

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