COVID-19 (also called the coronavirus) is a specific kind of virus. Viruses are really small particles that trick your body into making more copies of themselves. They do this by changing the instructions of your body (called DNA). Once the virus changes those instructions, your body will make a bunch of copies of the virus until your immune system realizes it and removes the virus.

COVID-19 infects humans and some animals. People who have COVID-19 often feel like they have the flu and have a cough, fever, or trouble breathing. The virus spreads when people who are sick go into public places and cough, so the best way to avoid getting COVID-19 is to practice social distancing. This just means staying at home and not going to school or going to hang out with groups of people. To be extra safe, you should also wash your hands often and avoid touching your face.