The initial damage caused by the virus can trigger a powerful and counterproductive overreaction by the immune system itself. AP The coronavirus is spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs, spraying droplets through the air. The coronavirus is spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs, spraying droplets through the air. As the coronavirus gains strength, Frieman said, dead cells are sloughed off and collect in the airway, making breathing difficult. Carl Court/Getty Images The Diamond Princess cruise ship at Yokohama, the site of the most coronavirus infections outside of China.

Source: Stuff February 19, 2020 20:15 UTC