What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

The flu-like virus originated in Wuhan, China, and has spread to nearly 20 countries, including the UK

Two cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed in the UK.

The flu-like virus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has now spread to nearly 20 countries across the globe.

This strain of coronavirus has never previously been encountered.

The most common symptoms reported so far include a fever, fatigue, cough or chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.

Patients develop pneumonia but current evidence is that most cases appear to be mild.

The infection rarely causes a running nose or sneezing.

Generally, coronavirus is more likely to cause severe symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, older people, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease.

Those who have died in China all appear to have had pre-existing medical conditions, according to health officials.

People infected with virus could pass it on before their symptoms actually start to appear.

The time between infection and symptoms can last from one day to two weeks.

England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said" tried and tested" infection control procedures are being used to prevent further spread of the virus.

He added: "The NHS is extremely well-prepared and used to managing infections, and we are already working rapidly to identify any contacts the patients had, to prevent further spread.

"We have been preparing for UK cases of novel coronavirus and we have robust infection control measures in place to respond immediately.

"We are continuing to work closely with the World Health Organisation and the international community as the outbreak in China develops to ensure we are ready for all eventualities."

The death toll in China has now reached over 200, while more than 9,000 cases have been confirmed globally.

No deaths have occurred outside China, although 82 cases have been confirmed across 18 other countries.

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